Foldable Carrying Device With Mechanical Flap Restoring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carrying devices made of flexible materials collapse under heavy loads, and existing solutions either lack stability or do not achieve compact storage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A foldable carrying device with a pliable material body, a rigid frame, and a mechanical flap mechanism that includes top and bottom support elements with integrated pockets for restoring elements, such as springs or polymer bands, allowing reversible folding and re-folding for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible material body is used for the carrying device, then ease of folding and compact storage is improved, but stability under heavy loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device is divided into a flexible body and a separate rigid frame structure. The rigid frame is segmented into multiple elements (front element, rear element, side elements) that can be independently positioned to provide structural support while allowing the flexible body to be folded for compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying device combines two different material types: a flexible material for the body (allowing folding) and a rigid material for the frame (providing stability). This composite construction resolves the contradiction by having each component made of the most suitable material for its specific function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame is added to prevent collapsing, then stability under heavy loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support to prevent collapsing, define the shape of the carrying device, and act as folding guides that determine how the flexible body folds for compact storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame is strategically positioned at specific locations where structural support is most needed (front, rear, and side elements) rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the entire structure. This localized approach provides stability where required while minimizing overall complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the carrying device is made compact for storage, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of operation for carrying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device transitions between two dynamic states: an expanded functional state for carrying (where the rigid frame provides structure and the flexible body is unfolded) and a compact folded state for storage (where the flexible body is collapsed within the rigid frame). The rigid frame maintains its shape in both states, providing a stable boundary for the flexible body.
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 device maintains stability under heavy loads and allows for easy folding and re-folding, ensuring compact storage and efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
at least one element capable of exerting a restoring force to the top and bottom support elements when received in at least one of the pockets of the top and bottom support elements; wherein the at least one element capable of exerting a restoring force is at least one element selected from the group consisting of a spring, a polymer band, a cambered polymer band, a polymer band with profile, a band steel, a cambered band steel and a band steel with profile
Implementation Method 2
at least one element capable of exerting a restoring force to the top and bottom support elements when received in at least one of the pockets of the top and bottom support elements; wherein the at least one element capable of exerting a restoring force is at least one element selected from the group consisting of a spring, a polymer band, a cambered polymer band, a polymer band with profile, a band steel, a cambered band steel and a band steel with profile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mechanical flap means (1), comprising: - a top support element (11) comprising a support structure (111) and a pocket (112) integrally engaged to the support structure (111) and adapted to receiving an element (113) exerting a restoring force when received in said pocket (112); - a bottom support element (12) comprising a support structure (121) and a pocket (122) integrally engaged to the support structure (121) and adapted to receiving an element (123) exerting a restoring force when received in said pocket (122); - at least one articulation function element (14) providing the top support element (11) and the bottom support element (12) with an articulating function relative to each other, thereby allowing a reversible folding of the top support element (11) towards the bottom support element (12) or vice versa ; and - at least one element (113, 123, 13) capable of exerting a restoring force to the top and bottom support elements (11, 12) when received in at least one of the pockets (112, 122) of the top and bottom support elements (11, 12). The invention also relates to a foldable carrying device (100) comprising the above mechanical flap means (1).