Work Platform One-Handed Lifting Handle and Leg Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work platforms are cumbersome to move when unfolded, often requiring users to put down tools and use both hands to lift them, risking tipping and entanglement with objects, and lack a secure mechanism to prevent legs from opening further during use.
Innovation Solution
A work platform design featuring a handle with adjacent oval slots and a support bar, allowing users to lift the platform with one hand without tipping, and a hinge bracket with tabs that provide a firm stop for the legs when unfolded, ensuring stability and preventing further opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the work platform is designed without a handle, then the structure remains simple, but the user cannot conveniently lift the platform with one hand without tipping it
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is integrated into the platform structure by forming slots directly in the platform surface, merging the handling function with the platform body. This allows one-handed lifting without adding separate complex components, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the legs are made extendable for reaching high areas, then the work platform becomes more versatile, but the legs may become entangled with objects when the platform is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket with tab provides a preliminary stopping mechanism that prevents the legs from opening beyond a safe angle. This preliminary action of limiting leg extension prevents entanglement with objects while maintaining the versatility of extendable legs for reaching high areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the legs are allowed to open freely, then the platform can adapt to different angles, but the platform lacks stability and the user does not feel secure
Solution Approach 1:
The tab on the hinge bracket applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the legs from opening beyond a predetermined safe angle. This preliminary anti-action maintains platform stability and user security while still allowing adequate angle adjustment for versatility.
4Reliability
If the user uses both hands to lift the platform, then the platform can be moved safely without tipping, but the user cannot hold tools or materials during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged into the platform structure through integrated slots, providing a dedicated lifting point that enables safe one-handed operation. This allows the user to maintain balance and control while keeping the other hand free for tools or materials, resolving the contradiction between movement safety and hand availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a platform having a first end and a second end and a handle. The apparatus includes a first leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the first end. The apparatus includes a second leg assembly attentively attached to the platform in proximity to the second end. When the first and second leg assemblies are essentially perpendicular to the platform, the apparatus is in a use state and the user is able to stand on the platform and be supported by the first and second leg assemblies. When the apparatus is in the use state, the user is able to pick up the apparatus by the handle with only one of the hands without tipping the apparatus. A method for a user with hands to stand on an apparatus. A work platform having legs which are coplanar with the platform when the legs are in a closed position. The work platform having a hinge bracket with a tab against which a leg contacts and is stopped when the leg is in an open position.