Folding Footrest with Hinged Segmentation for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding footrests are bulky and heavy, making them inconvenient for frequent flyers and individuals of shorter stature, as well as for use in various seating situations, as they do not provide adequate support and are difficult to store and transport.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact folding footrest design featuring a central member with slots for adjustable height, hinged top and bottom sections that fold flat for storage, and optional snap clips or magnets for secure positioning, allowing easy assembly and disassembly for different height settings and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional folding footrest design is used, then it provides basic foot support functionality, but it becomes bulky and heavy, making it difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is divided into multiple segments including a central member, top member, bottom member, and adjustable support members that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the footrest to be collapsed into a compact form while maintaining structural integrity during use
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support members and other components are designed to nest within the central member when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the footrest when stored or transported, directly addressing the bulkiness problem of traditional designs
2Ease of operation
If a traditional folding footrest design is used, then it provides basic foot support, but it is heavy and bulky, reducing ease of transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest incorporates dynamic elements including hinges that allow smooth folding and collapsing motions, and adjustable support members that can be quickly repositioned and locked. These dynamic features enable easy transformation between extended and collapsed states, significantly improving ease of transport and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded tabs that automatically engage with slots to secure the adjustable support members in position, and the hinge design allows the footrest to collapse under its own weight. This self-service mechanism reduces the effort required to assemble, adjust, and store the footrest
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed height footrest is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted to provide several different height levels for different users and seating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support members can be positioned at multiple height levels by engaging different slots in the central member, allowing the same footrest structure to serve multiple users with different stature requirements and to accommodate various seating positions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple slot-and-tab mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The central member is divided into multiple sections with slots at different heights, and the support members are segmented to allow independent adjustment. This segmentation enables height adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design
4Volume of moving object
If a bulky footrest design is used, then it may provide adequate support structure, but it is difficult to fold flat into a compact form for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections between the central member, top member, bottom member, and adjustable support members allow the footrest to dynamically collapse into a flat compact form for storage, while maintaining structural stability when extended for use. The hinges are designed to provide stable support in the extended position while enabling easy folding
Data Source
AI summary
A footrest that has a central member that has slots formed in it to receive tabs. Attached to the sides of this member are two members that are hinged to the central member. These members have tabs that fit into the slots on the central member. In this way, the footrest can be folded relatively flat in a small square or rectangular form and then be unpacked and unfolded for use. Once the tabs are secure, the footrest is ready for use. In addition, the footrest has open ends that allow a user to carry the footrest. A handle can also be provided to assist in opening the device. Finally, snap clips (with or without magnets) can be used to secure the tab faces in place for storage.