Foldable Stand With Outward-Folding Hinges for Torsional Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable presentation stands face issues with stability and accidental collapse due to reduced torsional rigidity, especially when compact and transportable, requiring a design that maintains a large display area with a small footprint while preventing unintentional folding.

Innovation Solution

A foldable stand with a framework comprising a base plate and top plate connected via three-dimensional folding segments, each made of two frame parts coupled via folding hinges positioned parallel to the lateral edge, allowing the frames to fold outward in a star shape, increasing torsional stiffness and preventing accidental collapse, and featuring a knee joint mechanism for secure folding and unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If foldable frameworks are used to make the stand transportable and light, then the stand becomes compact and easy to transport, but the torsional rigidity is reduced and the stand becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidtorsional rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The framework is divided into multiple folding segments connected by folding hinges, allowing the stand to be segmented into collapsible units that can be easily transported while maintaining structural integrity when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding hinges are positioned asymmetrically offset from the lateral edge of the frame parts, creating an uneven distribution of hinge locations that forces outward sideways movement during folding, which generates stabilizing forces and increases torsional rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of moving object

If the banner is designed to extend vertically to create a large display area, then the display area is increased, but the footprint is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidfootprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stand utilizes the vertical dimension to expand the display area of the banner while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, effectively trading horizontal space for vertical space to achieve large display area with minimal ground occupation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the folding hinges are positioned parallel offset to the lateral edge, then outward sideways movement is forced during folding increasing stability, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to unintentional foldingVSAvoidhinge positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing inward folding motion that would compromise stability, the hinge positioning is inverted to force outward sideways movement during folding, which generates stabilizing forces and prevents unintentional collapse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4421781A1Foldable stand
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 X MODULE AS
  • EP4421781A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4421781A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4421781A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a foldable stand (1) with a banner (3) and a framework (5) including a top plate (7) and a base plate (9) coupled via at least one folding segment (11), consisting of at least three folding frames (13), each constructed from two frame parts (15) coupled via a folding hinge (17). The folding hinges (17) are positioned in such a way that when two frame parts (15) of each folding frame (13) are folded together, a sideways movement of the respective folding hinge (17) is forced outwards.