X-Frame Ironing Board Leg Structure for Compact Stable Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing boards are either bulky and difficult to store or ergonomic but not stable, making them unsuitable for easy use and compact storage.
Innovation Solution
An ironing board design with legs connected by a pivot at an intermediate point, allowing one leg to be divided into two parts with a hinge for easy folding and unfolding, and a second leg that remains grounded for stability, featuring a locking mechanism and offset axis for ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If both legs are divided into two parts with joints for compact folding, then the ironing board becomes extremely compact in storage position, but the user must turn the board over and support its weight, making it extremely restrictive and requiring significant muscular effort
Solution Approach 1:
The first leg is divided into two parts (upper and lower segments) connected by a joint, while the second leg remains as a single piece. This selective segmentation allows the first leg to fold compactly while the second leg provides a stable base for ergonomic operation, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The second leg acts as an intermediary or mediator that remains stationary and grounded during the folding operation. It provides a stable support base that allows the user to fold the first leg without having to support the entire board weight, thus mediating between the compact storage requirement and the ease of operation requirement.
2Volume of moving object
If both legs are divided into two parts with joints for compact folding, then the ironing board becomes extremely compact in storage position, but the manipulation requires turning the board over which is extremely restrictive and may require significant muscular effort
Solution Approach 1:
Only the first leg is segmented into upper and lower parts, while the second leg remains intact. This asymmetric segmentation enables compact folding of the first leg while the second leg provides a stable, accessible base for user manipulation, achieving both compactness and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanism is localized only to the first leg, providing folding capability where needed, while the second leg maintains a simple, stable structure for ergonomic operation. This local application of complexity resolves the contradiction between compact storage and accessible usability.
3Volume of moving object
If the lower end of the second foot does not reach the ground in storage position, then the board can be folded compactly, but the board lacks stability during use and requires user support for folding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The second leg is designed to dynamically adapt its position: in storage mode, it can be positioned to reach the ground for stability; during operation, it provides a fixed, grounded base. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between compact storage and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second leg, by reaching the ground in storage position, provides self-stabilization for the entire board structure. It serves as a self-supporting element that eliminates the need for user support during folding operations, achieving both compactness and stability.
4Volume of moving object
If the first leg is divided into two parts with a joint, then the ironing board becomes compact in storage position, but the joint mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The first leg is segmented into two parts connected by a simple joint, creating a compact folding mechanism. The joint is designed with minimal components (axis, possible locking means) to achieve the folding function without excessive complexity, balancing compactness with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Asymmetric design is applied by dividing only the first leg into two parts while keeping the second leg as a single piece. This asymmetric segmentation achieves compact folding where needed while maintaining structural simplicity elsewhere, resolving the contradiction between compactness and overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The board has a frame (1) supporting a plate (2) and rigid legs (3, 4) connected to the frame. A joint (8) enables pivoting of a lower segment (32) of one of the legs from an unfolded position to a folded position when the legs are in a storage position. The lower segment is arranged in extension of an upper segment (31) of the leg, during the unfolded position. The lower segment is folded over the upper segment in the folded position. The other leg is made in one piece, and includes a lower end that reaches a back end of the frame when the legs are in the storage position.