Pedestal Leg Assembly with Spring-Loaded Teeth for Single-User Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current removable table leg designs for recreational vehicles are cumbersome to lock and unlock, often requiring multiple users and lack simple mechanisms for power supply to the table top.
Innovation Solution
A pedestal leg assembly with a locking mechanism featuring angled teeth and a release lever that pivots between lock and release positions, allowing easy rotation and disconnection, and an integrated electrical contact assembly for power transfer from the floor base to the table top.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the leg can be secured in place, but the locking process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded teeth that automatically engage with the floor base when the leg is inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations by multiple users
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical locking system is replaced with a simpler spring-based automatic engagement system where teeth on the leg automatically mate with corresponding features in the floor base through elastic deformation and geometric constraints
2Ease of operation
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then operation is easier, but prevention of unwanted unlocking or removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth on the leg are asymmetrically designed with specific engagement orientations that allow easy insertion and locking in one direction while preventing unwanted unlocking or removal in the opposite direction through geometric constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded teeth are pre-configured to exert locking force before any unlocking attempt occurs, creating preliminary resistance against unwanted movement or removal of the leg from the floor base
3Adaptability or versatility
If power supply capabilities are added to the pedestal leg, then power can be provided to the table top, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal leg assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, automatic locking, and electrical power transmission, by integrating power conductors within the leg structure that align with corresponding contacts in the floor base
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking mechanism and electrical power supply system are merged into a single integrated assembly where the same structural components (leg, floor base interface) serve both mechanical and electrical functions through combined geometric and electrical contact features
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
The solution enables single-user operation for quick locking and unlocking of the pedestal leg and provides a reliable power supply to the table top, enhancing usability and convenience in recreational vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A connecting bolt may be connected in a threaded engagement with a bottom end of the pedestal leg
Implementation Method 2
The release lever may further include a biasing mechanism to bias the release lever to locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A pedestal leg assembly includes a pedestal leg and floor base. The leg includes a plurality of teeth near the bottom end of the leg and a connecting bolt in a threaded engagement with the bottom end of the leg. The floor base includes a recessed portion having a slot in its bottom surface to receive the bolt and a release mechanism configured to pivot between a lock position and a release position. In lock position the release mechanism engages at least one of the teeth to prevent rotation of the pedestal leg in at least one direction. When pivoted into release position, the release mechanism is moved away from engagement with the teeth to allow rotation of the pedestal leg in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The pedestal leg assembly may include a powered connection to receive input power and/or a communication signal at the floor base and transfer the power and communication signals to a supported table top surface.