Folding shelf

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and display solutions for mobile devices and larger electronic devices are inconvenient due to structural limitations, making it difficult to use, store, and carry these devices effectively, especially regarding screen viewing and ambient light issues.

Innovation Solution

A folding shelf design that can be transformed from a sheet structure into a rectangular shelf for supporting objects and back into a sheet form for storage and carrying, featuring trapezoidal and triangular blocks, a smaller secondary sheet body for support, and optional magnetic elements and non-slip surfaces for stability and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile device is held in hand for use, then the device can be operated and viewed, but the user's hands are restricted and it is inconvenient to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of device operationVSAvoidneed for additional support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is designed as a folding structure that can dynamically transform between a compact sheet form for portability and an expanded shelf form for stable device placement. The folding mechanism allows the shelf to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being carried or used, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a mobile device is placed on a tabletop for use, then hands are freed for operation, but screen viewing is affected by ambient light and positioning is fixed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoidflexibility in viewing position and angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The folding shelf provides a portable, adjustable support surface that can be positioned at various locations and angles, unlike a fixed tabletop. The dynamic folding structure allows users to create an optimal viewing position anywhere, combining hands-free operation with adaptability to different environments and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a shelf structure is provided for device placement, then viewing and operation are improved, but the shelf is difficult to store and carry when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of device placement and viewingVSAvoidstorage and carrying difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is divided into multiple foldable sections (first sheet body and second sheet body) that can be collapsed into a compact configuration. This segmentation allows the shelf to be easily stored and carried when not in use, while still providing a stable surface for device placement when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism enables the shelf to dynamically transition between an expanded functional state for device placement and a collapsed compact state for storage and portability, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and storage difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If the shelf structure is expanded for use, then device placement and viewing are facilitated, but the structure occupies more space during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area for object placementVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is constructed from multiple foldable sheet bodies that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage. When deployed, these segmented sections expand to provide a large surface area for device placement, effectively resolving the contradiction between placement area and storage space requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11439233B2Folding shelf

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 DONGGUAN SOLUTION 33 ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A folding shelf includes a first sheet body and a second sheet body. The first sheet body has a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, a fifth block and a sixth block. The first block is in a trapezoidal shape and the second block is in a trapezoidal shape and its upper bottom edge is connected to an upper bottom edge of the first block to define an engaged status. The third block is in a triangular shape and connected to one of the side edges of the first block, and the fourth block is in a triangular shape and connected to the other side edge of the first block and configured to be symmetrical to the second block. The fifth block is in a trapezoidal shape and its side edge is connected to one of the side edges of the second block, and the sixth block is in a trapezoidal shape and its side edge is connected to the other side edge of the second block and configured to be symmetrical to the fifth block. The arrangement of the first to sixth blocks allows the first sheet body to from a contour line of a rectangular sheet structure. The edges of the first to sixth blocks can be folded into a shelf. The second sheet body has an area smaller than the first sheet body, and a side of the first sheet body is partially disconnected from the first sheet body. Therefore, users can form the shelf by folding to facilitate the application of placing objects. When the shelf is not in use, the shelf can be maintained as a sheet body to facilitate storage and carrying.