Portable Work Station with Nested Handle Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable work station that can be easily mounted on top of the handles of wheeled luggage, rolling tool bags, and hand trucks, providing a convenient and adjustable working surface for various professionals and travelers, especially in situations where seating or table facilities are not available.
Innovation Solution
A portable work station with a universal clamp design that secures to the handle of wheeled equipment using a telescopic, extensible mechanism, featuring a recessed cavity with a clamping device to distribute the weight load vertically, allowing for adjustable height and additional storage capacity, and includes a removable case with a hinged cover for storing supplies and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a work surface is mounted on telescopic handle support members, then a portable work station is provided, but the mounting structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is received within a closed-end recess cavity that extends upward in the container, nesting the handle support structure inside the container rather than as an external attachment. This reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface, storage container, and mounting mechanism are combined into a single integrated unit. The container serves both as storage and as the mounting structure that receives the handle, eliminating the need for separate mounting components.
2Reliability
If a clamping device is used to secure the work surface, then the work station is stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is integrated into the container structure itself rather than being a separate component. The container walls and bottom form the clamping structure that receives and secures the handle, simplifying the overall device while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is nested within the closed-end recess cavity of the container, with the container structure itself providing the clamping action. This eliminates the need for external clamping devices while ensuring stable mounting.
3Ease of operation
If the work surface is vertically supported atop the handle, then the working height is adjustable, but the weight distribution creates cantilever effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the work surface cantilever forward from the handle, the container is inverted relative to conventional designs, with the closed-end recess cavity extending upward to receive the handle from below. This reverses the cantilever geometry, with the handle support structure positioned to minimize leverage effects and improve structural integrity.
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 provides a versatile, portable work surface and storage solution that can be used by multiple professionals and travelers, ensuring tools and documents are secure and accessible, reducing the likelihood of loss and offering a convenient working height, while being adaptable to different equipment handles and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping forces are distributed throughout the recessed cavity and transmitted to the case. In its preferred embodiment, the weight load of the case and its contents is substantially vertical on the extensible telescopic and non-telescopic support members with minimal cantilever effect.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a portable, mountable utility case that mounts on top of, and, in combination with, the handle of wheeled luggage, rolling tool bags and hand trucks for anyone who requires a portable work station. The portable utility case mounts to the top of the handle of the vertical, telescopic or non-telescopic support members of wheeled luggage, rolling tool bags and hand trucks and secured to the handle by means of an integral, mechanical clamping device. The universal design of the mechanical clamping device can accommodate handles of varying widths and thicknesses.