Portable Tool Stand Wheel Assembly for Mobility and Stable Work Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable tool stands lack versatility in mobility and stability, as they either roll excessively or fail to provide a secure working surface, especially when used with heavy tools like sheet metal bending brakes.
Innovation Solution
A portable tool stand with wheels that can be switched between a mobile position for easy movement and a work position for stability, combined with a quick-detachable stabilizing assembly that attaches to the tool stand without tools, ensuring secure operation on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the portable tool stand uses fixed wheels for mobility, then it can be easily rolled to desired locations, but it cannot provide a stable working surface for heavy tools
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two states: a mobile position where wheels contact the ground for easy rolling, and a work position where feet contact the ground to prevent rolling and provide stability. The axle can be rotated or repositioned within the bracket to switch between these configurations, allowing the stand to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the contact parameter with the ground by switching from wheel contact (mobile state) to foot contact (stable state). This parameter change transforms the rolling behavior into a stationary, stable configuration suitable for heavy tool operation, directly addressing the contradiction between mobility and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the portable tool stand uses fixed feet for stability, then it provides a secure working surface, but it cannot be easily moved to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The feet are positioned on the leg assemblies such that they contact the ground only when the wheel assembly is in the work position. This dynamic arrangement ensures that the feet provide stability during operation but do not impede mobility when the wheels are in the mobile position, as the feet remain elevated and non-contacting during transport.
3Reliability
If the stabilizing assembly requires tool attachment, then it provides secure locking, but it increases complexity and time for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing assembly employs a self-service attachment mechanism where the side rails with integrated locking features can be directly engaged with the leg assemblies without requiring external tools. The locking pins or clips can be manually inserted and secured, allowing quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliable locking, thus reducing both complexity and time requirements.
4Ease of manufacture
If the portable tool stand uses a simple wheel design, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot effectively support heavy tools like sheet metal bending brakes
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into distinct components: wheels mounted on an axle, the axle supported by a bracket attached to the leg assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, while the collective structure provides the necessary load-bearing capacity through proper distribution of forces across multiple contact points and structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly combines multiple elements (wheels, axle, bracket, leg assemblies) into an integrated mobile support system that can handle heavy loads. The merging of these simple components creates a robust structure capable of supporting heavy tools while maintaining ease of manufacture for each individual part.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable tool stand assembly includes a pair of wheels that are mounted on an axle that is received in a bracket plate. The bracket plate defines a J-shaped slot that has a mobility position in which the wheels are lowered relative to the tool stand assembly to permit the tool stand assembly to be wheeled into position. The wheels may be shifted to a work position in which the wheels are raised relative to the tool stand assembly with feet provided on legs engaging the ground and supporting the tool stand assembly.