Jointless Folding Mechanism Using Flexible Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding mechanisms in various technologies suffer from wear and maintenance issues due to joint weaknesses, which are prone to load concentrations during movement.
Innovation Solution
A jointless, continuously deformable folding mechanism where a flat component can be gradually and continuously oriented by bending a connected, squat or flat component, utilizing high elongation materials like fiber-reinforced plastics to achieve reversible elasticity and reduce stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional folding mechanisms use rigid bodies connected via joints, then the structure achieves stability and defined movement, but the joints are subjected to load concentrations causing wear and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the joints from the folding mechanism entirely. Instead of connecting rigid bodies through joints, the invention uses a continuous flexible membrane that folds without discrete connection points, removing the source of wear and maintenance problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin-walled structure that enables folding motion through material flexibility rather than mechanical joints. This flexible shell approach allows the structure to deform and fold while maintaining integrity without the wear associated with rigid joint connections
2Ease of operation
If a folding mechanism uses discrete rigid components with joints, then the mechanism achieves controlled folding motion, but the complexity of the mechanism increases due to multiple parts and connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete rigid components and joints into a single continuous flexible membrane structure. This consolidation maintains the folding functionality while eliminating the complexity of multiple separate parts and their interconnections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static assembly of rigid bodies to a dynamic flexible membrane that can adapt its shape and folding pattern. The flexible material allows for continuous deformation and folding motion without the constraints of fixed joint configurations
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
This solution enables durable, low-maintenance folding mechanisms that can be applied in facade shading, aerospace, engines, medicine, and interior design, with adjustable folding angles and reduced wear, leveraging the reversible elasticity of components to store spring energy for movement.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing high elongation materials like fiber-reinforced plastics to achieve reversible elasticity and reduce stress concentrations
Implementation Method 2
The spring energy stored in this way can be used to perform a reversible movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The joint-free, continuous ductile folding mechanism has a component (2), where the adjustment of the component is changed gradually and continuously by bending of a connected, compact or planar another component (1). The latter component is formed in a rod-shaped manner. The components are made of plastic, metal or wood material.