Foldable articulated structure, particularly for supporting a seat or bearing surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated structures, such as four-bar linkages, face challenges in maintaining stable open and closed positions, particularly for movable elements that rely on gravity, requiring simple and cost-effective locking solutions without motorized mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A foldable articulated structure with a four-bar linkage design featuring sliding hooks and elastic means for automatic locking in open and closed positions, utilizing a slider with hooking mechanisms and elastic components to secure the structure to a fastening pin, allowing easy manual release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motorized locking mechanisms are used to ensure stable locking in open and closed positions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the articulated structure. The slider with hooking means self-activates to lock in open/closed positions and self-release when the structure moves, eliminating the need for motorized control while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from static motorized locking to dynamic automatic locking that responds to the motion state of the articulated structure. The slider moves automatically with the structure's position changes, enabling the locking mechanism to adapt its state based on real-time position rather than requiring continuous motorized control
2Ease of manufacture
If simple locking mechanisms are used to reduce complexity and cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of stable locking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking means feature curved surfaces that guide the engagement and disengagement of the locking action. The curved geometry ensures reliable automatic locking by guiding the slider into the locked position and providing a deterministic release path, maintaining reliability while using simple mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary element between the articulated structure and the locking function. It translates the motion of the structure into automatic engagement/disengagement of the hooking means, providing reliable locking through a simple mechanical intermediary rather than complex direct locking mechanisms
3Reliability
If heavy-duty locking mechanisms are used to ensure reliability and safety, then stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element provides automatic resetting force that enables the locking mechanism to maintain safety and reliability without requiring heavy-duty components. The self-resetting feature ensures the slider returns to the locked position after disengagement, providing continuous safety assurance with minimal weight
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses elastic force parameters rather than heavy mechanical force parameters. The elastic element stores and releases energy to drive the locking and releasing actions, replacing the need for heavy springs or actuators while maintaining the force required for reliable locking and safety
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
Ensures stable locking in both configurations with automatic engagement and manual release, reducing complexity and cost, while being lightweight and suitable for wall-mounted applications, providing reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means (17) interposed between the second bracket (5) and the slider (11), configured for holding the first hook (130) engaged with the fastening pin (10) in the open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable articulated structure for supporting a seat or a bearing surface includes a first bracket which can be fastened to a wall and a second bracket which can be associated with a seat or a bearing surface. A first arm has a first end hinged to a first portion of the first bracket and a second end hinged to a first portion of the second bracket. A second arm has a first end hinged to a second portion of the first bracket and a second end hinged to a second portion of the second bracket. The foldable articulated structure is movable from a closed configuration in which the second bracket lies on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wall, to an open configuration in which the second bracket lies on a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane of the wall.