Transformable Chair-Desk Structure With Stable Folding Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transformable furniture designs lack reliable fixing and locking mechanisms, leading to instability and limited functionality when converting between chair and desk configurations.
Innovation Solution
A transformable furniture design featuring two plates connected by a hinge joint, rotating around horizontal axes, and supported by a construction of at least three interconnected folding elements with sliding and locking mechanisms, allowing precise positioning and deformation for enhanced stability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a folding supporting construction with two frames is used, then the furniture can transform between chair and desk positions, but the stability and reliability of the construction deteriorates due to lack of reliable fixing and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting construction is divided into multiple folding elements (at least three) that can be independently controlled and locked. This segmentation allows each element to be fixed in specific positions during transformation, providing reliable stability while maintaining the overall transformation capability between chair and desk configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting construction incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms that enable the folding elements to be fixed in different positions. The locking mechanism allows the construction to transition from a dynamic (movable) state during transformation to a static (fixed) state during use, ensuring stability in both chair and desk positions.
2Reliability
If a non-folding supporting construction is used, then the stability of the furniture is improved, but the functionality is reduced as the furniture cannot be stacked or transformed
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting construction uses folding elements with locking mechanisms that can be dynamically adjusted. When locked, the construction provides stability similar to a non-folding structure; when unlocked, it enables transformation between chair and desk positions, and allows for stacking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding supporting construction with locking mechanisms serves multiple functions: it provides stability when locked in position, enables transformation between different furniture configurations, and allows for stacking. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If simple hinge joints are used for transformation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of positioning and structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Locking mechanisms act as intermediary elements between the simple hinge joints and the plates. These intermediaries maintain the ease of operation provided by hinge joints while adding precise positioning capability through the locking feature, ensuring structural integrity during and after transformation.
4Device complexity
If only two folding elements are used in the supporting construction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fixing and locking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting construction is segmented into at least three folding elements, each capable of being locked independently. This segmentation increases the reliability of fixing and locking compared to a two-element construction, while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the use of standardized folding and locking mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to an item of transformable furniture, more particularly to an item of furniture transformable from a chair into a desk and vice versa, from a desk into a chair. The item of transformable furniture comprises a first plate (5) and a second plate (6), linked to each other by a hinge joint (4), where said two plates can rotate respectively round first and second horizontal (2, 3) axes so that the plates can be moved from a first position as seat and back, respectively, to a second position as front panel (17) and worktop (18), respectively, and vice versa. Said plates are linked by said first and second horizontal axes to a supporting construction, which consists of at least three interconnected folding elements (1, 1', 19).