Multi-functional Workbench with Girder and Rotating Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workbenches have a simple structure, limited expansion capabilities, and are not flexible or safe, failing to meet users' diverse requirements and providing a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional workbench with a girder and rotatable square tube connected to concave-shaped mechanisms, featuring multiple locking mechanisms for stability and expandability, along with a load-bearing beam structure, detachable rollers, and expandable connection holes for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the workbench structure is kept simple, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the functionality and expansion capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The workbench is divided into modular components including the tabletop module with girder and concave-shaped mechanisms, supporting leg modules with square tubes, and various locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured independently with simple processes while enabling multiple functional configurations when assembled, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The workbench design incorporates universal interfaces and multi-functional components. The concave-shaped mechanisms can accommodate different supporting leg configurations, the square tubes serve both as structural elements and rotation joints, and the locking mechanisms provide both stability and foldability. This universality enables a single simple structure to perform multiple functions including workbench, storage unit, and foldable configuration.
2Strength
If the supporting legs are made fixed and stable, then the structural strength is improved, but the foldability and storage convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting legs are designed with dynamic characteristics through the square tube rotation joints connected to the concave-shaped mechanisms. The legs can be in a fixed extended position for strength and stability during use, or rotated and folded into the receiving space for compact storage. The locking mechanisms maintain structural strength in the extended position while enabling easy transition to the folded position, resolving the contradiction between strength and foldability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the workbench is designed with expansion capabilities, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workbench employs nesting principles where the supporting legs fold into the receiving space beneath the tabletop, and the square tubes rotate within the concave-shaped mechanisms. This nesting arrangement allows expansion capabilities through multiple configurations (extended for use, folded for storage) without adding significant structural complexity. The same components serve multiple purposes across different configurations.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanisms are made secure and reliable, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed with self-locking and self-unlocking capabilities. When the supporting legs are extended, the locking mechanisms automatically engage to provide secure stability. When folding is required, the mechanisms can be easily disengaged through simple user action. This self-service design ensures safety and reliability during use while maintaining ease of operation during configuration changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional workbench disclosed herein includes a worktop and supporting legs. The worktop is provided with a girder. The bottom of the girder is provided with a receiving space. Concave-shaped mechanisms are affixed in the receiving space and are connected by square tubes. The supporting legs are rotatably attached to the square tubes and can be received in the receiving space. The workbench further includes one or more locking mechanisms. A first locking mechanism is installed between two supporting legs attached to the same square tube. The first locking mechanism prevents the supporting legs from being disengaged when engaged into the concave-shaped mechanisms. More locking mechanisms can be added to secure the supporting legs when they are folded. The multi-functional workbench can be converted into a worksurface, a sawhorse, a step tool, a creeper, or a pulling tractor.