Folding Support Shelf Structure With Independent Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs fail to efficiently fold and reduce dimensions for transport and storage without causing premature wear on attachment elements and compromising aesthetics with bulky connection joints.
Innovation Solution
A furnishing element with independent first and second hinges allows the support shelf and legs to rotate, folding into a compact configuration, using slender joints that do not interfere with the design, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional folding solutions with connection joints are used, then the furnishing element can be folded to reduce dimensions, but the connection joints become bulky and unsightly, compromising the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic folding mechanism where the support shelf can rotate between a horizontal working position and a vertical folded position. The first hinge enables rotation of the support shelf relative to the support leg, allowing the structure to transition between states while maintaining clean lines and avoiding bulky connection joints in the visible configuration
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the support shelf nests vertically against the support leg, with the second hinge allowing the support leg to rotate and position the shelf in a compact vertical orientation. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall footprint while keeping connection joints hidden or minimal in appearance
2Ease of operation
If dismantling and reassembly of components is implemented, then the furnishing element can be easily transported, but the attachment elements experience premature wear due to repeated dismantling/assembly cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamically foldable structure using hinges that allow the support shelf and support leg to rotate into a compact configuration. This eliminates the need for complete dismantling and reassembly, as the entire folding process is achieved through rotational movement around hinge axes, thereby preventing wear on attachment elements
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second hinges are integrated into a unified folding mechanism where the support shelf and support leg move together as a coordinated system. This combined folding action achieves compact storage without requiring separation of components, thus eliminating repeated attachment/detachment cycles that cause wear
3Volume of moving object
If retractable or folding elements are added to reduce dimensions, then the furnishing element can be compacted, but the overall dimension reduction is not optimal when assembled but not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-stage dynamic folding system: the first hinge allows the support shelf to rotate to a vertical position, and the second hinge enables the support leg to rotate, positioning the shelf in a fully vertical nested configuration. This dynamic mechanism achieves optimal dimension reduction while maintaining relatively simple hinge-based construction
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is segmented into two independent hinge joints: the first hinge for support shelf rotation and the second hinge for support leg rotation. This segmentation allows each hinge to perform a specific rotational function, achieving comprehensive dimension reduction through coordinated action of simpler individual components rather than a single complex mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
Furnishing element (4), such as a table, a stool, a desk or the like, comprising a support structure (8) having at least one support leg (12) which defines a vertical axis (V) directed along a main vertical direction (Y-Y), a support shelf (24), supported by said support structure (8) and connected to the support structure (8) by the interposition of connection means (28), wherein the support shelf (24), in a configuration of use, is positioned parallel to a horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to said main vertical direction (Y-Y). Advantageously, said connection means (28) comprise a first and a second joint (32, 36) independent of each other. The first joint (32) identifies a first hinge axis (X-X) parallel to the horizontal plane (P) to permit the rotation and folding of the support shelf (24) towards the support structure (8), so as to position the support shelf (24) perpendicular to said horizontal plane (P), in a folded configuration, The second joint (36) identifies a second hinge axis (W-W) which permits the rotation of the at least one support leg (12) towards the support shelf (24), so as to position the support leg (12) parallel to the horizontal plane (P), in a folded configuration.