Folding Chair Locking Structure to Prevent Shaking and Falls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding chairs lack a locking mechanism, leading to instability and safety concerns, especially for children, as they tend to shake and cause falls due to the absence of a lock structure.
Innovation Solution
A folding chair design featuring a locking structure between the front and seat plates, utilizing a spring-activated mechanism with beveled blocks and sockets for self-locking, along with a pull piece for easy operation, to ensure stability and safety by preventing unintended unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If friction-based folding connecting structure is used, then the chair structure is simple, but the stability and safety are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure automatically locks the folding connecting parts when the chair is unfolded, without requiring manual operation. The spring-loaded locking components engage with the folding parts to maintain stability, while allowing easy folding when needed. This self-locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing automatic stabilization without adding complex manual locking operations.
2Ease of operation
If no lock structure is used, then the chair is easy to fold and move, but it shakes and causes safety issues for children
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful shaking and instability are extracted and eliminated by introducing a dedicated locking structure that separates the folding function from the stability function. The locking components are integrated into the folding mechanism but perform the distinct function of preventing unwanted movement, thereby removing the harmful shaking effect while preserving ease of folding.
3Reliability
If lock structure is added to prevent shaking, then the stability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is merged with the existing folding connecting parts, utilizing the same spatial arrangement and movement paths. The locking components are integrated into the folding mechanism rather than being separate add-on elements, thereby providing enhanced stability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If friction-based connection is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the chair lacks safety for active children
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a friction-based parameter regime to a mechanically locked parameter regime. The locking structure changes the fundamental state of the connection from relying on friction forces to relying on positive mechanical engagement, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of basic mechanical components.
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 locking mechanism enhances stability and safety by preventing the chair from shaking and improving usability, allowing for secure seating and easy movement while maintaining compact storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is arranged between the lock buckle and the front plate to push the lock buckle to make the first locked block insert into the first socket
Implementation Method 2
The first locked block comprises a first bevel connected to the first locked component and makes it push the first locked block
Data Source
AI summary
The present utility patent is a folding chair, comprises a back plate; a seat plate, which capable of flipping up towards the back plate, is hinged at the front side of the back plate; a side rear plate, which capable of flipping inward towards the seat plate after the seat plate flipping up, is hinged at the left and right sides of the back plate; a side front plate, which capable of flipping towards the side rear plate after the side rear plate flipping inward, is hinged at the front side of the side rear plate; a front plate, which capable of flipping towards the side front plate after the side front plate flipping towards the side rear plate and whose left and right ends hinged respectively at the front end of left and right sides of the side front plate; and a locking structure, which capable of locking the front plate and the seat plate after the seat plate flipping down, is arranged between the front plate and the seat plate. As unfolding the folding chair, the stability and safety is improved by the locking structure, thereby preventing children from falling down due to shaking.