Foldable Panel Furniture With Jacob's Ladder Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact, portable, and easily usable furniture device that can function in multiple configurations to serve different purposes, especially in limited spaces, while maintaining the ability to be compact when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A system of interconnected panels with a Jacob's Ladder hinge arrangement and flexible webbing that allows the panels to be folded and configured into various furniture forms such as a chair, lounge, table, desk, or stool, using locking mechanisms to secure the desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If furniture is designed to be compact and portable, then ease of transport and storage is improved, but functional versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture is divided into multiple flat panels that can be independently positioned and connected, allowing the structure to be segmented for compact storage yet reconfigured into various functional forms including chair, table, and stool configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The furniture structure transitions from a static compact form to dynamic reconfigurable states through movable panels and adjustable connections, enabling the same components to serve multiple functions based on user needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If furniture is designed to function in multiple configurations, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same set of panels and connection mechanisms serves multiple functions across different configurations, with each panel capable of occupying different positions and roles (seat, table top, backrest) depending on the desired furniture form
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to nest within each other in the compact configuration, with smaller panels fitting into spaces between larger panels, minimizing overall volume while maintaining all necessary components for multiple functions
3Volume of moving object
If furniture is made compact for storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but ease of configuration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-arranged in a specific nested sequence and connected with pre-positioned hinges and locking mechanisms, so that configuration begins from a predetermined state and progresses through simple sequential steps rather than requiring complex assembly decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The furniture structure includes self-aligning panel edges and self-latching connection mechanisms that automatically guide and secure panels in correct positions during configuration, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and complex assembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable furniture system and method are disclosed. The system and method include one or more panels, each of the panels having one or more working edges. One or more hinges successively connect the panels together at the working edges. The system is able to convert from a folded configuration into a functional configuration, which may be a chair, desk, lounge, table or stool.