Foldable support device and artificial tree

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices have a radial fixed structure, making them bulky and inconvenient for transportation and storage, and prone to breakage.

Innovation Solution

A foldable support device with a support seat, a support assembly, and an unfold and fold mechanism, allowing the device to switch between an unfold position for stable support and a fold position for compact storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a radial fixed structure is used for the support device, then the structure provides stable support, but the device becomes bulky and inconvenient for transportation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support device transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The support assembly can rotate between an extended position for stable support and a folded position for compact storage, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus transportation needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is divided into separable components including the support assembly and the support seat. The support assembly itself is segmented into multiple sections that can fold relative to each other, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a radial fixed structure is used for the support device, then the structure maintains its shape, but the device is prone to breakage during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidresistance to breakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows controlled movement through folding mechanisms rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic capability enables the structure to absorb transportation shocks and stresses without breaking, while maintaining structural integrity when deployed for support functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable design inherently provides cushioning against impact forces during transportation. By allowing controlled deformation through folding rather than rigid resistance, the structure protects itself from breakage during handling and transit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the support device is made foldable, then transportation and storage become convenient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of foldingVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is designed to fold and unfold through its own weight and simple rotational movements at the connection joints. The structure utilizes gravity and basic mechanical hinging rather than complex actuating mechanisms, allowing the device to serve itself in the folding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly sections are designed to nest within each other when folded, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement achieves compact storage with minimal complexity by simply stacking the folded sections together without requiring additional containment structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4552538A1Foldable support device and artificial tree
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 DONGGUAN POLYFILM PLASTIC CO LTD
  • EP4552538A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4552538A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4552538A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a foldable support device and an artificial tree. The support device includes a support seat, a support assembly, and an unfold and fold mechanism. The support seat is provided with an accommodating cavity and a mounting portion configured to mount a supported object. The accommodating cavity extends along a direction parallel to a first direction. An outer side surface of the support seat is provided with a pivot portion. The support assembly is pivotally connected to the pivot portion and has an unfold position and a fold position. The unfold and fold mechanism is drivingly connected to the support assembly. The unfold and fold mechanism is at least partially accommodated in the accommodating cavity and is movable along the first direction. The unfold and fold mechanism is capable of switching between a first state and a second state to drive the support assembly to switch between the unfold position and the fold position, when the unfold and fold mechanism is in the first state, the support assembly is held at the unfold position, and when the unfold and fold mechanism is in the second state, the support assembly is held at the fold position.