Gravity-actuated locking structure and piece of foldable furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding table mechanisms require manual operation and significant force for unlocking, posing safety risks due to the sudden release of torsion springs.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-actuated locking structure with a locking buckle and rotation shaft assembly that switches between locked and unlocked states by adjusting orientation, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If torsion springs are used for the unfolding and folding mechanisms, then the table can be kept in the unfolded state through elastic force, but manual operation is required and significant force is needed for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torsion spring-based mechanical locking system with a gravity-based locking system. The locking buckle uses gravitational force to automatically engage with the positioning groove when the table is in the unfolded state, eliminating the need for manual operation to maintain stability. During folding, gravity naturally causes the locking buckle to disengage from the groove without requiring user force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs self-locking and self-unlocking functions through gravitational action. When the table is unfolded, the locking buckle automatically engages with the positioning groove to maintain the stable unfolded state. When folding begins, gravity causes the locking buckle to naturally disengage, enabling automatic operation without user intervention.
2Reliability
If torsion springs are used for the locking mechanism, then the table can be locked in the unfolded state, but safety risks arise due to sudden release of force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torsion spring-based mechanical system with a gravity-based system. Gravity provides a controlled, predictable force that eliminates the sudden release problem. The locking buckle engages with the positioning groove through gravitational pull, ensuring reliable locking without the dangerous elastic energy storage and sudden release characteristic of spring-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sudden force release into a beneficial controlled gravitational action. Instead of storing elastic energy that can suddenly release and cause injury, the system uses the constant, controlled force of gravity to achieve reliable locking and unlocking without harmful sudden movements or force releases.
3Reliability
If manual pressing is required to release the latch, then the locking mechanism can be controlled, but the operation demands significant force from users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual pressing mechanism with a gravity-based system. The locking buckle is designed to naturally engage with the positioning groove through gravitational force when the table is unfolded, providing controlled locking without requiring user force. During folding, gravity causes the locking buckle to automatically disengage from the groove, eliminating the need for users to apply significant force to release the latch.
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
Enables seamless locking and unlocking through gravity, reducing the risk of manual injury and simplifying the folding process.
Implementation Method 1
When the gravity-actuated locking structure is placed in a first orientation, the locking buckle swings to a first position relative to the rotation shaft assembly due to gravity, so that the position-limiting member and the position-limiting matching member are interlocked with each other in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft assembly
Implementation Method 2
When the gravity-actuated locking structure is placed in a second orientation, the locking buckle swings to a second position relative to the rotation shaft assembly due to the gravity, so that an interlocked connection in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft assembly between the position-limiting member and the position-limiting matching member is released
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity-actuated locking structure includes a locking buckle and a rotation shaft assembly. The locking buckle includes a position-limiting member, and the rotation shaft assembly includes a position-limiting matching member configured to be matched with the position-limiting member. When the gravity-actuated locking structure is placed in a first orientation, the locking buckle swings to a first position relative to the rotation shaft assembly due to gravity, so that the position-limiting member and the position-limiting matching member are interlocked with each other in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft assembly. When the gravity-actuated locking structure is placed in a second orientation, the locking buckle swings to a second position relative to the rotation shaft assembly due to the gravity, so that an interlocked connection in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft assembly between the position-limiting member and the position-limiting matching member is released.