Foldable Frame Leg Assembly Arrangement to Minimize Folded Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable frames are bulky when folded due to overlapping components, resulting in a larger size or thickness, which is inefficient for storage and portability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable frame design featuring pivotally coupled mounting and leg assemblies, with strategically positioned base members and supporting assemblies that allow the frame to fold into a minimized thickness configuration, preventing accidental unfolding through couplers, and optimizing the arrangement of leg assemblies to reduce overall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional foldable frame components are arranged conventionally, then the frame provides adequate support and stability, but the folded thickness becomes large due to component overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions base members from a conventional horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement along the longitudinal direction of the frame. This dimensional change allows base members to be stacked one above another rather than overlapping side by side, significantly reducing the folded thickness while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into distinct modular components including mounting assemblies, leg assemblies, and base members that can be independently positioned and arranged. This segmentation allows for optimized spatial arrangement where each component has a specific function and position, enabling the compact folded configuration without compromising overall structural support
2Length of stationary object
If base members are positioned to minimize folded thickness, then storage space is reduced, but the frame may become unstable when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assemblies incorporate pivotal connections that allow dynamic transformation between folded and unfolded states. The base members are positioned to work with this dynamic mechanism, providing stable support when unfolded while enabling compact folding when collapsed, adapting the frame's configuration based on usage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The base members are pre-positioned at locations that optimize both folded compactness and unfolded stability. By strategically placing base members along the longitudinal direction before the folding action occurs, the design ensures that when unfolded, the base members provide adequate ground contact for stability, and when folded, they align vertically to minimize thickness
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 achieves a significantly reduced thickness when folded, minimizing storage space requirements and enhancing portability while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second mounting assemblies are pivotally coupled with each other at proximal sides thereof. The first leg assembly includes a first upper member pivotally coupled with the first mounting assembly at a distal side of the first mounting assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable frame includes first and second mounting assemblies pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal sides. The foldable frame also includes first, second and third leg assemblies, each having an upper member coupled with one or more of the first and second mounting assemblies and a base member abutting a ground when in use. The upper members of the first, second and third leg assemblies are substantially parallel to each other, with a distance between the upper members of the first and third leg assemblies different than a distance between the upper members of the second and third leg assemblies. As a result, when folded, the base members of the first, second and third leg assemblies are disposed side by side along a longitudinal direction of the foldable frame.