Collapsible, surface-mounted apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for collapsible furniture that is easy to operate, folds into small spaces, and can be economically produced, installed, and maintained, while also being capable of reliable deployment and storage in large, multi-purpose rooms.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses a mounting assembly with first and second perpendicular pivot axes to rotate and pivot sections of furniture relative to each other, allowing for efficient movement between stowed and deployed positions with reduced user effort, featuring a support mechanism that induces rotation of one section to rotate the other, and a rotation prevention system to maintain the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wall-mounted folding tables are used, then the furniture can be collapsed for storage, but the operation requires significant user effort and lacks ergonomic balance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first, adding a dimensional element to the folding mechanism. This dual-axis system allows the furniture to fold in multiple directions simultaneously, distributing the mechanical workload and reducing the effort required on any single axis while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second sections, transferring and balancing forces between them. This intermediary component enables the perpendicular pivot axes to work together harmoniously, reducing the overall user effort required while managing the complexity through force distribution
2Volume of moving object
If the furniture is designed to fold into small spaces, then storage efficiency improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, support mechanism) that can independently pivot and fold. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall production complexity and cost while achieving compact folded dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows sections to nest within or alongside each other when folded, with the second section pivoting relative to the first section. This nesting arrangement maximizes space efficiency in the folded state while using simple, cost-effective pivot connections rather than complex mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If the furniture uses multiple pivot axes for balanced operation, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two pivot axes are arranged perpendicular to each other rather than parallel, creating an asymmetric configuration that provides ergonomic balance during operation. This asymmetric perpendicular arrangement allows natural folding motion while keeping the mechanism relatively simple compared to multiple parallel axes
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism merges the functionality of both pivot axes into a single integrated component that connects the first and second sections. This merging allows the two perpendicular axes to work together as a unified system, providing ergonomic balance without requiring two completely separate and complex mechanism assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configurable between a stowed or collapsed position against a support surface (e.g., wall) and a deployed position extending from the support surface for support of objects thereon. The apparatus is configured to make simultaneous use of first and second perpendicular pivot axes to both rotate the apparatus about the first pivot axis through the support surface and pivot first and second pieces of the apparatus relative to each other about the second pivot axis as the furniture system moves between the stowed and deployed positions. This ergonomic and balanced arrangement advantageously allows users to move the apparatus between the stowed and deployed positions with reduced levels of effort.