Interlocking Folding Frame Structure Without Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures that can be folded for storage or shipping are often expensive, less reliable, and aesthetically unacceptable, particularly when they rely on hinges or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A support structure composed of two parallelogram-shaped elements that interlock at their diagonal axes, allowing pivoting without hinges, formed from identical L-shaped components with chamfered corners to limit movement, enabling a robust and aesthetically pleasing folding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hinges or disassembly joints are used to enable folding, then the structure can be folded for storage or shipping, but the structure becomes more expensive, less reliable, and aesthetically unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hinges and disassembly joints from the structure entirely. Instead, it uses continuous rigid members with integrated geometric features (slots, protrusions, cam surfaces) that enable folding motion without separate joint components. This extraction of traditional joint mechanisms eliminates the reliability and aesthetic problems associated with hinges while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of structural support and folding mechanism into single continuous members. The rigid members incorporate both load-bearing structural elements and folding actuation features (slots, protrusions, cam surfaces) as integrated components, eliminating the need for separate hinge mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hinges or disassembly joints are used to enable folding, then the structure can be folded for storage or shipping, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of structural support and folding mechanism into single continuous members. The rigid members incorporate both load-bearing structural elements and folding actuation features (slots, protrusions, cam surfaces) as integrated components, eliminating the need for separate hinge mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric features of the rigid members (slots, protrusions, cam surfaces) are designed to automatically guide and control the folding motion without requiring external actuators or complex mechanisms. The structure folds and locks through its own inherent geometric design, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional folding mechanisms with hinges are used, then the structure can be folded, but the appearance becomes aesthetically unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hinges and disassembly joints from the structure entirely. Instead, it uses continuous rigid members with integrated geometric features (slots, protrusions, cam surfaces) that enable folding motion without separate joint components. This extraction of traditional joint mechanisms eliminates the reliability and aesthetic problems associated with hinges while maintaining folding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure is described that has an open and closed configuration. In the open configuration, the structure is free standing and is able to support weight. In the closed configuration, the structure is flat. The structure is formed of two elements that are interlocked at their corners in a manner that allows them to pivot with respect to each other. Chamfered surfaces on the sides of the elements provide stops limiting the motion between the elements. Several structures may be combined to form composite products.