Tool Stand With Sliding Arms And Auto-Deploy Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tool stands are often large and cumbersome, making them difficult to move and transport, even with wheels, and the process of folding or extending legs for use and collapse is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A compact tool stand design with sliding arms that double as handles, allowing for quick deployment and retraction of legs using a rack and pinion or linkage system, enabling easy transportation and setup, and incorporating a strap for carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If legs are fixed in place to provide stable support, then stability is improved, but mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing legs that can automatically transition between extended and retracted positions. The legs are spring-loaded to automatically extend when the stand is set down and retract when lifted, providing stable support during use while enabling easy mobility during transport without requiring manual folding operations.
2Ease of operation
If legs are made foldable or telescoped to improve mobility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing legs with integrated spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically extend and retract without user intervention. The legs self-deploy when the stand is placed on a surface and self-retract when lifted, eliminating the need for manual folding or telescoping operations and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extendable work surfaces are added to increase functionality, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the multi-functionality principle by designing handles that serve dual purposes: they provide grip for carrying the stand and simultaneously function as work supports when extended. This integration eliminates the need for separate extendable work surface mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability for different work scenarios.
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 tool stand is easily portable, compact when stored, and quickly deployable, facilitating efficient use and transport with minimal effort, addressing the size and mobility issues of traditional stands.
Implementation Method 1
The automatic deployment of the legs is achieved through a rack and pinion mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The legs are spring-loaded to automatically extend to the support position
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable tool stand (10) having automatically deployable legs (26). The tool stand (10) has a body (12) with a work surface and opposed ends. Deployable legs (26) are pivotally mounted to the tool stand (10). The legs (26) move between a stored position adjacent to the body (12) and a support position wherein the legs (26) are deployed to support the body (12). Retractable arms (22) are mounted to each end of the body (12) and slide with respect to the body (12). The deployable legs (26) and the arms (22) are operably connected such that sliding the arms (22) with respect to the body (12) moves the legs (26) between the stored positon and the support position.