Foldable Cabinet Frame With Hinged Beams for Compact Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabinet frameworks for network service devices are bulky, leading to high transportation costs and labor-intensive on-site assembly due to their integral structure, which complicates efficient assembly and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A foldable cabinet framework comprising two side frames, first beam bodies, and second beam bodies with hinged parts that allow the framework to be transformed from a three-dimensional structure into a two-dimensional form for horizontal transportation and simplified assembly by folding the beam bodies and superposing the side frames, utilizing friction or clamping mechanisms to maintain the folded state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cabinet framework is designed as an integral structure, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the transportation cost and assembly complexity increase due to large volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtransportation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet framework is divided into multiple independent components including side frames, beam bodies, and hinged parts. These segmented components can be folded and compacted for transportation, significantly reducing transportation volume while maintaining structural integrity through precise connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable framework allows components to be nested within each other when folded. The beam bodies can be positioned within the side frames, and the overall structure compacted to a fraction of its assembled volume, effectively implementing a nesting strategy for space-efficient transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the cabinet framework is disassembled for transportation to reduce volume, then the transportation cost is reduced, but the on-site assembly labor cost and time increase due to high precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation volumeVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The framework components are pre-assembled into a partially completed state at the factory before transportation. The hinged parts and connection mechanisms are pre-positioned and pre-adjusted to precise specifications, so that only final assembly steps are required on-site, significantly reducing assembly time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged parts and connection mechanisms are designed to enable self-aligning and self-locking during assembly. The precise geometric features and tolerance designs allow components to automatically position themselves correctly during assembly, reducing the skill level and time required for on-site assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the cabinet framework is disassembled for transportation, then the transportation efficiency is improved, but the assembly complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged parts and connection mechanisms are designed as universal components that can be used across different framework configurations and cabinet types. This standardization reduces the variety of unique parts that need to be managed during assembly, simplifying the overall assembly process despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional features are merged into single components. For example, the hinged parts simultaneously provide articulation, positioning, and locking functions. The connection mechanisms combine alignment, attachment, and stabilization features in integrated units, reducing the number of separate assembly operations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design reduces transportation costs and labor by allowing for efficient horizontal transportation and streamlined assembly, as the framework can be easily assembled by straightening the beam bodies, reducing the number of assembly steps and overall costs.

Implementation Method 1

the first beam bodies and the second beam bodies each include a hinged part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

maintained by using a friction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

maintained by using a clamping apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3780920B1Folding-type cabinet skeleton and cabinet
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3780920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3780920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3780920B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention provides a foldable cabinet framework, including two side frames, first beam bodies, and second beam bodies, where two opposite ends of the first beam body are respectively connected to the two side frames, and two opposite ends of the second beam body are respectively connected to the two side frames; the first beam body and the second beam body each include a hinged part, and when the first beam body and the second beam body are in a straight state, the first beam body and the second beam body are supported between the two side frames, so that the two side frames are spaced apart and symmetrically disposed, and the first beam body and the second beam body enclose a framework of a three-dimensional structure; the first beam body and the second beam body are folded by using the hinged part; and after the first beam body and the second beam body are folded, the two side frames are superposed with each other.