Foldable Device Linkage Mechanism for Expanded Usable Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable devices, such as folding chairs and tables, have insufficient space when in the supporting position due to short leg rods, making them inconvenient for user comfort and usability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device with a pivot base, supporting rods, linkage units, and folding rod units that allow the folding rods to move between folded and expanded positions, extending the usable area by pivoting and sliding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the leg rods are made short to facilitate carrying, then the portability is improved, but the seating space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure is divided into two independent segments: the supporting rod and the folding rod unit. The folding rod unit can be independently extended from the supporting rod, allowing the seating space to be increased without affecting the portability of the base structure. This segmentation enables the device to maintain compactness for carrying while providing expanded space when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding rod unit is designed to be dynamically extendable and collapsible relative to the supporting rod through the linkage mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the device to transition between a compact carried state and an expanded usable state, resolving the contradiction between portability and seating space by adapting the structure to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional foldable devices use short supporting rods, then the device is easier to carry, but the usable area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure is divided into two independent segments: the supporting rod and the folding rod unit. The folding rod unit can be independently extended from the supporting rod, allowing the seating space to be increased without affecting the portability of the base structure. This segmentation enables the device to maintain compactness for carrying while providing expanded space when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding rod unit extends the structure in a radial dimension outward from the supporting rod, rather than simply lengthening the supporting rod vertically. This dimensional change allows the usable area to be increased while maintaining the compact vertical profile needed for portability.
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 provides a larger and more comfortable seating or working area by extending the leg rods, enhancing user-friendliness and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage unit includes a pivot member that is located above the pivot base, and a linkage rod that is pivotably connected to the pivot member
Implementation Method 2
The moving section of the linkage rod is slidably mounted to the at least one folding rod unit
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes a pivot base, three supporting rods, at least one folding rod unit, a linkage rod, and a pivot member that is located above the pivot base. The linkage rod has a pivot section that is pivotably connected to the pivot member, and a moving section that is opposite to the pivot section. The at least one folding rod unit is pivotably connected to one of the supporting rods. The moving section of the linkage rod is slidably mounted to the at least one folding rod unit. The at least one folding rod unit includes a folding rod that has a connecting section and a swing section, and that is movable relative to the one of the supporting rods between a folded position, in which the moving section of the linkage rod is adjacent to the swing section of the folding rod, and an expanded position.