Model Airplane Work Station With Adjustable Cradle

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a work station that conveniently and securely holds a model airplane, allowing for hands-free adjustments and maintenance, while also being portable and easily accessible, as existing tool boxes and work stations do not provide an adjustable cradle and clamp system for holding model airplanes in various positions.

Innovation Solution

A portable work station with a toolbox and an adjustable cradle and clamp system that can securely hold a model airplane in upright, upside-down, or sideways positions, allowing for hands-free maintenance, and can be easily disassembled for transport or storage, with the cradle mounted on the toolbox or the work station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a work station is designed to hold both a toolbox and a model airplane securely, then the airplane can be held in various positions with hands-free operation, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidwork station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the toolbox and the airplane support cradle into a single integrated work station unit. The cradle is mounted on the work station frame, allowing both tool storage and airplane positioning functions to coexist in one structure, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining reasonable complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The work station is designed with multi-functionality to serve as both a tool storage unit and an airplane support system. The adjustable cradle can hold the airplane in multiple positions (upright, upside-down, sideways), while the same structure provides a stable base for the toolbox, maximizing utility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cradle and clamp are mounted on the toolbox handle, then the toolbox can be removed to create a portable smaller work station, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The work station is segmented into separable components: the toolbox with its handle-mounted cradle can be detached from the main work station frame. This segmentation allows the toolbox to function as a standalone portable unit while maintaining the option for integrated use, achieving versatility through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates dynamic characteristics with removable and adjustable connections. The cradle mounted on the toolbox handle can be easily attached or detached, and the entire toolbox assembly can be moved between locations, providing adaptability without requiring permanent or complex fixed mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the work station is designed to be easily disassembled for transport, then portability improves, but the stability and security of holding the airplane may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly easeVSAvoidairplane holding security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The work station employs segmented construction with distinct modular components that can be easily separated for transport. The airplane support cradle, toolbox, and frame are separate assemblies that can be detached without compromising the integrity of each component, allowing easy disassembly while maintaining structural soundness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates pre-configured attachment and detachment mechanisms that ensure secure holding during use and easy separation for transport. The clamp and cradle are pre-engineered with quick-release features that maintain airplane security during operation but allow rapid disassembly when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the cradle is made adjustable to accommodate different airplane sizes, then versatility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecradle adjustabilityVSAvoidcradle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different airplane sizes and configurations. The adjustable components enable the cradle to be reconfigured for various fuselage dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, achieving versatility without excessive complexity through controlled adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8430388B2Model airplane work station

Publication Date: 2013.04.30 MASTERS JACK A

AI summary

A work station for securely and temporarily holding a model airplane for the purpose of making adjustments, repairs or performing other maintenance on the plane. The work station is on wheels, contains a tool box with tools and a clamp and cradle to securely hold the airplane or only the fuselage, if desired. The work station can be disassembled and stored away in the back of a small vehicle. The clamp and cradle may be mounted on the tool box, which may be easily removed from the work station. In this way, the tool box acts as smaller portable work station, as well.