Self-locking folding bracket and folding chair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding chairs with self-locking mechanisms are unstable during use and folding, prone to toppling over due to inadequate stability in the unfolding state of the diagonal bracing mechanism, making them inconvenient to store and use.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking folding bracket with symmetrical foldable side supporting structures and a linkage assembly comprising side rods, cross rods, and connecting rods, which maintains stability through a four-bar linkage mechanism that prevents accidental folding by ensuring the cross rod abuts against the side rod, allowing for stable unfolding and controlled folding without additional locking structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a self-locking mechanism using body weight is employed, then the structure can achieve automatic locking, but the stability during sitting and standing becomes insufficient causing the bracket to fold accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking state is not fixed but changes based on the applied load. The diagonal bracing mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically in response to body weight application, allowing automatic locking during use while maintaining stability throughout the transition phases of sitting and standing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the diagonal bracing mechanism by introducing additional bracing elements and modifying the linkage geometry. This alters the mechanical properties of the mechanism to provide sufficient stability during dynamic transitions while maintaining the automatic locking function through body weight activation.
2Device complexity
If the diagonal bracing mechanism is designed for self-locking, then additional locking structures can be reduced, but the bracket becomes prone to folding during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagonal bracing mechanism into multiple independent bracing elements that work together. Instead of relying on a single complex locking structure, the mechanism is divided into several simpler bracing components that collectively provide both the self-locking function and resistance to accidental folding through their coordinated geometric arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket structure is simplified for easy folding, then portability is improved, but stability during the folding process deteriorates causing toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing elements in the bracket structure that provide stabilizing forces during the folding process. These elements act as mechanical counterweights that prevent the bracket from toppling while allowing controlled folding motion, maintaining stability throughout the transition from unfolded to folded state.
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 solution provides a stable unfolding state and prevents accidental folding, ensuring the folding bracket remains upright during use and folding, enhancing user safety and convenience by maintaining the distance between side supporting structures without the need for additional locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage assembly includes two groups of side rods, two groups of cross rods and two groups of connecting rods, the two groups of cross rods are disposed in an X-shaped crossed manner to form a first hinged point, one end of the cross rod is hinged with the lower end of the side supporting structure to form a second hinged point
Implementation Method 2
the cross rod and the connecting rod have an extreme position in the rotation process, the linkage assembly has a working state that passes down the extreme position so that the cross rod is abutted to the side rod
Implementation Method 3
one end of the cross rod is hinged with the lower end of the side supporting structure to form a second hinged point, the other end is hinged with the side rod through the connecting rod
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a self-locking folding bracket and a folding chair. The self-locking folding bracket includes two symmetrical foldable side supporting structures and a linkage assembly connected between the two side supporting structures, the linkage assembly includes two groups of side rods, two groups of cross rods and two groups of connecting rods, the cross rod and the connecting rod have an extreme position in the rotation process, the linkage assembly has a working state that passes down the extreme position so that the cross rod is abutted to the side rod, a folding state that the cross rod passes up the extreme position to leave the side rod, when the linkage assembly is in the working state, the linkage assembly is unfolded and able to maintain a distance between the two side supporting structures.