Foldable supporting frame having independently rotatable legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tables with complex connections between panels and supporting frames are difficult to fold and unfold, making them inconvenient to use and requiring more storage space.
Innovation Solution
A foldable supporting frame design featuring an upper frame with independently rotatable legs that are coupled with the frame using rotating couplers, allowing the legs to fold inward and form a compact shape, enabling easy folding and unfolding without affecting each other's rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex connections (screws or snap fittings) are used to connect panel and supporting frame, then connection strength is improved, but folding operation becomes difficult and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame is segmented into multiple independent legs that can rotate individually about bar axes. Each leg is connected through a coupler that separates the connection function into rotational movement and positional support, allowing the frame to be divided into foldable segments while maintaining connection strength during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between legs and upper frame is made dynamic through rotatable couplers. The couplers allow the legs to rotate from a supported position (providing strength) to a folded position (enabling easy operation), transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable connection that adapts between strength and foldability requirements.
2Strength
If complex connections (screws or snap fittings) are used to connect panel and supporting frame, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into modular components: couplers with rotating portions that engage with bars, and fixation portions that connect to legs. This segmentation replaces complex integrated connections with simpler modular units that achieve the same strength while reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure uses dynamic rotational joints instead of static rigid connections. The couplers provide rotational freedom while maintaining structural integrity, simplifying the connection design by eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms while preserving connection strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If table is not foldable, then structural stability is maintained, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame is designed with dynamic rotatable legs that can change position between a stable support configuration (providing structural stability) and a folded configuration (reducing storage volume). The rotational joints maintain stability during use while enabling compact folding for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the legs are disposed within the interior space defined by the upper frame, with legs nesting inside the frame structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied during storage while maintaining the ability to extend to full stable configuration during use.
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 design results in a simple, easy-to-use, and compact foldable supporting frame that can be used to support various structures like table panels, with smooth folding and unfolding capabilities, suitable for different materials and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the corresponding bar is circular, and the rotating portion of the respective coupler sleeves on the circular portion of the corresponding bar
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable supporting frame includes an upper frame and a plurality of legs disposed below the upper frame when unfolded to support the upper frame. The upper frame includes a plurality of bars, with adjacent bars in the plurality of bars coupled to each other or integrally formed with each other at their adjacent end portions. Each of the plurality of legs is coupled with a corresponding bar in the plurality of bars and independently rotatable about an axis defined by the corresponding bar. When folded, the plurality of legs is disposed in an interior defined by the upper frame.