Foldable Foot Bath with Internal Support Rod for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional foldable foot bath devices face issues with size reduction after folding, as the support piece occupies space and the folding/unfolding process is cumbersome, making them difficult to package and transport effectively.
Innovation Solution
A foldable foot bath device with a support rod located within the basin wall, which is rotatably connected to the cover plate and base, allowing for compact folding and easy operation by flipping the support rod to create space within the folded structure, reducing the overall size and simplifying the folding/unfolding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support piece is arranged on the outside of the basin wall, then the basin wall is supported to prevent collapse, but the folded size increases and packaging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod is nested inside the basin wall cavity when folded, utilizing the internal space of the basin structure. This allows the support function to be maintained while the external dimensions during folded state are minimized, directly resolving the contradiction between support stability and compact folded size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the support piece on the outside of the basin wall as in conventional designs, the support rod is inverted to be positioned inside the basin wall cavity. This inversion allows the support function to be achieved while reducing the external footprint when folded, solving the space occupation problem.
2Reliability
If the support piece is flipped to the bottom of the folded device, then the basin wall is supported, but the folding and unfolding operations become troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod is designed to automatically assume its supporting position through the natural unfolding motion of the basin wall. When the basin wall is unfolded, the support rod automatically extends to support it, eliminating the need for manual flipping or adjustment operations, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rod is pre-positioned inside the basin wall cavity in a retracted state. When unfolding occurs, the support rod is already in place to provide immediate support as the basin wall expands, eliminating the need for post-unfolding adjustment or flipping operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the support rod is located inside the basin wall, then the folded size is reduced, but the support effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod is designed as a dynamic element that can extend and retract. When the basin wall is folded, the support rod retracts inside the cavity; when unfolded, it extends to provide support. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain compact size during storage while ensuring support effectiveness during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented into a multi-component system including the support rod, connecting components, and positioning structures. This segmentation allows the support rod to be positioned inside the basin wall while maintaining mechanical effectiveness through the coordinated action of multiple components that ensure proper support geometry and force transmission.
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 solution enables a more compact size after folding, simplifies the folding/unfolding process, and reduces the operational complexity, making the device easier to carry and store while maintaining support for the basin wall.
Implementation Method 1
an upper end of the support rod is rotatably connected to the cover plate
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable foot bath device includes a support rod, an upper frame, a base, and a basin wall connected between the upper frame and the base. A cover plate is arranged on the upper frame. The basin wall is made of flexible material and foldable. When the basin wall is unfolded to form a foot bath area, the basin wall is supported by the support rod. The support rod is located in the space surrounded by the basin wall, and an upper end of the support rod is rotatably connected to the cover plate. The support rod is supported between the cover plate and the bottom side of the base after the basin wall is unfolded, thereby forming the support for the basin wall. The support rod is flipped and then approaches the cover plate after the basin wall is folded.