Foldable Frame With Movable-Pipe Linkage for Compact Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable frames for commuting tools have insufficient volume shrinkage rates and complex folding/unfolding procedures, leading to inconvenience and potential damage or injury.
Innovation Solution
A foldable structure incorporating a supporting pipe, first and second driving rods, and a movable assembly that allows the frame to be converted between unfolded and folded configurations by pivoting the driving rods and movable pipe, forming a Z-shape when folded to maximize space savings and simplify the folding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional foldable structure is used, then the frame can be folded and carried, but the volume shrinkage rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The front wheel frame is nested within the foldable structure when folded, with the front wheel positioned inside the frame body. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the overall volume of the folded frame, directly addressing the insufficient volume shrinkage rate problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into separable components including the front wheel frame, rear wheel, and foldable structure with driving rods. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and folded, enabling more efficient space utilization and higher volume shrinkage rate.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional foldable structure is used, then the frame can be folded, but the folding and unfolding procedure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The movable assembly with the movable pipe automatically drives the driving rods to pivot when the pipe moves along the supporting pipe's reference axis. This self-driven mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation of multiple components, simplifying the folding procedure and reducing folding time.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of multiple components are merged into a single movable pipe operation. Moving the pipe simultaneously controls the pivoting of both driving rods and achieves the folding action, consolidating what would otherwise be separate manual operations into one simple action.
3Reliability
If a conventional foldable structure is used, then the frame can be folded, but incorrect procedure could cause breaking of parts or injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pipe acts as a centralized control element that provides feedback-based control over the folding process. As the pipe moves along the reference axis, it automatically regulates the pivoting of the driving rods, ensuring coordinated motion and preventing incorrect procedures that could cause damage or injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable pipe serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's single action and the complex coordinated motion of multiple components. This intermediary controls the synchronization of the driving rods' pivoting, eliminating the need for users to manually coordinate multiple parts and reducing the risk of incorrect operation.
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
The design enhances the volume shrinkage rate of the folded frame and simplifies the folding/unfolding procedure, reducing time and risk of damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
the movable pipe pulls the at least one first driving rod to pivot around the first pivot point in a first rotation direction through the first connecting member and pulls the at least one second driving rod to pivot around the second pivot point in a second rotation direction through the second connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A frame with a foldable structure includes a front wheel frame, a handlebar frame, and a foldable structure including a supporting pipe defined with a reference axis, a movable assembly, a first driving rod, and a second driving rod. The front wheel frame is for installing a front wheel and is pivotally connected to the handlebar frame. The movable assembly includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a movable pipe fitting around the supporting pipe and being movable between a first position and a second position along the reference axis. An end of the first driving rod is pivotally connected to the supporting pipe. Another end of the first driving rod is pivotally connected to the front wheel frame. An end of the second driving rod is pivotally connected to the supporting pipe. Another end of the second driving rod is installed with a rear wheel.