Sawhorse Quick-Release Deployable Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sawhorses are not conveniently portable or storable due to their bulkiness and require time-consuming assembly and disassembly, with existing solutions either having multiple pieces to manage or specific folding sequences that are inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A sawhorse design featuring deployable supports that pivot from a storage position to a deployed position using a single lock mechanism, allowing either support to be arbitrarily pivoted for easy opening and collapsing, with a wedge for stability and additional load support, and a trigger for quick release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If legs are fixed to the stretcher, then stability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed to be deployable rather than fixed, allowing them to transition between a deployed position (providing stability during use) and a retracted position (improving portability during transport). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by making the structure adaptable to different operational states.
2Ease of operation
If legs are made removable, then portability is improved, but assembly time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely removable legs, the invention uses deployable legs with a quick-release mechanism that allows rapid transition between stored and deployed states. This reduces assembly time significantly compared to traditional removable leg designs while maintaining portability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism is designed to be operated by the user without requiring tools or complex procedures. The user can quickly deploy or retract the legs by simply operating the release mechanism, making the assembly/disassembly process self-service and time-efficient.
3Ease of operation
If folding mechanism is added, then portability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The legs incorporate a pivot mechanism that allows them to fold parallel to the stretcher body for compact storage. This dynamic folding capability improves portability while the mechanism is designed to be simple and intuitive to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism includes a quick-release feature that allows the legs to be deployed or retracted by simple user action without requiring complex manipulation. This self-service design minimizes the operational complexity despite adding the folding capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If specific folding sequence is required, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism is designed to work regardless of which leg is deployed first. Either leg can be independently deployed or retracted without requiring a specific sequence, making the operation simple and intuitive while maintaining structural integrity through the designed pivot and locking mechanisms.
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
Enables quick and effortless deployment and collapse of the sawhorse, eliminating the need to manage multiple pieces and simplifying the folding sequence, while providing stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The sawhorse includes a wedge mounted to the stretcher body to engage the proximal ends of the two legs to retain the legs in the deployed position.
Implementation Method 2
The deployable supports pivot with respect to the stretcher body from a storage position wherein the first and second supports are generally parallel to the stretcher body and a deployed position wherein the first and second supports are generally perpendicular to the stretcher body.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A sawhorse (10) having quick release deployable supports (14). The sawhorse includes a stretcher body (12) having deployable supports pivotally mounted to the stretcher body. The deployable supports pivot with respect to the stretcher body from a storage position (fig. 2, 6) wherein the first and second supports are generally parallel to the stretcher body and a deployed position (fig. 1) wherein the first and second supports are generally perpendicular to the stretcher body. A single lock mechanism (18) locks the first and second deployable supports in the storage position and releases the deployable supports to the deployed position. Either the first or second deployable supports can be arbitrarily pivoted from the deployed to the storage position, with the other deployable support being pivoted from the deployed to the storage position.