Foldable Multi-Tile Working Surface Board with Sliding Lock Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working surfaces such as tables and trays have fixed surface areas, limiting flexibility and portability, making it difficult for users to adjust the size of the working surface according to their needs.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and expandable surface board comprising six interconnected tiles with sliding mechanisms that allow the board to be configured in various folds and expansions, enabling users to adjust the number of exposed working surfaces from fully expanded to fully folded configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed table or tray is used, then the working surface provides stability and strength, but the surface area cannot be adjusted and portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The working surface is divided into multiple independent tiles that can be folded relative to each other. Each tile remains structurally intact while the overall surface area changes through folding configurations, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working surface transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The tiles can be folded along edges to change the exposed working area while maintaining structural integrity through hinge connections, enabling adaptability without sacrificing stability.
2Area of stationary object
If a large working surface is provided, then more workspace is available, but the device becomes difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable tiles can be nested within each other when folded, creating a compact form factor for storage and transport. The larger working surface area is achieved when tiles are fully extended, while the same tiles nest into a small package when folded, resolving the contradiction between workspace size and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working surface transitions between two-dimensional expansion (when fully opened) and three-dimensional compaction (when folded). By utilizing vertical stacking and folding dimensions, the large surface area can be collapsed into a compact form, enabling both large workspace and easy portability.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable structure is implemented, then portability and storage ease are improved, but the structural strength and sturdiness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the structure into discrete tile segments connected by folds, each individual tile maintains full structural strength while the overall system gains portability. The segmentation allows the strong tiles to remain intact while enabling folding for easy transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses dynamic folding joints that maintain rigidity when the surface is in use but allow movement when needed for portability. The hinges and connections are designed to provide structural support during operation while enabling easy folding for transport, resolving the strength-portability contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding surface board is provided having at least six tiles. The folding surface board can be folded to provide working surfaces where all of the working surfaces of the folding surface board are fully exposed to being fully folded such that all of the tiles are stacked on top of each other while still connected to each other along their folded edges. The folding surface board can be divided in half, or such that only two working surfaces are exposed and a remaining number of tiles folded under the other exposed working surfaces. Sliding mechanisms are attached on an underside of the folding surface board such that the folding surface board can be locked in a fully expanded or partial configuration using the sliding mechanisms to lock and keep the desired number of tiles exposed and locked in place.