Side-Mounted Collapsible Tray with Self-Locking Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible trays mounted to apparatus sides are limited in weight capacity and require physical manipulation for locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible tray design featuring a first and second plate member hinged system with a tray that locks in a perpendicular position and folds parallel to the apparatus sidewall, utilizing a flange to limit rotation and a support plate for stability, without needing manual locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a typical collapsible tray uses a simple hinged attachment to the apparatus sidewall, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight capacity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tray support system is divided into multiple plate members (first plate member, second plate member, third plate member) connected by hinges, creating a segmented structure that distributes the load across multiple connection points rather than a single attachment point, thereby increasing weight capacity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The tray utilizes a dynamic hinged mechanism that allows the tray to collapse flat against the apparatus sidewall when not in use and deploy to a usable position when needed. The system transitions between static (collapsed) and dynamic (deployed) states, providing both stability when loaded and space efficiency when empty
2Stability of the object's composition
If a collapsible tray includes a locking mechanism to maintain position, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tray positioning system uses the weight of the tray and its contents to automatically engage the hinges in a stable configuration. When the tray is deployed, gravity and the tray's own weight create natural resting positions at the hinges, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connections are designed to create natural equilibrium positions where the tray stabilizes at specific angles during deployment and collapse. The system uses gravitational potential energy to establish stable positions without requiring additional locking components, reducing device complexity
3Strength
If the collapsible tray is designed to support heavier loads, then the weight capacity is improved, but the device complexity and manual manipulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing structure is segmented into multiple plate members (first, second, and third plate members) connected by hinges, distributing the weight capacity requirements across multiple structural elements rather than requiring a single complex heavy-duty mechanism, thus maintaining ease of operation while increasing overall weight capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The tray combines multiple functional elements into a unified hinged assembly where the first plate member, second plate member, and third plate member work together as an integrated load-bearing structure. This merging of components creates a robust support system for heavier loads without requiring separate manual 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
Supports heavier loads and maintains stability without manual locking, enhancing usability and load capacity while simplifying operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate member and a second plate member hingedly attached to the first plate member
Implementation Method 2
a tray hingedly attached to the second plate member and is hingedly supported by the apparatus sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible tray for mounting on an apparatus sidewall. The collapsible tray includes a first plate member and a second plate member hingedly attached to the first plate member. The collapsible tray also includes a tray hingedly attached to the second plate member and is hingedly supported by the apparatus sidewall. The tray is lockable in a first position where the tray is substantially perpendicular to the sidewall of the apparatus and collapsible to a second position where the tray hangs downward and substantially parallel the apparatus sidewall.