Foldable Pinwheel With Locking Mechanism For Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Most commercially available pinwheels are non-foldable and integral, leading to damage during transportation and storage, and are inconvenient for users due to their fixed structure.
Innovation Solution
A foldable pinwheel design featuring a central pole with rotatably disposed helical blades and a locking mechanism that allows the blades to be stacked and secured in a compact position for storage, with locking mechanisms comprising a base, locking sleeve, and limiting blocks to maintain the unfolded state during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pinwheel blades are made integral and non-foldable, then structural strength and stability are improved, but storage convenience and transportation safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pinwheel blade assembly is divided into multiple detachable blade units that can be separated from the central support structure. Each blade unit can be independently removed and stored separately, allowing the pinwheel to be folded into a compact configuration for storage and transportation while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinwheel structure transitions from a static integral design to a dynamic foldable configuration. The blade assemblies can be moved between an extended operational position and a folded storage position, providing adaptability between use and storage states while maintaining strength when in use.
2Ease of operation
If pinwheel blade assemblies are made detachable, then storage convenience is improved, but structural stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Connecting elements such as connecting rods, pins, or clips are pre-positioned at the blade roots to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly. These preliminary connection preparations allow users to rapidly attach or detach blade units without complex tools or procedures, maintaining reliability through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection functions are integrated into unified connecting elements that simultaneously provide structural support, alignment, and secure attachment. The connecting elements merge the roles of structural reinforcement and fastening, ensuring that detachable connections maintain the same structural stability as integral designs.
3Volume of moving object
If pinwheel structure is made compact for storage, then storage volume is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pinwheel is divided into modular blade units that can be independently handled and stored. Each segment can be compactly packaged separately, reducing overall storage volume while simplifying assembly through standardized interfaces that reduce complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assemblies are designed to nest within each other or within the central support structure when folded, creating a compact configuration that minimizes storage volume. The nested arrangement is achieved through tapered blade roots and corresponding receptacles that guide assembly while reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a foldable pinwheel, which comprises a central pole (1); and a blade assembly rotatably disposed on the central pole (1); the blade assembly comprises a plurality of rotary blades (2) and at least one locking mechanism (4), which is rotatably disposed on the central pole (1); the plurality of rotary blades (2) can be stacked up together when the locking mechanism (4) is in an unlocked state, and the locking mechanism (4) can secure the plurality of rotary blades (2) in a stacked up position. The folding and unfolding of rotary blades are realized by a locking mechanism. The overall volume can be effectively reduced during transportation or storage. When in use, the pinwheel can be mounted quickly. It is convenient and fast.