workbench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workbenches lack a compact and efficient mechanism for folding and unfolding, making them difficult to store and transport, and often require complex mechanisms for leg movement and locking.
Innovation Solution
A workbench with pivotable leg members and a handle coupled via a rack and pinion system, along with a leg latch mechanism that includes an actuator button, locking lever, and spring-biased locking lever, allowing for easy folding and unfolding, secure locking, and prevention of handle sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional workbenches use fixed legs, then structural stability is maintained, but portability and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed to be dynamically changeable between extended and retracted positions through a rack and pinion mechanism, allowing the workbench to adapt between stable working configuration and compact storage configuration, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and portability
2Adaptability or versatility
If retractable legs are added for portability, then storage efficiency improves, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and leg movement control are merged into a single integrated latch mechanism that simultaneously secures the legs in position and prevents handle sliding, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining storage efficiency
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added for secure leg positioning, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism serves dual functions: securing the legs in extended or retracted positions and preventing handle sliding, achieving reliable leg positioning without adding excessive complexity by combining multiple functions into one mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on leg position, providing self-securing functionality that improves reliability without requiring complex manual operation or additional control systems
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
Enables the workbench to be easily converted between open and closed configurations for use and storage, with secure leg locking and handle control, facilitating efficient use and transport.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased locking lever having a leg engagement protrusion that is configured to selectively engage a leg latch aperture
Implementation Method 2
a rack and pinion system that couples the first leg member, the second leg member, and the handle, wherein moving the handle relative to the work support structure causes both the first leg member and the second leg member to extend to their respective second positions or retract to their respective first positions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A workbench includes a work support structure, a first leg member, a second leg member, a handle; and a rack and pinion system coupling the first leg, the second leg, and the handle. Moving the handle relative to the work support structure causes both the first leg member and the second leg member to extend from or retract into the work support structure via movement in the rack and pinion system.