Folding storage stool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household stools lack a folding mechanism that allows for compact storage and utilization as a storage unit, making them unsuitable for smaller spaces and lacking in storage functionality.
Innovation Solution
A folding storage stool design featuring a folding stool body with a removable cover and a supporting board that converts into a backrest, allowing for compact folding and storage while providing a picking and placing opening for articles, enabling both seating and storage functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing stools are made non-folding for structural simplicity, then manufacturing and structural simplicity is improved, but space occupation and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stool body is divided into multiple foldable sections that can be collapsed into each other, transforming a solid non-folding structure into segmented movable parts. This allows the stool to reduce its volume significantly when folded while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stool transitions from a static non-folding structure to a dynamic foldable structure with movable joints and hinges. This dynamic design enables the stool to change its configuration between expanded (seating) and collapsed (storage) states, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and space occupation.
2Ease of operation
If folding stools are designed with basic folding mechanism only, then ease of folding is improved, but storage function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stool is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a seating stool when unfolded, and transforms into a storage box when folded with the cover in place. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure adaptable to different uses without requiring separate items.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable legs and stool body nest within each other when collapsed, creating a compact form that fits inside the stool cover. This nesting mechanism enables the stool to transition from a functional seating object to a compact storage container, adding storage capability while maintaining ease of folding.
3Reliability
If stool cover is made fully enclosed for protection, then protection function is improved, but accessibility for picking articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a fully enclosed static structure to a dynamic structure with an openable section. This allows the cover to maintain its protective enclosure when closed while providing easy access to stored items when opened, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a folding storage stool which comprises a foldable stool body, a stool cover, and a supporting board. The stool body comprises an inner cavity and an upper opening; the upper opening allows the inner cavity in communication with outside. The stool cover is located upon the stool body and covers the upper opening. The supporting board is located at a bottom of the inner cavity and support the foldable stool body to maintain an unfolded state. The stool cover comprises a first cover part and a second cover part. A pivot end of the first cover part is pivotably connected to the second part, and a free end of the first cover part is capable of being pivotable away from the upper opening.