Collapsible Easel Structure for Stable Support and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artist easels are cumbersome and difficult to transport due to their fixed size and shape, making them impractical for use in limited spaces such as during travel.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible easel design featuring a main beam with a slide member that can retract to reduce length and extend to increase length, along with hinged supports that allow for folding, enabling compact storage and adjustable retaining troughs for securing artwork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the easel is designed with fixed size and shape for stable artwork support, then the support stability is improved, but the ease of transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The easel employs dynamic components including a slide member that can extend and retract along the main beam, and support members with adjustable angles relative to the main beam. This allows the easel to transition between a compact configuration for transportation and an expanded configuration for stable artwork support, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The easel is divided into separable components: a main beam, support members, and a base. The support members can be positioned at different angles and the slide member can be extended or retracted, allowing the structure to be segmented and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the easel to be compacted for transport while maintaining stability when assembled for use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the easel is designed with fixed size for stable support, then the support function is improved, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustability of the slide member and support members allows the easel to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining full support functionality when deployed. The slide member can be retracted into the main beam and support members can be folded, dramatically reducing storage volume without compromising the support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member can be retracted into the main beam, and the support members can be folded against the main beam, creating a nested configuration. This nesting principle allows the easel components to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining their full functional capabilities when extended and assembled.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the easel is designed as a large structure for adequate artwork support, then the support capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The easel is segmented into a main beam, support members, and base, with each component having a specific function. The support members can be independently adjusted in angle and position, allowing for adequate support capacity without requiring a complex overall structure. This modular segmentation simplifies the device while maintaining support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow the support members to be positioned at optimal angles for different artwork sizes and weights. This dynamic capability provides adequate support capacity without requiring a permanently complex structure, as the complexity is only activated when adjustment is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments generally relate to portable easel devices for supporting and/or displaying objects such as canvas, other paintable substrates, or even sheet music. Embodiments may include one or more collapsible elements rendering the device readily storable and/or easier to carry or transport.