Portable Stage Leg Latch Assembly for Stable Quick Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable stages face challenges with stability and storage due to permanent legs increasing footprint, removable legs providing reduced stability and requiring laborious mounting/removal processes, and the need for tools and special structures for leg alignment.
Innovation Solution
A modular stage system with easily removable legs featuring a cam-type engagement mechanism and latching element for quick connection and disconnection, allowing for secure and stable support without additional hardware, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent legs are used to support the stage, then stability and load capacity are improved, but storage space requirements increase due to larger footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The stage system is divided into modular sections with removable legs that can be detached and stored separately. Each stage section can be stored independently with reduced footprint when legs are removed, while maintaining full stability during use through secure leg attachment.
2Volume of stationary object
If removable legs are used to reduce storage space, then storage requirements are improved, but stability and load capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are pre-configured with alignment features and engagement mechanisms that ensure proper positioning before attachment. The quick-connect design includes built-in alignment guides and self-centering features that prepare the connection interface in advance, ensuring stable attachment without requiring special alignment structures or tools.
3Volume of stationary object
If conventional removable legs with mounting hardware are used, then storage space is reduced, but the mounting and removal process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware, tools, and special alignment structures. The leg and stage interface are integrated with complementary engagement features built directly into the components, allowing direct connection without external fasteners or specialized equipment.
4Manufacturing precision
If special structures are used for leg alignment, then mounting precision is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features and engagement mechanisms are merged directly into the leg and stage deck components themselves. The complementary geometric features (such as tapered interfaces, keyed connections, or interlocking shapes) are integrated into the basic structure, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices, adjustment mechanisms, or specialized mounting structures.
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 system provides stable and secure support for heavy loads, reduces storage space, and simplifies setup and teardown by allowing easy manual engagement and disengagement of legs, eliminating the need for tools and special structures.
Implementation Method 1
The leg receiving assembly includes a cam type engagement element that is movable between an engaged position at which the leg is engaged and retained, and a disengaged position in which the leg is released. The cam member pivots about a vertical axis and moves through a horizontal slot formed in the side of the socket wall.
Implementation Method 2
The leg receiving assembly also includes a latching element coupled to the cam member. The latching element is configured to pivot relative to the cam member and engage a complementary notch formed in the outer wall of the socket. After passing a toggle point in the cam-latching element linkage, the latching element snaps into a catch on the outer wall of the socket and maintains the cam in engagement with the leg.
Data Source
AI summary
A rectangular stage includes a deck supported by a frame and removable legs. The legs insert into a corner receiving assembly below the stage deck at each corner. The leg receiving assembly includes a cylindrical socket into which the top of the leg inserts. The leg receiving assembly also includes a retaining linkage that extends through a slot in the side of the socket and engages the leg. The retaining linkage also includes a manually actuatable latch coupled to the cam to maintain the cam in engagement with the leg.