Foldable unit and stackable frame having same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable frames are often fixed in size, occupying large spaces when not in use and are bulky when folded, requiring significant storage and transport space.

Innovation Solution

The design of foldable units and stackable frames with adjustable widths, featuring pivotally coupled sections and detachable connectors, allowing for multiple configurations and compact storage by folding and unfolding mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the frame is made fixed in size to ensure structural stability, then the frame can provide reliable support, but it occupies large space when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be separated into smaller components. Each section maintains structural integrity through reinforced joints and connection mechanisms, while the segmented design allows flexible arrangement and compact storage when disassembled, resolving the contradiction between structural reliability and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the frame is designed to be foldable to reduce storage space, then the frame can be compacted, but it becomes bulky when folded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidbulkiness when folded
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The frame sections are designed to nest within each other when folded, with telescopic bars and nested tubular structures. The connection sections feature nested geometries where one component fits inside another, dramatically reducing the folded volume and eliminating bulkiness while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frame uses detachable connectors to enable reconfiguration, then the frame can be adjusted to different widths, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidth adjustmentVSAvoidconnector system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal connector design is implemented that serves multiple functions: attachment, detachment, width adjustment, and structural reinforcement. The connection section incorporates standardized interfaces that can accommodate different configuration needs, reducing the variety of specialized components required and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240382007A1Foldable unit and stackable frame having same
Publication Date: 2024.11.21 GEXIN XIAMEN SPORTS EQUIP
  • US20240382007A1 patent drawing
  • US20240382007A1 patent drawing
  • US20240382007A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable unit includes a first section, a second section and a connection section. The first and second sections are pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal sides. The connection section has a first side pivotally coupled with a peripheral bar of the first section and a section side for detachably coupling the connection section with a structure. The foldable units can be used to make frames at different widths when unfolded to meet different needs of users and stackable when folded to save spaces.