Folding Frame with Gear-Rack Locking for Independent Leg Support
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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 storage.
Innovation Solution
A folding frame with a base, hinged support legs, extension support bars, a locking mechanism, and gear racks that allow each support leg to fold and unfold independently, providing stable support and easy folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outdoor tables and chairs use simple folding structure, then they are easy to carry and store, but the overall structure is not strong enough and stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other, allowing the structure to be compact when folded while maintaining strength when deployed. The locking mechanism is also segmented with individual locking blocks for each support leg, providing distributed strength throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs are designed to be dynamically adjustable, transitioning between folded and unfolded states. The gear rack and locking mechanism enable controlled dynamic movement, allowing the structure to adapt between compact storage configuration and stable deployed configuration with enhanced strength in the deployed state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support legs are locked in unfolded position, then the structure provides stable support, but the folding capability is limited and inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the spring-loaded locking blocks that automatically engage with the gear rack teeth when support legs are unfolded, providing automatic stabilization without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the natural movement of the support legs to trigger the locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides dynamic control, allowing the support legs to be easily locked in the unfolded position for stability during use, and easily unlocked for folding when needed. The spring-loaded design enables quick transition between locked and unlocked states, maintaining both stability during use and convenience for folding.
3Strength
If multiple support legs are connected together, then the structure provides stronger support, but the folding capability is reduced and each leg cannot be folded independently
Solution Approach 1:
Each support leg is equipped with its own independent locking mechanism consisting of individual locking blocks, gear racks, and springs. This segmentation allows each leg to be locked or unlocked independently while maintaining structural strength when all legs are deployed, and enables flexible folding of individual legs when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism design is universally applied to all support legs, with each leg having the same independent locking system. This universal design provides consistent strength across all legs while enabling each leg to independently transition between locked and unlocked states, offering both structural integrity and flexible adaptability.
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 ensures safe and stable use by locking the unfolded support legs, preventing unexpected folding and allowing each leg to be folded independently, enhancing convenience and strength.
Implementation Method 1
a spring sheathed outside the pull rod and abutting the base, the pull rod is pushed upward under the elastic force of the spring
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 hinged around the base, a plurality of extension support bars hinged on the support legs and capable of folding, and a locking mechanism. The base is provided with a plurality of gear racks. Both sides of each gear rack are configured with vertically distributed first teeth part. Both sides of the upper end of the support leg are configured with circularly distributed second teeth part. The upper end of the support leg is positioned between two gear racks, and the second teeth part of the support leg mesh with the first teeth part of the gear rack. When the locking mechanism can lock the unfolded support legs, the gear rack also locks the support legs.