Foldable Articulated Structure With Slider-Based Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable articulated structures, such as those using four-bar linkages, face challenges in stably maintaining open and closed positions, particularly when opposing gravity, and often require complex or costly motorized solutions for locking.
Innovation Solution
A foldable articulated structure with a four-bar linkage that incorporates a slider with hooking means and elastic means for automatic locking in both open and closed positions, using a simple design with reduced size and weight, suitable for wall-mounted seats, featuring hooks that engage with a fastening pin to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex or motorized locking solutions are used, then stability in open and closed positions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the slider's automatic engagement with the fastening pin at extreme positions. The elastic means provide self-latching without external control systems, and the mechanism locks itself gravitationally when the seat is in open or closed position, eliminating the need for motorized or complex locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary element between the seat and the fastening pin. It translates the gravitational force and positional changes into automatic locking engagement, mediating the interaction between the moving seat and the fixed mounting structure to achieve stable positioning without complex mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and reliability in maintaining positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means (spring) act as a counterweight force that opposes gravity. When the seat is in the open position, the spring pushes the slider into engagement with the fastening pin, counteracting the gravitational force that would otherwise cause the seat to drop. This simple elastic element provides the necessary holding force to maintain stability without complex mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If motorized locking solutions are used, then automatic locking is achieved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism achieves automatic locking through the natural gravitational force acting on the seat and the elastic restoring force of the spring. The slider automatically engages with the fastening pin when the seat reaches extreme positions, and automatically disengages when the seat is manually moved. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for motors, sensors, or electronic control systems, keeping the structure lightweight.
4Weight of moving object
If compact design is used, then size and weight are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking means (slider and fastening pin) are designed to engage at extreme positions where the gravitational force and elastic force create a stable equilibrium. The geometry of the slider and pin ensures that engagement occurs naturally at these equipotential points, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while maintaining reliable locking in the compact design.
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 without complex solutions, allowing automatic locking in open and closed positions, with manual release possible, providing reliability and safety while being economically competitive.
Implementation Method 1
said slider being provided with elastic means pushing said slider, for automatically locking said articulated structure in said open configuration or in said closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
A first end (70) of the first arm (7) is hinged to a first portion (30) of the first bracket (3). A second end (71) of the first arm (7) is hinged to a first portion (50) of the second bracket (5).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a foldable articulated structure (1), particularly for supporting a seat or a bearing surface, comprising: - a first bracket (3) which can be fastened to a wall; - a second bracket (5) which can be associated with a seat or a bearing surface; - a first arm (7), a first end (70) of which is hinged to a first portion (30) of the first bracket (3) and a second end (71) of which is hinged to a first portion (50) of the second bracket (5); - a second arm (9), a first end (90) of which is hinged to a second portion (31) of the first bracket (3) and a second end (91) of which is hinged to a second portion (51) of the second bracket (5). The foldable articulated structure (1) is movable from a closed configuration in which the second bracket (5) lies on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wall, to an open configuration in which the second bracket (5) lies on a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane of the wall. According to the invention, the second bracket (5) comprises a slider (11) which is slidable with respect to the second bracket (5). The slider (11) comprises first hooking means (13) which actuate for locking the foldable articulated structure (1) in the open configuration and second hooking means (15) which actuate for locking the foldable articulated structure (1) in the closed configuration.