Portable Stage Support Locking Structure for Fast Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable stages or platforms face challenges in easy assembly and disassembly, stability under load, and misalignment issues due to complex locking mechanisms, requiring technical skill and resulting in instability and increased assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A portable support structure with a primary and secondary connector system featuring a tapered and alignment portion for rotational positioning, along with a hook member that prevents disengagement, allowing for easy assembly and stability without the need for complex alignment, enabling quick and error-free assembly by personnel with little technical skill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pins and latches are used for locking mechanisms, then the structure can be assembled, but assembly becomes difficult and requires technical skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex pin and latch components from the locking mechanism, replacing them with a simplified tongue-and-groove system where the tongue automatically engages with the groove through gravity and geometry alone, eliminating the need for separate locking pins or latches
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through the geometric relationship between the tapered tongue and grooved receptacle, where the components automatically find their correct position and lock without requiring manual alignment or additional fastening operations
2Reliability
If multiple pieces are used in locking mechanisms, then locking function is achieved, but assembly time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking tongue, alignment features, and load-bearing functions into a single integrated support member component, and similarly integrates the receptacle to receive and lock the tongue, reducing the number of separate pieces required for the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The support member with its integrated tongue serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables self-alignment through the tapered geometry, achieves automatic locking through gravitational engagement, and bears lateral loads, eliminating the need for separate components for each function
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then connection is achieved, but misalignment occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric tapered geometry where the tongue has a specific angled profile that matches the corresponding grooved receptacle, creating a unique fit that prevents misalignment and ensures proper orientation during assembly, with the asymmetry providing both alignment guidance and stable engagement
4Strength
If complex locking mechanisms are used, then structural connection is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rapid assembly by allowing the support member to be quickly inserted and automatically locked through gravity-driven engagement of the tapered tongue with the grooved receptacle, skipping the time-consuming steps of manual alignment, pin insertion, and latch operation required by traditional mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A portable support structure including a platform member having a primary platform connector and a secondary platform connector. The primary platform connector is configured to receive a primary support connector. The secondary platform connector is configured to receive a secondary support connector. The support structure also includes a primary support member including the primary support connector and a hook member. In addition, the support structure includes a secondary support member having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector and the second end is in locking engagement with the hook member. The primary support connector includes structures that engage the primary platform connector and rotationally position the primary support member. The hook member includes a hook portion that engages and prevents the secondary support member disengaging upon a rotation of the secondary support member.