Folding Joint Locking Mechanism for Compact Frame Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frames and worktables, such as barbecue grills and shopping carts, are not foldable, leading to increased storage space requirements and transportation costs due to their fixed shape and non-collapsible designs.
Innovation Solution
A folding joint comprising a control portion with a moveable slot and shaft, a lock cylinder, and pivotally joined rotary arms, allowing for easy unlocking and folding through a convenient operation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional frames and worktables are designed with fixed shape and non-collapsible structure, then structural stability and strength are improved, but storage space requirements and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments (first frame member, second frame member, third frame member) that can be relative moved with respect to each other. The worktable is divided into a table top and support legs that can be folded. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength when assembled while reducing storage volume when disassembled or folded.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The first and second frame members can move relative to each other between extended and retracted positions. The support legs can be folded at angles, transforming the rigid structure into a flexible one that adapts between use and storage states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional worktables are designed with fixed legs and non-foldable structure, then structural stability is improved, but storage convenience and transportation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed with pivotal joints allowing them to be folded at various angles. The third frame member can be rotated relative to the second frame member, and the table top can be folded relative to the support legs. This dynamic design maintains stability when assembled while enabling easy folding for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows components to nest within each other when collapsed. The support legs fold into a compact configuration, and the table top can be folded to nest with the frame structure, maximizing storage convenience while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
3Force
If barbecue grills are designed with fixed legs and non-collapsible structure, then support stability is improved, but portability and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The barbecue grill legs are designed as collapsible frame members that can be extended for stable support during use and retracted for compact portability. The first and second frame members move relative to each other, allowing the grill to transition between a stable cooking configuration and a compact transport configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill structure is segmented into multiple movable frame members that can be relative positioned. This segmentation allows the legs to be collapsed into a compact configuration for portability while maintaining stable support when extended and assembled for use.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding joint for frames and worktables composed of a control portion and a joint portion is provided. The control portion includes a base provided with a moveable slot and a shaft inserted through the moveable slot. Two ends of the shaft are connected with a moveable seat and a hook correspondingly. The hook is for control of a lock cylinder of the joint portion. The lock cylinder is mounted in an outer tube, inserted through an upper rotary arm, and mounted in a lower rotary arm to be locked. The upper and lower rotary arms are pivotally joined. Thus the hook is driven to make the lock cylinder release from the lower rotary arm and unlock when the moveable seat of the control portion is pulled and moved. Thereby the joint portion is moved freely and folded. The folding joint is convenient to operate and easy to control.