Foldable Height-Adjustable Frame with Mechanical Locking Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable workstations face challenges in being easily foldable and energy-independent, as electric drives require cables and are prone to faults, while mechanical solutions often prevent folding.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable frame with a locking structure and rotatable shaft allows for synchronous adjustment of leg elements, enabling easy folding and operation without electric energy, using a three-part shaft with universal joints and a winder element for height adjustment, and a blocking arrangement for secure locking and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric drives are used for height adjustment, then height adjustability is achieved, but the frame cannot be folded and requires cables/energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric drives with a purely mechanical height adjustment system. A rotatable shaft with locking structure enables synchronous adjustment of multiple leg elements through mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for electric motors and cables while maintaining height adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg elements are designed to be foldable and nestable within the frame structure. When not in use, the legs can be folded up and stored within the horizontal and longitudinal sections of the frame, enabling compact storage and transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical height adjustment is used, then no electric energy is required, but the legs cannot be folded
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow transformation between extended and folded states. The leg elements can be rotated and folded up into the frame structure, while the locking mechanism dynamically adapts to secure the legs in either extended or folded position, enabling both energy independence and folding capability.
3Volume of moving object
If leg elements are made foldable, then space-saving is achieved, but height adjustability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height adjustment mechanism with the folding mechanism into a single integrated system. The rotatable shaft serves dual purposes: it adjusts the height of leg elements and simultaneously enables their folding motion. The locking structure is positioned to secure both the extended and folded states, allowing seamless transition between functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A height-adjustable frame for furniture, such as a worktable or desk, is disclosed. The frame includes first and second height-adjustable leg elements pivotable about first and second pivot axes between folded-out and folded-in positions. A rotatable shaft is arranged between the first and second leg elements to synchronously drive first and second height adjustment arrangements. The shaft includes a middle section and first and second end sections pivotable towards the middle section about respective first and second joint axes. A locking structure is included that locks the first and second leg elements in a folded-out position, when the first and second joint axes do not run approximately parallel to the first and second pivot axes, and that unlocks when the first and second joint axes run approximately parallel to the first and second pivot axes to permit the first and second leg elements to pivot into a folded-in position.