Locking Folding Workbench for Space-Saving Tool Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home workshop and garage spaces face challenges with permanent workbenches occupying constant space and lack of secure storage for tools, especially when not in use, as existing solutions do not effectively address space-saving needs and tool security.

Innovation Solution

A folding workbench design that compacts for storage, featuring a durable work table, top storage shelf, back board for tool hanging, and a locking mechanism to secure tools within the folded configuration, allowing for minimal space occupation and easy conversion between folded and unfolded states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a permanent work bench is used, then tool storage and workspace are readily available, but it occupies constant space whether in use or not

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness of workspaceVSAvoidspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The work bench is designed with movable components including the work table that can be folded up against the back board, front legs that pivot to fold against the table, and rear legs that pivot to fold against the back board. This dynamic configuration allows the bench to transition between an unfolded working state and a compact folded state, resolving the contradiction between having ready access to workspace and minimizing space occupation when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If tools are hung on hooks for ready access, then they are easily reachable, but they cannot be secured against theft when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of toolsVSAvoidsecurity of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The work bench is divided into functional segments including a back board member with hooks for tool hanging, a work table, and a locking mechanism. The back board member can remain extended with tools hung on hooks for easy access during work, while the locking mechanism (comprising locking struts and locking pins) can secure the folded configuration to prevent tool theft. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of tool accessibility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the work bench is folded compactly for storage, then space is saved, but tools may not be securely protected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidtool security

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

When folded, the work table nests against the back board member, front legs pivot to nest against the work table, and rear legs pivot to nest against the back board, creating a compact nested configuration. The locking mechanism with locking struts and locking pins then secures this nested arrangement, preventing unauthorized access and tool theft while maintaining minimal storage space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7540312B2Folding work bench

Publication Date: 2009.06.02 INTERNATIONAL E Z UP INC

AI summary

The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench.