Pipe Fitting Stand Linkage Mechanism for Foldable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe fitting stands lack a mechanism for efficient reconfiguration between deployed and stowed positions, which complicates storage and transportation, and often lack sufficient stability and adjustability for various work operations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting stand with a table and legs that are moveable via a linkage mechanism, including a stirrup for pivoting and a reinforcing member for enhanced stability, along with a locking mechanism for secure deployment and folding, allowing for easy conversion between operational and storage states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pipe fitting stands use fixed legs, then structural stability is maintained, but storage and transportation become complicated due to lack of reconfiguration capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the legs movable rather than fixed. The linkage mechanism enables the legs to transition between deployed and stowed positions, allowing the stand to adapt its configuration based on operational needs while maintaining structural integrity through the designed mechanical connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is segmented into movable components (legs, table, linkage mechanism) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the legs to be reconfigured relative to the table, providing adaptability for different work scenarios while enabling compact storage when folded.
2Productivity
If pipe fitting stands lack a reconfiguration mechanism, then structural simplicity is maintained, but storage and transportation become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism merges the functions of leg support and position control into a single integrated system. This combination allows the legs to be both supported and reconfigured through the same mechanical structure, achieving storage efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is designed to enable self-reconfiguration of the stand. The mechanical design allows the legs to be folded and deployed through the inherent properties of the linkage system, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms while improving storage efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pipe fitting stands lack sufficient adjustability, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for various work operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable leg mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when deployed and enables compact storage when folded. This multi-functionality increases adaptability for different work operations and storage scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If pipe fitting stands use movable legs via linkage mechanism, then reconfiguration efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is designed to enable self-reconfiguration of the stand. The mechanical design allows the legs to be folded and deployed through the inherent properties of the linkage system, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms while improving storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting stand for supporting a pipe during a work operation includes a table, and a plurality of legs coupled to the table. The plurality of legs are moveable between a first position and a second position via a linkage mechanism. The pipe fitting stand additionally includes a stirrup coupled to one of the plurality of the legs to facilitate pivoting the plurality of legs between the first position and the second position.