Lateral Folding Step Unit with Pivoting Linkages for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step stools are either cumbersome to store and use due to their non-collapsible designs, lack stability, and limited usability, or they occupy valuable space when fixed in one location, failing to provide adequate height and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible step unit with a vertical frame and pivotally attached linkages that translate from a vertical to a horizontal position, incorporating a leg frame, hand rail, and adjustable components for multiple usable positions, allowing easy deployment and storage, and integration with a mounting guide for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If portable step stools are made collapsible to reduce storage space, then storage efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as they become awkward to use and difficult to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be independently folded. The leg assemblies are segmented into thigh portions, shin portions, and foot portions that can be collapsed sequentially, making the overall structure easier to manage and store while maintaining ease of deployment through systematic folding sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The step stool incorporates dynamic hinge mechanisms that allow smooth transitions between deployed and collapsed states. The hinges are designed with cam followers and guide surfaces that control the folding motion, making collapse intuitive and easy to operate while achieving compact storage dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If fixed step stools are mounted within cabinets to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they can only access one area
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool is designed as a universal device that can be stored in various locations (cabinets, corners, under appliances) and deployed to access multiple different areas. The collapsible design with multiple configuration options allows it to serve different functions and reach different heights and positions, making it adaptable to various kitchen layouts and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The step stool transitions from a fixed two-dimensional mounting position to a three-dimensional collapsible structure that can be deployed in multiple directions and configurations. This allows access to various areas around the kitchen rather than being limited to a single mounted location.
3Device complexity
If step stools are designed without hand rails to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rail is integrated into the existing leg structure of the step stool rather than being a separate component. The rail is formed as part of the leg assemblies, combining the support function of the legs with the safety function of the hand rail, thus maintaining structural simplicity while providing stability.
4Volume of moving object
If collapsible step stools are designed to be compact for storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but ease of operation worsens as they become difficult to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanisms are pre-configured with cam followers and guide surfaces that automatically guide the folding sequence. When collapse is initiated, the pre-designed mechanical paths ensure that sections fold in the correct order and manner, making the collapse process intuitive and easy to operate rather than requiring complex manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A step unit including a vertical frame and a plurality of linkages pivotally attached at different heights to the vertical frame by one end of each of the linkages, to provide lateral rotation to the linkages. A leg frame, with at least one leg, is pivotally attached to the opposite end of each linkage whereby laterally translating the leg frame simultaneously pivots the linkages from a first, vertical position to at least one second, horizontal position.