Folding frame and outdoor table or outdoor chair using the folding frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor tables and chairs have weak structures and limited folding capabilities, making them inconvenient for use and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A folding frame with hinged support legs and extension bars featuring meshing teeth for simultaneous folding/unfolding and a locking module with a pull rod seat and spring mechanism for stable fixation and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the outdoor tables and chairs use simple folding structure, then they are easy to manufacture and portable, but the overall structure is not strong enough and have limited folding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other, with each segment connected by hinged joints. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through multiple connection points while enabling compact folding capability for portability and easy manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg incorporates dynamic folding joints that allow the leg to transition between extended and retracted positions. The hinged connections enable controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and folding capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support legs are hinged to allow folding, then the folding capability is improved, but the structure becomes less stable when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
A locking module is pre-configured within the base that automatically engages with the support leg when unfolded. The locking block and lock slot are positioned to automatically lock the support leg in its extended position, providing preliminary stabilization before use and ensuring structural stability while maintaining folding capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking module is added to fix the support legs when unfolded, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking module is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the support leg position. When the support leg is unfolded, the locking block automatically enters the lock slot to stabilize the structure. When folded, it automatically releases. This self-service mechanism provides structural stability without requiring manual operation or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking module components (locking block, lock slot, spring) are integrated directly into the existing support leg and base structure. The locking mechanism is combined with the hinged connection system, so the same structural elements serve both folding and locking functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
4Ease of operation
If the locking module uses spring force to automatically lock, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring in the locking module is pre-compressed to store elastic potential energy that automatically pushes the locking block into the lock slot when the support leg is unfolded. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any tendency for the locking block to disengage, ensuring reliable locking without requiring additional force or complex mechanisms. The spring force is calibrated to provide sufficient locking force while maintaining easy operation.
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 and stable folding/unfolding of the frame, providing strong support and convenience in use and transportation by ensuring all legs fold/unfold simultaneously and are securely locked/unlocked with a simple operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring sheathed outside the pull rod seat and abutting the base, the pull rod seat is pushed upward under the elastic force of the spring
Implementation Method 2
every two neighboring support legs are connected through meshing teeth to move together
Data Source
AI summary
A folding frame and an outdoor table or outdoor chair using the folding frame. The folding frame comprises a base, a plurality of support legs, and a plurality of extension support bars. Both sides on the upper end of the support leg are configured with a teeth part, and every two neighboring support legs are connected through meshing teeth. The base is configured with a locking module to lock the support legs when they are relatively unfolded. The locking module includes a pull rod seat, a spring sheathing the pull rod seat, a plurality of locking blocks, and the pull rod seat is pushed upward under the elastic force of the spring so that the locking block is pushed into the lock slots of the support legs. Thus, the support legs unfolded in relation to the base can be fixed and supported.