Foldable Support Frame Joint Layout With Fewer Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable frame assemblies require a large number of parts, increasing assembly time and manufacturing costs due to complexity for providing sufficient supporting strength and stability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable supporting device with parallel supporting frames and foldable units that include crossing members and a joint mechanism with rotatable joints, allowing for reduced parts and simplified assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional foldable units use multiple parts (crossing rods, linking rods, joints, middle beam) to provide sufficient supporting strength and stability, then the supporting strength and stability are improved, but the number of parts increases, assembly time increases, and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (crossing rods, linking rods, joints, and middle beam) into an integrated foldable unit design where these elements work together as a unified structure. The crossing members are connected through joints that allow relative movement, creating a compact integrated assembly that provides the necessary supporting strength while reducing the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable unit is divided into functional segments (crossing members, joints, linking rods) that can be independently analyzed and optimized. This segmentation allows each component to be designed for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling the reduction of total part count through efficient functional distribution.
2Strength
If conventional foldable units use multiple parts to provide sufficient supporting strength and stability, then the supporting strength and stability are improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple components into a unified foldable unit structure, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly operations required. The crossing members, joints, and linking rods are designed to work together as an integrated assembly, reducing the time needed to assemble individual components while maintaining the necessary supporting strength.
3Strength
If conventional foldable units use multiple parts to provide sufficient supporting strength and stability, then the supporting strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple components into an integrated foldable unit design, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining the necessary supporting strength through the coordinated design of crossing members and joints.
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 reduces the number of parts required, thereby decreasing assembly time and manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary supporting strength and stability for the foldable frame assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of crossing members (31) that cross and that are pivoted to each other at an intersection thereof so as to be rotatable relative to each other about a first axis
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the pair of the first joints and the pair of the second joints are pivoted to the adjacent pair of the supporting frames so as to be respectively rotatable relative to the adjacent pair of the supporting frames about two second axes
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable supporting device includes parallel supporting frames and foldable units, each of which interconnects an adjacent pair of the supporting frames and includes a pair of crossing members that cross and that are pivoted to each other, and a joint mechanism having a pair of first joints and a pair of second joints that are connected respectively to the adjacent pair of the supporting frames. Each of the crossing members interconnects a respective one of two diagonally aligned pairs of the first and second joints. At least one of the pair of the first joints and the pair of the second joints interconnect upper and lower parts of the adjacent pair of the supporting frames, respectively.