Foldable Storage Shelf Linkage for Compact Folding and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable storage shelves face challenges such as bulkiness, heaviness, and difficulty in folding into compact units due to rigid cross-supports, which hinder portability and accessibility, and often require detachable parts that can be lost or complicated mechanical structures.
Innovation Solution
A foldable storage shelf design featuring two spaced side frames with a panel assembly and a foldable frame that pivots between unfolded and folded positions, using a transmission link and sliding joint mechanism to ensure rigidity and compact folding, without the need for detachable parts or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid structure is used to support objects, then the storage shelf can provide strong support, but the storage shelf becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The storage shelf employs a foldable structure with movable connections between the rack frame and panel frame, allowing the shelf to transition between an unfolded supported state and a folded compact state. This dynamic design replaces the need for permanently rigid structures with a system that achieves rigidity only when needed during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage shelf is divided into separate modular components including the rack frame, panel frame, and individual panels that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows each component to be lightweight while the assembled structure provides adequate support when unfolded.
2Weight of stationary object
If a foldable structure is used to reduce weight and bulk, then the storage shelf becomes more portable, but the support strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable structure incorporates movable connections that transition from a flexible folded state to a rigid supported state when unfolded. The design ensures that during the unfolded configuration, the structure provides adequate support strength despite using lighter materials and fewer permanent rigid connections.
3Strength
If cross-supports are added to rigidify the foldable structure, then the support strength is improved, but the opened sides are blocked and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding cross-supports that would block access, the design segments the structure into separate rack frame and panel frame components connected through movable joints. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve rigidity through the connection mechanism itself rather than through blocking cross-supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connections between rack frame and panel frame provide the necessary rigidity when unfolded without requiring static cross-supports. The dynamic nature of these connections allows the structure to maintain strength while preserving open sides for accessibility.
4Strength
If more connecting joints are used to enhance supportability, then the structural strength is improved, but the foldable ability and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses a minimal number of strategically placed movable connections between the rack frame and panel frame that provide adequate support when unfolded while allowing complete folding when not in use. These dynamic connections replace the need for numerous permanent joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is segmented into major components (rack frame, panel frame, panels) connected through controlled movable joints, rather than using numerous small permanent connections. This segmentation allows for adequate support with fewer joints that can fully fold.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the storage shelf is designed with a rectangular shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the compactness when folded is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular structure maintains its shape and stability when in the unfolded supported configuration, but the movable connections allow the entire structure to collapse into a compact folded state. The dynamic transitions enable the stable rectangular form to be achieved only when needed for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular framework is segmented into collapsible sections that can fold relative to each other, allowing the stable rectangular configuration to transition into a compact folded state. The segmentation enables both structural integrity during use and compact storage when folded.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame structure includes two side frames and a foldable frame coupled with the side frames to fold between an unfolded position and a folded position. The foldable frame includes a transmission link supported between the side frames, a sliding joint slidably coupling with the transmission link, and two folding arms coupling the transmission link to the side frames respectively. Each of the folding arms has an upper end pivotally coupling with the sliding joint and a lower end pivotally coupling with the respective side frame. At the unfolded position, the sliding joint is upwardly slid to an upper end of the transmission link to move the side frames away from each other. At the folded position, the sliding joint is downwardly slid away from the upper end of said transmission link to move the side frames towards each other for folding the side frames side-by-side.