Compact Folding Linkage for Full-Collapse Support Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding assemblies are often cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple components that increase weight and fail to fully collapse, leading to inadequate storage solutions due to their expanded volume even in collapsed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A folding assembly comprising a minimal number of rotating links and connecting links that pivotably couple to a structural member, allowing a component to be moved between a deployed and retracted position, optimizing the assembly's collapse into a compact configuration by maintaining equal link lengths for efficient folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known folding assemblies use multiple components to achieve folding functionality, then the folding capability is improved, but the weight of the assembly increases beyond comfortable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly is divided into discrete rotating links (first rotating link, second rotating link) that can independently pivot and fold. Each link is a separate component that contributes to the overall folding capability while maintaining individual structural integrity, allowing the assembly to collapse into compact configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rotating links and connecting links are combined into a single integrated folding assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. The links are interconnected through pivotable couplings to create a unified structure that achieves folding functionality without requiring numerous separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known folding assemblies use complex configurations to enable folding, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly employs dynamic rotating links that can pivot between fixed and folded positions. The first rotating link and second rotating link can rotate relative to each other and to the support link, enabling the assembly to transition between extended and collapsed configurations through controlled rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding assembly is designed to collapse into a compact nested configuration where the first rotating link, second rotating link, and support link fold together into a reduced volume. The equal link lengths enable the links to nest efficiently, with each link occupying minimal space when folded.
3Volume of moving object
If known folding assemblies are designed to collapse, then the storage efficiency is improved, but they only partially collapse and occupy more space than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly achieves complete collapse by carefully controlling the geometric parameters of the rotating links. The equal link lengths of the first rotating link, second rotating link, and support link are specifically designed to enable the assembly to fold into a compact configuration where all links align and occupy minimal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding assembly uses asymmetric pivotable couplings that allow the links to fold in specific directions and orientations. The pivot points are positioned asymmetrically to enable the first rotating link and second rotating link to collapse toward the support link, achieving a compact nested configuration rather than a symmetric spread-out arrangement.
4Strength
If known folding assemblies use multiple components to provide structural support, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly maintains continuous structural support throughout its range of motion through the interconnected rotating links. The first rotating link, second rotating link, and support link work together continuously to provide mechanical support, with each link contributing to the overall structural integrity whether extended or collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
Each rotating link is designed with specific local structural properties optimized for its function. The links have equal lengths and are pivotably coupled at specific locations to provide structural support where needed while minimizing material usage. The support link, in particular, is designed to bear the load when the assembly is extended.
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
The solution enables a more compact folding assembly that reduces storage space requirements, minimizes maintenance and operational costs, and provides sufficient structural support while being lighter in weight, suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotating link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotably coupled to a structural member/frame
Data Source
AI summary
A folding assembly is movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration includes a first rotating link having a first end pivotably coupled to a structural member/frame and a second end. The folding assembly also includes a second rotating link having a first end pivotably coupled to the structural member/frame and a second end. A first connecting link is pivotably coupled between the first rotating link and the second rotating link. A first end of a second connecting link is pivotably coupled to the first rotating link second end. The folding assembly further includes a support link having a first end pivotably coupled to the first rotating link second end and a second end configured to couple to a component to be moved. The support link is configured to selectively move the component between, inclusively, a retracted position and a deployed position.