Movable Desk Brake Cam Mechanism for Easy Panel Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable desks require significant force to rotate the top panel from a horizontal in-use position to a vertical storage position due to the design where the caster is pressed downward, causing the leg portion to lift upward, making it difficult to transition between positions.
Innovation Solution
A movable desk with a top panel, leg portions, and a brake mechanism that includes a cam, elevation member, brake portion, and guide portion, allowing the brake portion to contact the floor when in the in-use position for secure fixation and easily rotate to the storage position by moving the brake and elevation member upward through the cam rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the caster is pressed downward to contact the floor surface when rotating the top panel from in-use position to storage position, then the movable desk can be moved when needed, but a large force is required to push up the top panel
Solution Approach 1:
The brake portion acts as an intermediary element between the top panel and the floor. When the top panel is in the in-use position, the brake portion contacts the floor to prevent unwanted movement. During rotation to storage position, the brake portion is automatically lifted by the cam mechanism, eliminating the need for users to overcome the weight of the entire leg portion. This intermediary brake mechanism mediates the interaction between the top panel and floor, reducing the force required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism transitions from a static braking state to a dynamic release state during rotation. The cam mechanism dynamically adjusts the brake portion's position: when the top panel is horizontal (in-use), the brake portion is pressed against the floor; as the panel rotates, the cam lifts the brake portion, allowing smooth rotation without constant friction resistance. This dynamic adjustment of the brake state reduces operational force requirements.
2Reliability
If the brake portion contacts the floor surface to fix the leg portion, then the movable desk is securely fixed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is merged with the existing cam mechanism that controls the stopper's vertical movement. The same cam that moves the stopper upward and downward also drives the brake portion through the elevation member. This merging of functions allows the brake mechanism to be controlled passively by the top panel's rotation without requiring separate actuators or complex control systems, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism operates automatically based on the top panel's position without requiring external control. When the top panel is in the in-use position, gravity and the cam mechanism automatically press the brake portion against the floor for fixation. When the panel is rotated to storage position, the cam automatically lifts the brake portion. This self-service operation eliminates the need for additional motors, sensors, or control circuits, maintaining structural simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure fixation to the floor in the in-use position and easy rotation to the storage position without requiring large forces, enhancing user convenience and reducing effort in transitioning the top panel.
Implementation Method 1
The cam rotates in accordance with a rotation of the top panel. The elevation member, including one end swingably connected to the cam, is moved downward in accordance with a rotation of the top panel when the top panel is rotated from the storage position to the in-use position
Implementation Method 2
The brake portion is swingably connected to the elevation member and includes one end portion contacting a floor surface when the top panel is in the in-use position thereby fixing the at least one leg portion with respect to the floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
A movable desk includes a cam, an elevation member, a brake portion, and a guide portion. The cam rotates in accordance with a rotation of the top panel. The elevation member, including one end swingably connected to the cam, is moved downward when the top panel is rotated to the in-use position, while being moved upward when the top panel is rotated to the storage position. The brake portion is swingably connected to the elevation member and contacts a floor surface when the top panel is in the in-use position thereby fixing at least one leg portion with respect to the floor surface. The guide portion abuts the brake portion thereby to bring the brake portion into contact with a predetermined position of the floor surface.