Folding/unfolding mechanism, frame and table having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tables are often not foldable, requiring assembly by users and are inconvenient for transportation and storage due to separate packaging of tabletops and legs, which is time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A folding/unfolding mechanism with coupling pieces, rods, and elastic members integrated into the frame design, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and adjustable legs with locking/unlocking mechanisms for stability and height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tables are made foldable, then ease of transportation and storage is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure is divided into separate modular components including first and second bars with coupling pieces, allowing the table to be segmented for folding and easy assembly/disassembly while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pieces are designed with nested slot structures where slots in first and second coupling pieces interact with rods, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables folding while reducing overall structural complexity
2Productivity
If tables require assembly by end users, then manufacturing and transportation efficiency is improved, but assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into pre-manufactured modular components (first bar with first coupling piece, second bar with second coupling piece) that can be independently manufactured and transported, then quickly assembled by users through simple coupling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be user-assemblable without specialized tools or expertise, with features like aligned slots and rods that guide automatic engagement, allowing end users to complete assembly themselves efficiently
3Ease of operation
If coupling pieces allow free rotation, then ease of assembly is improved, but stability of the structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a dynamic state (allowing rotation during assembly) to a static locked state (preventing rotation during use), enabling both easy assembly and structural stability through the same mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element that facilitates easy assembly by allowing rotation during coupling, then serves as a locking element that prevents rotation and ensures stability when the table is in use
Data Source
AI summary
A folding/unfolding mechanism includes first, second and third coupling pieces. Each of the first and second coupling pieces is configured to be fixed at an end of a bar and includes a hole and a slot with a closed bottom and an open top. The third coupling piece includes a slot with closed bottom and top. A first rod passes through the holes of the first and second coupling pieces and the slot of the third coupling piece. A second rod is integrally formed or coupled with a top portion of the third coupling piece, and movable together with the third coupling piece. The second rod is selectively inserted into the slots of the first and second coupling pieces, thereby selectively restricting the rotation of the first and second coupling pieces with respect to each other.