Quick assembly structures, components, and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retail display structures require complex and time-consuming assembly, and often have limited functionality, necessitating a solution for simplifying the assembly process and enhancing functionality.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible structure with a base having multiple hinges forming six sides, center supports with foldable arms, and table sections that can be easily assembled to form a hexagonal shape, allowing for quick conversion between a flat folded and open standing position, using corrugated paper or plastic materials with living hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional assembly methods are used for retail display structures, then the structural integrity can be maintained, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple panels (first base panel, second base panel, third base panel, fourth base panel) connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. The center support is also segmented into body, upper arm, and lower arm portions that can be independently assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The center support merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, enables the folding mechanism through integrated hinges, and connects the base panels to the table sections. The first and second center supports work together as a unified system to enable the base to transition between folded and open positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional display structures are designed, then the basic display function is provided, but the functionality remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with hinges that allow it to dynamically transition between a folded position (for compact storage and shipping) and an open position (for display functionality). The center support similarly transitions between folded and extended positions, enabling the structure to adapt between transport and operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible base structure serves multiple functions: it provides the foundational support for the display table, enables compact folding for storage and shipping, creates the hexagonal configuration for stability, and works with the center supports to enable various open positions. The center supports themselves provide both structural reinforcement and the folding mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base is designed with multiple hinges to form a hexagonal shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into four distinct panels (first, second, third, and fourth base panels) connected by hinges, forming a stable hexagonal configuration when assembled. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity despite the multi-hinge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexagonal configuration created by the hinged base panels provides inherent structural stability through its geometric asymmetry, distributing weight and forces evenly across the six sides. The attachment tab configuration also incorporates asymmetric elements that guide proper assembly orientation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the center supports include foldable arms with multiple hinges, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center support merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, enables the folding mechanism through integrated hinges, and connects the base panels to the table sections. The first and second center supports work together as a unified system to enable the base to transition between folded and open positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The center support is segmented into distinct portions (body, upper arm, lower arm) that are connected by hinges, allowing each portion to be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the integrated functionality of the foldable mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and easy assembly of a sturdy, multi-tiered display table with enhanced functionality, reducing assembly time and complexity for end users, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Any hinges disclosed herein can include a living hinge defined by at least one of fold lines, score lines, intermittent cuts, and/or rail scores
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible structure (e.g., for use as a single or multi-tiered display table) can include a base having at least five hinges defined therein to define six or more base panels such that the base is foldable to form a shape with at least six sides, the base defining a first end and a second end that are attached to each other. The structure can include a first center support and a second center support. The first center support and the second center support can be attached together at the body of each center support and be configured to allow the base to move between a flat folded position and an open standing position by relative movement of the upper arms and the lower arms relative to the attached bodies of the center supports.