Folding Chair Seat-Locking Structure for Stable Gatefold Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding furniture lacks a secure and efficient mechanism to transition between unfolded use positions and compact storage positions, often resulting in instability and difficulty in blocking unintended movement of the seat bottom.
Innovation Solution
A folding chair and bench design featuring retractable seat-bottom supports with gatefold leg units and seat-bottom retainers that include locking mechanisms to align and lock the seat bottom in the unfolded position, utilizing hinges for pivoting movements to facilitate easy folding and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional folding furniture is used without locking mechanisms, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the seat bottom becomes unstable and unintended movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seat-bottom retainer is designed to automatically engage with the seat bottom through alignment means and lock means that require no user intervention. The alignment means guides the seat bottom into proper position, and the lock means automatically blocks movement when engaged, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat-bottom retainer acts as an intermediary component between the gatefold leg unit and the seat bottom. It includes alignment means that guide the seat bottom and lock means that interconnect the two components, serving as a mediating structure that provides stable connection without requiring direct complex coupling between the leg unit and seat bottom.
2Volume of moving object
If gatefold leg units are made retractable for compact storage, then the folded size is reduced, but the mechanism for transitioning between positions becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate gatefold leg units that can independently fold and retract. Each leg unit is a distinct segment that pivots relative to the frame, allowing the overall structure to compact efficiently while maintaining simplicity in individual component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The gatefold leg units are designed with hinge joints that enable dynamic movement between extended and retracted positions. The hinges allow smooth transitions between states, and the associated retainers provide dynamic locking that maintains stability in the extended position while permitting easy transition to the folded position.
3Ease of operation
If lock means are made easily engageable by users, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the alignment means that guide the seat bottom into the correct position. When the seat bottom is properly positioned, the lock means automatically engages without requiring user manipulation, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable locking through the self-servicing nature of the design.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding chair includes a frame, a seat bottom coupled to the frame, and legs for supporting the seat bottom in a horizontal position relative to the frame. The frame is formed to include a seat back.