Collapsible Frame Using Cable Linking and Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible frames for vehicles and furniture are either heavy and bulky due to thick tubular elements for mechanical resistance or complex and costly with internal cables, lacking structural solidity and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible frame design featuring tubular elements with coupling connectors and a linking element, along with a blocking mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly without rotatable articulation axes, ensuring structural integrity and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tubular elements have large cross section and thickness to ensure mechanical resistance at hinge points, then structural strength is improved, but weight and overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hinge connections with a cable-based linking system. The tubular elements are connected through linking cables that pass through coupling connectors, eliminating the need for heavy rotatable articulation axes. This substitution of mechanical hinge system with cable tension system allows for thinner, lighter tubular elements while maintaining structural strength through proper cable tensioning and distribution of forces along the frame members.
2Strength
If traditional hinged structure is used to ensure structural solidity, then strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical articulation points with simple coupling connectors and linking cables. Instead of rotatable hinges requiring precise machining and assembly, the design uses coupling connectors that attach to tubular elements with simpler geometry, connected by flexible cables. This reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty while maintaining structural solidity through the cable-supported configuration.
3Weight of moving object
If internal linking cables are used to reduce weight, then weight is improved, but structural solidity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning coupling connectors at specific locations on the tubular elements and routing linking cables through optimized paths. The connectors are placed at critical structural points where force transmission is most effective, and the cable routing is designed to distribute loads appropriately across the frame members. This localized optimization ensures that the lightweight cable system maintains adequate structural solidity at key load-bearing locations.
4Device complexity
If complex maneuvers are required for folding operation, then ease of operation worsens, but device complexity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-service features through the interaction of linking cables and coupling connectors that automatically engage and disengage during folding and unfolding operations. The cable-tension-based system naturally guides the tubular elements into their folded or extended positions, reducing the manual manipulation required by the user. The structure itself assists in the folding process through its mechanical configuration, making operation easier without adding complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Collapsible frame (1) for vehicles, furnishing items and the like comprising: - a first tubular element (11) and a second tubular element (12); - a flexible and inextensible linking element (5) adapted to maintain said first and second tubular element linked to one another; - a blocking mechanism (3) to maintain said first and second tubular elements (11, 12) in an assembled state (A) or in a collapsed state (C) and to allow said first and second tubular elements to pass from said assembled state (A) to said collapsed state (C), and vice versa.