Workbench Support System With Nested Link Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workbench support systems lack a compact and efficient design for transitioning between operative and stowed positions, often resulting in increased thickness when folded, which complicates storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A workbench support system featuring a first and second set of support legs interconnected by pivotable and sliding link members, allowing the link members to extend diagonally in the deployed position and parallel in the collapsed position, with a rail system facilitating sliding displacement and a locking mechanism to secure the utility member within the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional workbench support systems are folded into a stowed position, then portability is improved, but the thickness increases making storage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The link members are designed to nest within the support legs when folded. The first link member is received within the first support leg, and the second link member is received within the second support leg, creating a compact stowed configuration where components are nested inside each other to minimize overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system employs dynamic link members that can pivot and slide between extended and retracted positions. The link members transition from a diagonal extended configuration that spans between support legs to a parallel retracted configuration that aligns with the legs, enabling smooth transformation between operative and stowed states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If link members are extended diagonally between support legs, then structural stability is improved, but the folded thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link members are designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing them to pivot at connection points and slide along guide rails. This enables the link members to transition from a diagonal extended position that provides structural stability to a parallel retracted position that minimizes folded thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the link members are received within the support legs, with the first link member nested within the first support leg and the second link member nested within the second support leg. This nesting arrangement ensures that the link members do not increase the overall folded thickness beyond the leg dimensions.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the utility member, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the movement of the link members themselves. As the link members transition between extended and retracted positions, their motion directly engages or disengages the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the link members and the support legs, using the existing movement of the link members to engage locking features on the support legs. This intermediary approach secures the utility member reliably while utilizing the already-present mechanical motion rather than adding independent locking actuators.
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 system allows for a compact stowed configuration that does not exceed the thickness of the workbench when folded, enabling easy storage and transportation while maintaining a stable and versatile workspace.
Implementation Method 1
A workbench support system featuring a first and second set of support legs interconnected by pivotable and sliding link members, allowing the link members to extend diagonally in the deployed position and parallel in the collapsed position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1A(c)
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter is directed to workbench support systems (100) configured with and least one utility portion (118) and deployable between an operative position and a collapsed position, also referred to as a stowed position. In some aspects, the disclosed subject matter further refers to workbench assemblies comprising the workbench support systems (100) and a utility member configured for articulation to the support system (100) in an operative position and further configured to be stowed within the support system (100) when in the collapsed position. In accordance with an example, the thickness of the assembly in the stowed position does not exceed the thickness of the workbench support system (100) when folded.