Stackable Leg Geometry for Safe Nested Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable elements, such as cots, often suffer damage when being removed from a nested arrangement due to the need to lift all legs vertically, which can lead to horizontal pulling and risk of the entire stack falling or legs being damaged.
Innovation Solution
A stackable leg design featuring a foot with a flat flange and angled side flanges, cavities, and a retention element that allows for easy disengagement without damaging the legs, enabling safe removal in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If stackable elements are stacked one-upon-the-other with legs nested together for easy storage, then storage space efficiency is improved, but leg damage occurs during removal due to horizontal pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The leg is divided into distinct functional segments: a foot portion for ground contact, a reception recess for nesting, and a cavity for receiving the nested leg. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling safe removal without compromising overall leg integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg design implements a nested arrangement where one leg is received within the cavity of another leg. The reception recess and cavity are specifically shaped to accommodate this nesting, allowing compact storage while maintaining the ability to separate legs without damage through controlled engagement and disengagement.
2Productivity
If users pull stackable elements horizontally to remove them from the stack, then removal speed is improved, but leg damage and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The leg design prepares the engagement interface in advance with specifically shaped reception recesses and cavities that guide the nested leg into proper alignment. This preliminary structural preparation allows users to pull horizontally for quick removal without risking misalignment-induced damage, as the geometry itself prevents improper engagement during the rapid removal action.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception recess and cavity act as intermediary structures that mediate between the nested legs. These features provide a controlled interface that allows horizontal pulling forces to be applied safely, distributing stresses and preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to critical leg portions during rapid removal operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all legs are lifted vertically simultaneously to remove stackable elements, then complete disengagement is achieved, but operational complexity and risk of accidental dropping increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure segments the disengagement function across multiple independent features: the foot provides stable support during removal, the reception recess guides the nested leg, and the cavity receives it. This segmentation allows partial disengagement and stabilization at intermediate stages, reducing operational complexity and accident risk compared to requiring simultaneous lifting of all legs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for a stackable leg that includes a foot, a flat flange extending generally upwardly from the foot, a first side flange and a second side flange extending generally upwardly from the foot and flanking the flat flange, wherein the first side flange and second side flange are disposed at an angle compared to the flat flange, and at least one cavity.