Foldable Support Device with Pivot Mechanism for Compact Storage

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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 pivot 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 pivot between an unfolded position for stable support and a folded position for compact storage, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is divided into separable components including the support seat, support assembly, and unfold and fold mechanism. This segmentation allows the support assembly to be independently folded and stored within the support seat, reducing overall volume 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 provides stable support, but the device becomes prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbreakage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic foldable design allows the support assembly to be folded into a compact configuration within the support seat during storage and transportation, reducing the risk of breakage from external impacts. The unfolding mechanism ensures proper alignment and secure positioning when deployed, maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly is designed to nest within the support seat when folded, with the unfold and fold mechanism providing protection and guidance. This nested configuration protects vulnerable parts from damage during handling and transportation while ensuring reliable deployment when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the support device is made foldable, then transportation and storage convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unfold and fold mechanism is designed to enable the support assembly to be folded and unfolded through simple user actions without requiring complex controls or multiple components. The mechanism self-locks in the unfolded position to provide stable support and self-compresses when folded, reducing operational complexity despite the added foldable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Volume of moving object

If the support assembly is folded into the support seat, then storage space is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unfold and fold mechanism utilizes the existing structural components of the support seat and support assembly to achieve folding functionality. The mechanism leverages the accommodating cavity and pivot connections already present in the design, adding minimal complexity while achieving compact storage within the support seat volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The foldable support device can be easily unfolded and folded to meet different use requirements, reducing storage space and facilitating transportation while maintaining stability during use.

Implementation Method 1

The support assembly is pivotally connected to the pivot portion and has an unfold position and a fold position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The first locking member has a first engaging end. The first locking member is movably arranged on the movable seat and has a first lock position allowing the first engaging end to be engaged with the engaging hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The second locking member has a second engaging end. The second locking member is movably arranged on the movable seat and has a second lock position allowing the second engaging end to be engaged with the engaging hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

the driving member is capable of pushing against the first cover body to drive the movable seat to move from the first position to the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4552537A1Foldable support device and artificial tree
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 DONGGUAN POLYFILM PLASTIC CO LTD
  • EP4552537A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4552537A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4552537A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a foldable support device (100) and an artificial tree. The support device(100) includes a support seat (1), a support assembly (3), and an unfold and fold mechanism(4). The support seat (1)i s provided with an accommodating cavity (111) and a mounting portion (121)configured to mount a supported object. The accommodating cavity (111) extends along a direction parallel to a first direction. An outer side surface of the support seat (1) is provided with a pivot portion (13). The support assembly (3) is pivotally connected to the pivot portion (13) and has an unfold position and a fold position. The unfold and fold mechanism (4) is drivingly connected to the support assembly (3). The unfold and fold mechanism (4) is at least partially accommodated in the accommodating cavity (111) and is movable along the first direction. The unfold and fold mechanism (4) is capable of switching between a first state and a second state to drive the support assembly (3)to switch between the unfold position and the fold position, when the unfold and fold mechanism (4) is in the first state, the support assembly (3) is held at the unfold position, and when the unfold and fold mechanism (4) is in the second state, the support assembly (3) is held at the fold position.