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Multi position joint

965 views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  woodnthings 
#1 ·
I have an idea for a project, but an having trouble with the design. I'm probably just over thinking it, but want to hear some of your opinions. The simplest description I can come up with is a saw horse, where the legs can be folded out 90 degrees to create a flat "Y" configuration on each side. See the attached drawing for a clearer explanation. I need this to be able to support a couple hundred pounds in the horse configuration and a couple hundred pounds to the center of the extended configuration while it is being supported by the extended legs. I'm hoping there is a simple solution to this that I am just not seeing.
 

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#2 ·
Does it need to fold? I's say that you could just put a U shape on the top of the legs so the long piece can fit in and be removed when needed, then just thread a bolt through to hold it secure. If you need more support it the center just make an extra set of legs to fit there. I haven't really thought about this much so you with your fancy dancy CAD can probably improve it if you wanted. Just my two cents. Welcome to the forum by the way!
 
#3 ·
You do not give enough information. Does this "contraption" have to be all wood? That is, can metal (like a hinge) be used?

What size/type of wood are you considering? Can you produce a drawing of what it will look like in each position?

What are the overall dimensions? Is it holding a dead load or is there possibility of movement?

Your sketch on the left looks like two Y's joined together. However, the one on the right looks like the saw horse you mentioned.

George
 
#4 ·
you don't seem to understand forces

The saw horse configuration would have no problem supporting that weight as many can do at present ...assuming the legs can't fold outward.

The extended configuration is the issue. All the stress from a load in the center will be concentrated at the hinges that allow the legs to fold, even if the center bar is strong enough to support the weight without bending.

Without knowing the reason or application for the folding legs, the cost of making the joints strong enough will likely outweigh any other advantages. It's an interesting concept, but not practical in real world terms.
 
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