Pipe fitting stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting stands lack a efficient mechanism for transitioning between deployed and stowed positions, often resulting in binding issues during movement.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting stand with a table and movable legs that can be deployed and stowed in a coordinated manner, featuring a locking mechanism with a latch handle and locking members that allow for delayed disengagement of legs to prevent binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the legs are linked to move together between deployed and stowed positions, then the coordination of movement is improved, but binding occurs during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is actuated in advance to disengage the locking members from the legs before the legs begin their coordinated movement. This preliminary action ensures that the legs are free to move smoothly without binding, while still maintaining the benefit of coordinated movement through the links.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the linked leg structure and the ground. By controlling the engagement and disengagement of the locking members, it mediates the transition between deployed and stowed positions, preventing binding while maintaining coordination.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent binding, then the smooth transition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a latch handle for actuation and multiple locking members for engagement with the legs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while achieving smooth transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the coordinated action of its components. The latch handle automatically actuates the locking members through the existing movement of the stand, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the legs are positioned side-by-side in stowed position, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the binding issue worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are disengaged from the legs before the legs are moved into the side-by-side stowed position. This preliminary disengagement prevents binding during the movement, while still achieving the compact storage footprint when the legs are fully stowed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary that facilitates the legs' movement into the compact side-by-side configuration. By controlling the timing of engagement and disengagement, it enables the space-efficient stowed position without causing binding during the transition.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting stand includes a table and at least one pipe support provided at an upper side of the table and configured to support a pipe on the table. A plurality of legs of the pipe fitting stand are coupled to the table and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the plurality of legs are positioned side-by-side with each other and the table and are substantially parallel to each other and to the table.