Extendable frame and structure having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables are non-extendable, requiring users to purchase multiple tables of different sizes to meet varying needs, which is uneconomical and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An extendable and foldable supporting frame with adjustable usable areas, featuring a mounting assembly with telescopically coupled longitudinal members and pivotally connected units, allowing the frame to extend or contract in a second direction and fold into a compact state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable table with fixed size is used, then it requires less storage space and is easy to carry, but it has fixed usable area and cannot meet different needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one longitudinal mounting member inside another, allowing the mounting assembly to extend or contract by telescoping the nested members. This enables adjustable usable area while maintaining a compact folded state, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the longitudinal mounting members telescopic and the mounting units rotatable, allowing the table to dynamically adjust its size between extended and folded positions. This enables the usable area to change according to different needs while keeping the structure relatively simple through standardized moving components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tables of different sizes are purchased to meet different needs, then various usable areas are available, but it is uneconomical and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single table that can perform multiple functions - serving as a small table when folded and a large table when extended. The mounting assembly with telescopic longitudinal members and rotatable mounting units enables one table to replace multiple tables of different sizes, reducing the quantity needed while providing various usable areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting assembly is made extendable with telescopic members, then adjustable usable areas are achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one longitudinal mounting member inside another, allowing the mounting assembly to extend or contract by telescoping the nested members. This enables adjustable usable area while maintaining a compact folded state, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting assembly into multiple mounting units that can rotate relative to each other, and dividing the longitudinal members into telescopic segments. This modular segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component, achieving adjustable usable area while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
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 provides a versatile and space-efficient supporting structure that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different situations, offering multiple usable areas while being compact and easy to carry, enhancing user convenience and stability.
Implementation Method 1
each respective longitudinal mounting member in the first and second longitudinal mounting members of the first and second mounting units includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member telescopically coupled with each other
Implementation Method 2
The first longitudinal mounting members of the first and second mounting units are pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal end portions and the second longitudinal mounting members of the first and second mounting units are pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal end portions
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plurality of leg assemblies is connected to the mounting assembly and rotatable relative to the first and second longitudinal mounting members of the first or second mounting unit, thereby allowing the mounting assembly and the plurality of leg assemblies to fold onto each other
Implementation Method 4
The first engaging member is disposed at the first elongated member, and the second engaging member is disposed at the second elongated member. When engaged with each other, the first and second engaging members collectively prevent the respective longitudinal mounting member from extending beyond a defined maximal allowable length of the respective longitudinal mounting member
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting frame includes a mounting assembly and a plurality of leg assemblies to support the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes first and second mounting units, at least one of which is extendable in a longitudinal or lateral direction of the mounting assembly. In some cases, the first and second mounting units are pivotally connected to each other and each of the leg assemblies is foldable relative to the first or second mounting unit, resulting in an extendable and foldable supporting frame. A supporting structure includes a supporting frame and first and second panels connected to the supporting frame. In some cases, the supporting structure is foldable in half.