Foldable Frame With Flexible Joints And Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable and collapsible frame structure that can be easily erected and folded for versatile indoor and outdoor use, particularly as a pet housing unit, while maintaining stability and ease of transportation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and portable frame structure comprising twelve posts and eight joints or linkages, with a flexible covering that extends over the frame, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly using lock and release mechanisms, and flexible sleeves attached to the posts for compact portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is designed to be fully erectable and stable for multiple uses, then structural stability and versatility are improved, but portability and ease of transportation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple discrete posts and joints that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each post connects to joints through standardized connection mechanisms, allowing the structure to be segmented into transportable components while maintaining stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates collapsible mechanisms that allow it to transition between a stable erected state and a compact folded state. The joints and linkages are designed to maintain rigidity during use but allow controlled collapse for portability, dynamically adapting the structure's form factor.
2Ease of operation
If the frame is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame components are pre-designed with standardized connection interfaces and alignment features that guide proper assembly. The joints and linkages incorporate pre-engineered locking mechanisms that automatically engage when components are correctly positioned, ensuring structural integrity without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms are designed to self-lock or self-secure when properly assembled, with features such as automatic engagement of locking pins or snap-fit connections that maintain structural reliability without requiring additional fastening steps or complex manipulation during assembly and disassembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame includes a covering to serve as portable housing, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed as a universal supporting structure that can accommodate various types of coverings and configurations for different applications. The standardized post and joint system can support pet houses, storage enclosures, or other housing structures, allowing one frame design to serve multiple purposes without requiring application-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering is designed as a flexible or semi-flexible shell that can be easily attached to and removed from the frame. This flexible covering approach reduces the overall complexity compared to rigid integrated structures, while still providing enclosed housing functionality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable and portable frame is disclosed. The foldable and portable frame comprises twelve posts and eight flexible joints or linkages. The foldable and portable frame can be easily erected to be a stable substantially rectangular structure, and folded to a collapsed state to be portable. A foldable and portable frame with coverings is also disclosed. The foldable and portable frame with coverings can be erected and folded in a same fashion as the erecting and folding of the foldable and portable frame.