Workbench Ladder Unlocking Structure with Rotating Lock Tongue
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing unlocking structure of workbenches, located on the width direction of the platform, is inconvenient to operate and prone to damage during use and transportation, leading to unlocking failures.
Innovation Solution
An unlocking structure with an operating button, rotating lock tongue, and first elastic element is arranged along the length direction of the platform, featuring a locking hook that automatically locks onto a locking plate when the ladder is opened, and can be easily unlocked by overcoming the elastic force, enhancing user convenience and preventing accidental unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the unlocking structure is arranged on the side of the platform in the width direction, then the unlocking structure can be easily accessed, but the operation is inconvenient and the structure is prone to damage during transportation and use
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking structure is relocated from the width direction (side of platform) to the length direction (end of platform), changing the spatial dimension of access. This dimensional shift allows the operating button to be positioned at the end of the platform where it is less exposed to damage during transportation while still remaining accessible for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first elastic element (spring) is pre-loaded to maintain the locking hook in a default locked position against the locking plate. This preliminary elastic force ensures that the unlocking structure remains stable and locked during transportation, and only unlocks when the operating button is intentionally pressed to overcome this pre-established elastic force.
2Device complexity
If the unlocking structure is arranged on the side of the platform, then the structure is compact, but the unlocking structure can be touched inadvertently causing damage and unlocking failure
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the unlocking structure from the side (width direction) to the end (length direction) of the platform, the design reduces exposure to accidental contact during handling and transportation. The end position is more protected and less likely to be inadvertently touched, thereby reducing harmful factors while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The first elastic element creates a preliminary counter-force that resists unintended unlocking movements. This pre-established elastic resistance prevents accidental unlocking by requiring intentional pressure from the operating button to overcome the spring force, thereby protecting against harmful accidental contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating button is pressed to unlock, then the ladder can be opened, but the elastic force must be overcome requiring additional operation force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking process. When the operating button is pressed, it dynamically overcomes the elastic force of the first spring, allowing the locking hook to disengage from the locking plate. This dynamic action enables the ladder to open while providing clear tactile feedback to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating button is designed to apply sufficient force to completely overcome the elastic resistance of the first spring, ensuring reliable unlocking. This excessive action (pressing harder than minimum required) guarantees that the locking hook fully disengages from the locking plate, providing dependable ladder opening functionality.
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 solution provides a convenient and reliable unlocking mechanism that reduces the risk of damage and failure, ensuring secure operation and easy use of the workbench.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic element acts between the rotating lock tongue and the column for driving the locking hook to move toward the locking plate
Implementation Method 2
The rotating lock tongue is vertically arranged along the height direction of the ladder and is rotatably arranged in the column, and the rotation axis of the rotating lock tongue is arranged along the width direction of the platform
Data Source
AI summary
An unlocking structure of workbench ladder includes a platform and two ladders hinged to the two ends of the platform; wherein, the ladder includes an unlocking structure relative to the hinged joint of the platform, and the unlocking structure includes an operating button, rotating lock tongue and a first elastic element; the rotating lock tongue is arranged in the column and the upper end is a locking hook which is locked and located in the locking plate at the bottom of the platform; the first elastic element acts between the rotating lock tongue and the column driving and positioning the locking hook toward the locking plate to lock the ladder and the platform; the operating button acts on the rotating lock tongue to overcome the first elastic element and drive the locking hook to move in a direction opposite to the locking plate, unlocking the ladder and the platform.