Stable and convenient foldable frame and table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tables are not stable and convenient to use and are not reliable for use.
Innovation Solution
The foldable structure includes a shaft with a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly, where the shaft is elongated with non-circular portions to enhance stability and convenience by restricting or allowing rotation of the panels relative to the shaft, and includes connectors and couplers to prevent accidental folding and level the panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the foldable table uses a simple foldable leg structure, then it is easy to carry and store, but it lacks stability and reliability during use
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other, allowing the table to be collapsed for easy storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. The leg assembly includes interconnected components that enable controlled folding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft includes non-circular portions positioned at specific locations to pre-establish contact with panel proximal sides, ensuring panels are leveled and positioned correctly before use. This preliminary geometric constraint prevents instability during deployment.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is circular for easy rotation, then folding is simple, but panels cannot be properly leveled and positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft transitions from a circular cross-section to a non-circular cross-section (such as D-shaped or rectangular) at specific portions along its length. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotation at critical locations, ensuring panels are properly leveled and positioned while allowing rotation in folding sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shaft have different cross-sectional geometries tailored to their specific functions: circular portions allow rotation for folding, while non-circular portions prevent rotation to ensure panel alignment and leveling. Each section's geometry is optimized for its local requirement.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting assembly allows free rotation, then folding is convenient, but accidental folding can occur during use
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular shaft portions create preliminary geometric constraints that prevent rotation before accidental folding can occur. The shape complementarity between the non-circular shaft and mounting assembly holes provides inherent resistance to unintended folding movements while allowing intentional folding when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable structure includes an elongated shaft having at least one non-circular portion. The foldable structure also includes a first mounting assembly with a proximal side fixedly connected to the shaft to restrict rotation of the first mounting assembly relative to the shaft and a second mounting assembly with a proximal side rotatably connected to the shaft to allow rotation of the second mounting assembly relative to the shaft. A first panel is fixedly connected to the first mounting assembly, and a second panel is fixedly connected to the second mounting assembly. The at least one non-circular portion of the shaft has an upper surface that remains in contact with a proximal side of the first panel, and when the foldable structure is unfolded, abuts upwardly against the proximal sides of the first and second panels to help to level the first and second panels.