Track-Guided Invertible Structure for Stable Spring-Assisted Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing invertible structures face challenges in efficiently transitioning between upright and inverted orientations, particularly in applications like artificial trees, where easy storage and reorientation are required, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for controlled and stable inversion mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed invertible structure incorporates a stand, a support portion, a track with multiple translational axes, and a connector element that moves along the track, utilizing a spring device to exert force and facilitate reorientation from upright to inverted and vice versa, with a releasable mechanism for secure locking and easy inversion, ensuring controlled movement and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge or pivot mechanism is used for inversion, then the structure can change orientation, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into a stationary support portion and a movable longitudinal portion that can be independently positioned. The track is segmented into multiple translational axes, allowing the longitudinal portion to move through discrete positional stages rather than requiring continuous rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector element acts as an intermediary between the longitudinal portion and the track. This connector engages with the track's translational axes and works in conjunction with a spring device to mediate the inversion motion, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining control.
2Ease of operation
If manual force alone is used for inversion, then the structure can be reoriented, but heavy loads become difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
A spring device is integrated into the track mechanism to provide counterbalancing force against the weight of the longitudinal portion. The spring exerts force in opposition to gravity, reducing the manual effort required to lift and reposition heavy loads during the inversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device replicates the gravitational force acting on the longitudinal portion, creating a counterbalancing effect that makes the system feel lighter and easier to manipulate during inversion operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inversion mechanism is simplified, then the device is easier to manufacture, but stability during inversion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The track is designed with multiple translational axes that guide the longitudinal portion through a controlled dynamic path during inversion. This dynamic guidance system maintains stability throughout the motion sequence while using simple, manufacturable components rather than complex rigid constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device provides continuous force feedback to the longitudinal portion during inversion, automatically adjusting to maintain stable motion. The connector element also provides positional feedback by engaging with specific translational axes on the track, ensuring controlled and stable inversion.
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 smooth and controlled inversion of the longitudinal portion, allowing for efficient storage and reorientation of artificial trees, ensuring stability and ease of use, even under heavy loads, by leveraging the combination of manual and spring-assisted forces.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device connected to the body. The slot may have a plurality of translational axes... A first end coil portion of the spring device is fixed to body and a second end coil portion of the spring device is operable to exert a force, either directly or indirectly, on the longitudinal structure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invertible structures rely on combinations of translational movements to effect inversion. An exemplary invertible structure includes a track operable to be slidably coupled to a connector element of a longitudinal structure. In an embodiment, the connector element may include at least two connectors at least partially disposed in a slot defined in the track, which may have a plurality of translational axes for translational movements of the connectors of the longitudinal structure that would effect the inversion of the longitudinal structure.