Foldable chair frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable chair designs are cumbersome and time-consuming to fold and unfold due to the need for manual manipulation of leg tubes and lack of stability, with weak load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A foldable chair frame featuring an intermediate connecting device with rotating pieces and a spring mechanism that allows for easy folding and unfolding by blocking and unblocking leg and seat tubes, enhancing stability through planar and arc sections and convex surfaces, and using marbles for length limitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic ropes are used to connect leg tubes to the connector, then the foldable chair can be folded and unfolded, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including elastic ropes that automatically retract and telescopic positioning rods that extend and retract. When the chair is folded, the elastic ropes automatically pull the leg tubes into the connector without manual intervention. When unfolded, the telescopic positioning rods extend to lock the tubes in place. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation of each tube, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing the time required for folding and unfolding.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism operates autonomously through self-service principles. The elastic ropes automatically retract to pull tubes into the connector during folding, and the telescopic positioning rods automatically extend to secure tubes during unfolding. The spring-loaded locking mechanism also operates automatically, locking and unlocking without user intervention. This self-service capability removes the burden of manual manipulation entirely, addressing the operational efficiency problem.
2Stability of the object's composition
If telescopic positioning rods are used to connect leg tubes, then the chair can be stabilized, but the load-bearing capacity is weak due to squeezing by two tube surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: telescopic positioning rods for initial positioning, locking blocks for secure attachment, and spring elements for maintaining force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the positioning rods provide stability through precise alignment, while the locking blocks provide the necessary strength through positive mechanical engagement, avoiding the weakness of simple surface-to-surface contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements between the telescopic positioning rods and the tube surfaces - specifically locking blocks and spring-loaded mechanisms. These intermediaries transform the weak squeezing contact into a strong locked connection. The locking blocks engage with the tubes to provide rigid support, while the springs maintain continuous contact force, thereby enhancing load-bearing capacity while preserving stability.
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
Facilitates rapid and stable folding and unfolding of the chair frame while maintaining structural integrity and reducing volume when stored.
Implementation Method 1
a spring provided between the unlocking button and the main body seat
Implementation Method 2
the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece are provided with convex points; when the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece are rotated for a certain angle, the convex point abut against a lower end of the main body, such that rotation angles of the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece is limited
Implementation Method 3
each of peripheries of the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece comprises a planar section and an arc section that are connected to each other; when the chair frame is folded, the block is pushed upward, the leg tubes, the front seat tubes and backrest tubes are rotated upwards such that the arc sections on the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece block the block
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a foldable chair frame, it includes an intermediate connecting device including a main body, a block, a first rotating piece and a second rotating piece, the block being provided in an inner cavity of the main body and capable to slide up and down along the inner cavity, the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece being pivoted in an opening groove of the main body and capable to rotate around a pivot point; a plurality of leg tubes pivoted to a periphery of the intermediate connecting device through the first rotating piece; a plurality of front seat tubes and backrest tubes pivoted to the periphery of the intermediate connecting device through the second rotating piece. The present disclosure connects each tube to the intermediate connecting device to make the foldable chair more stable.