Folding Stool Hinge Structure for Compact Backrest Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding stools with backrests require significant space for storage due to the non-foldable design, as the backrest is typically fixed to the seat portion, making it difficult to fold and store compactly.
Innovation Solution
A folding stool design featuring a hinge device that allows the backrest to rotate and fold perpendicular to the seat portion, utilizing a combination of soft and hard sandwich boards with a position limiting board to control the rotation angle, enabling the backrest to be stored parallel with the stool cover, thus reducing space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backrest is fixed to the seat portion via bolts, then the backrest remains stable and vertical to the seat portion, but the backrest becomes non-foldable and requires large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest connection is changed from a fixed static structure (bolts) to a dynamic hinge mechanism that allows rotation between vertical and folded positions. The hinge device enables the backrest to adapt between two stable states: upright for use and folded for storage, resolving the contradiction between stability and foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest connection is divided into separate components: the seat portion, the backrest, and the hinge device connecting them. This segmentation allows independent movement of the backrest relative to the seat, enabling folding functionality while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the backrest is fixed to the seat portion, then the chair structure is simple and stable, but the folded chair occupies large space and is difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The chair structure incorporates a dynamic hinge mechanism that enables the backrest to rotate and fold parallel to the seat portion. This dynamic feature allows the chair to transition from an extended configuration to a compact folded state, significantly reducing storage volume while adding only minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the backrest nests parallel to the seat portion, with the stool cover and backrest stored as a whole. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the folded chair, making it compact and easy to store or transport.
3Ease of manufacture
If the backrest is made non-foldable, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the storage and transportation become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device provides a straightforward mechanical solution that adds foldability without complicating the manufacturing process. The hinge mechanism consists of basic components (hinge body, connection points) that can be easily integrated into existing chair manufacturing workflows, maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically improving storage convenience.
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 efficient storage and transportation by folding the backrest onto the stool cover, reducing space requirements while maintaining functionality as both a chair and a stool, with a simple manufacturing process and cost-effective materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first hard sandwich board in the backrest is connected to a second hard sandwich board under the upper surface of the seat portion via a hinge device
Data Source
AI summary
A folding stool comprises a seat portion, a backrest and a hinge device connecting the seat portion and the backrest. The hinge device comprises a first hinge and a second hinge rotatably connected. Two first hinges are respectively fixed to the backrest and the seat portion, the first hinge comprises two ear portions, the second hinge comprises four ear portions, and the four ear portions of the second hinge are respectively connected to four ear portions of the two first hinges by means of two rotary shafts. A position limiting board is fixed on the back surface of the second hinge, and the position limiting board comprises two oppositely provided position limiting surfaces.