Folding Chair Linkage for One-Handed Compact Safe Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding chairs are inconvenient to carry and store due to their high folded height, exposed folding mechanisms that pose safety risks, require two-handed operation, and lack flexibility in arrangement, making them difficult for elderly or disabled users to handle and store efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A folding chair design that allows one-handed operation by pivoting the back with a handhold, features a hidden folding mechanism to prevent injury and enhance aesthetics, and can stand independently in a compact, slim form for easy carrying and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the folded height of conventional folding chairs is reduced for more efficient storage and transportation, then storage efficiency is improved, but the folding mechanism becomes exposed at the top and sides, creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is nested within the seat structure itself. The linkages and joints are integrated into the seat's internal framework, allowing the mechanism to be concealed when the chair is in its unfolded seating position, eliminating the safety hazard of exposed moving parts while maintaining compact folded dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover or shield structure is introduced as an intermediary element that encloses the folding mechanism during the folding process. This intermediary component prevents direct contact with the mechanism while allowing the chair to fold and unfold, resolving the safety concern without compromising the compact folded form.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional folding chairs are designed with a compact structure, then storage efficiency is improved, but the chair requires two hands to fold or unfold, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The chair's structure is designed to utilize the user's body weight and natural motion to assist the folding action. When the user sits on or leans against the chair, the mechanical advantage is automatically engaged, allowing the compact folding mechanism to be operated with minimal effort from a single hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as springs or cam mechanisms that convert the user's pushing or pulling motion into the folding action. This dynamic design allows one-handed operation by leveraging the mechanical properties of the system rather than requiring manual manipulation of multiple components.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional folding chairs have exposed folding mechanisms for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but the exposed mechanism can cause injury to users when sitting or operating the chair
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is nested within the seat structure itself. The linkages and joints are integrated into the seat's internal framework, allowing the mechanism to be concealed when the chair is in its unfolded seating position, eliminating the safety hazard of exposed moving parts while maintaining compact folded dimensions.
4Device complexity
If conventional folding chairs have large holes in the back for mechanism disposition, then the folding mechanism can be accommodated, but the chair becomes less comfortable to sit on
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is nested within the seat structure itself. The linkages and joints are integrated into the seat's internal framework, allowing the mechanism to be concealed when the chair is in its unfolded seating position, eliminating the safety hazard of exposed moving parts while maintaining compact folded dimensions.
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
Enables easy one-handed folding and unfolding, reduces the risk of injury from the folding mechanism, provides a comfortable sitting experience, and allows for flexible storage and arrangement, improving usability for all users, especially the elderly and disabled.
Implementation Method 1
The back and the seat are pivotally connected
Implementation Method 2
The actuating member is movably coupled to the guiding portion of the seat
Implementation Method 3
the front leg and the rear leg are pivotally connected by the leg coupling member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A folding chair (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1j, 1t, 1g, 1i, 1h, 1m, 1q, 1u, 1p, 1n, 1v) comprises a seat (10, 10b, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10n, 10v), a back (30, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30t, 30i, 30j, 30m), an interlinking device (20, 20b, 20e, 20f), a front leg (50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50e, 50f, 50n), and a rear leg (40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40e, 40f). The seat (10, 10b, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10n, 10v), the back (30, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30t, 30i, 30j, 30m), the interlinking device (20, 20b, 20e, 20f), the front leg (50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50e, 50f, 50n), and the rear leg (40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40e, 40f) are interlinked. The seat (10, 10b, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10n, 10v) comprises at least one guiding portion (13, 13d, 13f), and the interlinking device (20, 20b, 20e, 20f) comprises at least one actuating member (21, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21f', 21j, 21t, 21g, 21h, 21m, 21p, 21v), which is movably coupled to the guiding portion (13, 13d, 13f). A user can fold or unfold the folding chair (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1j, 1t, 1g, 1i, 1h, 1m, 1q, 1u, 1p, 1n, 1v) by a single-handed operation, such as pushing or pulling on the back (30, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30t, 30i, 30j, 30m) or pulling a handle.