Folding Desk with Segmented Desktop for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding desks are difficult to store or move due to their large size and shape, even when the legs are collapsed.
Innovation Solution
A foldable desk design featuring a fixed backframe, a fixed desktop portion, and a rotatable foldable desktop portion that can be easily folded and unfolded, along with independently rotatable support frames for enhanced portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional folding desks use movable legs that are pivotally attached to a desktop, then the legs can be moved between use position and storage position, but the desk retains large size and shape even when collapsed, making it difficult to store or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The desktop is divided into two separate portions: a fixed desktop portion that remains attached to the backframe, and a foldable desktop portion that can be independently folded. This segmentation allows the foldable portion to be collapsed without requiring the entire desk structure to be folded, significantly reducing the volume when stored while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable desktop portion is hinged to fold vertically upward (in the vertical dimension) rather than folding horizontally outward like conventional legs. This dimensional change allows the foldable portion to collapse into a compact vertical configuration against the backframe, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint and overall volume when stored.
2Strength
If conventional folding desks have legs that extend outwardly, then the desk provides adequate support, but the desk maintains large dimensions even in collapsed state
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a fixed backframe that provides primary structural support and a separate foldable desktop portion. The fixed backframe with its vertical legs remains in place to maintain structural integrity and support capability, while only the foldable desktop portion collapses, significantly reducing the length when stored without compromising overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of folding the support legs inward like conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the support frame fixed and vertical, and folding the desktop portion upward. This inversion maintains the full length and strength of the support structure while achieving compact storage through folding the desktop in the opposite direction.
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 design allows for easy folding and unfolding, making the desk more portable and convenient for storage, while maintaining strength and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The foldable desktop portion is rotatable, in relation to the fixed desktop portion, between a folded position and an unfolded position
Implementation Method 2
rotating a support frame about an axis perpendicular to the first and the second portions
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable desk that includes a fixed backframe and a fixed desktop portion connected to a top, horizontal portion of the fixed backframe. The desk also includes a foldable desktop portion rotatably connected to the fixed desktop portion. The foldable desktop portion is rotatable, in relation to the fixed desktop portion, between a folded position and an unfolded position. The foldable desktop portion in the folded position is substantially parallel to the fixed backframe and substantially perpendicular to the fixed desktop portion. The foldable desktop portion in the unfolded position is substantially coplanar with the fixed desktop portion and substantially perpendicular to the fixed backframe. The desk further includes at least one support frame rotatably connected to a bottom, vertical portion of the fixed backframe.