Height-adjustable frame with folding leg elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable table frames that are collapsible often face difficulties in providing both height adjustability and foldability, especially when using mechanical mechanisms, as they tend to be prone to failure and require electrical energy, making them undesirable for space-saving and ergonomic needs.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable frame design featuring a locking structure and a rotatable shaft with universal joints, allowing for synchronous adjustment of leg elements, which can be folded in when the joint axes align parallel to the pivot axes, ensuring stability and ease of use without electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical height adjustment mechanism is used, then height adjustability is achieved, but the frame cannot be folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shaft rotatable between different orientations. When the shaft is rotated to align its axis with the pivot axis of the leg elements, the locking structure engages to lock the leg elements in the unfolded position. When the shaft is rotated to a different orientation, the locking structure disengages, allowing the leg elements to be folded. This dynamic reorientation of the shaft enables both height adjustment and foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the shaft's rotation between two distinct positions: a first orientation where the shaft axis is non-parallel to the pivot axis (locking position for height adjustment), and a second orientation where the shaft axis is parallel to the pivot axis (unlocked position for folding). This periodic reorientation enables the frame to alternate between stable height-adjustable mode and compact folded mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical drives are used for height adjustment, then height adjustability is improved, but the device requires electrical energy and is prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using a purely mechanical linkage system where the shaft and locking structure automatically engage and disengage based on the shaft's orientation. The user simply needs to rotate the shaft to the appropriate position, and the locking structure automatically locks or unlocks the leg elements. This eliminates the need for electrical drives, cables, and power sources, making the system more reliable and easier to operate.
3Volume of moving object
If the frame is designed to be collapsible, then space saving is achieved, but height adjustability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the shaft to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the height adjustment mechanism (when oriented in the first position with the locking structure engaged) and the folding mechanism (when oriented in the second position allowing leg elements to fold). This single component performs what would traditionally require separate mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while achieving both collapsibility and height adjustability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A height-adjustable frame comprises a first leg element (1) with a first support section (11), a first foot section (12) and a first adjustment device and a second leg element (2) with a second support section (12), a second foot section (22) and a second adjusting device. The first support section (11) and the first foot section (12) can be displaced relative to one another by means of the first adjustment device. The second support section (21) and the second foot section (22) can be displaced relative to one another by means of the second adjustment device. The first leg element (1) can be pivoted about a first pivot axis (S1) and the second leg element (2) can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (S2). The frame further comprises a locking structure and a rotatable shaft (4) disposed between the first leg member (1) and the second leg member (1) for synchronously driving the first adjustment means and the second adjustment means. The shaft (4) comprises a central section (40), a first end section (41) pivotable to the central section (40) about a first joint axis (G1) and a second end section (42) pivotable to the central section about a second joint axis (G2). The locking structure locks the first leg element (1) and the second leg element (1) in an unfolded position if the joint axes (G1, G2) do not run at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes (S1, S2) or, in particular, at least approximately coincide. The locking structure can be unlocked when the joint axes (G1, G2) run at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes (S1, S2) and in particular coincide at least approximately, so that the first leg element (1) and the second leg element (1) are in a folded position are pivotable.