Unfolding Mechanism for Collapsible Information Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible information carriers require complex mechanisms and trained personnel for unfolding, are difficult to manufacture, and may fail if resilient components are damaged, posing challenges in simplicity, ease of use, and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible information carrier mechanism featuring side working elements made of rigid materials like cardboard, connected by an elastic loop, with positioning teeth and adjustment areas that allow automatic unfolding and locking without additional tools, using energy stored in the elastic loop, and maintaining shape even if the resilient element is damaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If complex resilient tapes and counteracting elements are used to maintain bent configuration, then the information carrier can maintain its shape, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape maintenanceVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex counteracting elements and multiple resilient tapes from the structure. Instead, it uses a single elastic loop that performs both the bending and shape-maintaining functions independently, without requiring additional counteracting components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic loop serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the bending force to curve the display surface and maintains the bent configuration without requiring separate counteracting elements. This single component replaces the complex multi-element system of prior art.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple separate belts are used to counteract resilient tapes, then the bent configuration is maintained, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebent configuration stabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate counteracting belts into a single elastic loop. This loop is attached at two points on the rear panel and automatically provides both the bending force and the configuration stability, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifying assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If resilient tapes are used for bending the display surface, then the exhibition surface becomes curved, but reliability decreases when the tapes are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved display surfaceVSAvoidfunctionality after damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates positioning teeth that engage with corresponding features on the rear panel to prevent excessive unfolding of the display surface. This protective mechanism is built into the structure beforehand to cushion against potential damage from over-unfolding, enhancing the reliability of the resilient element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Stability of the object's composition

If trained personnel are required to unfold the information carrier, then proper unfolding is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper configurationVSAvoidunfolding simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic loop is designed to automatically unfold the information carrier when transported to the exhibition place. The stored elastic energy in the loop provides the force needed to bend the display surface and maintain the curved configuration without requiring any manual intervention or trained personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanism simplifies assembly and production, reduces costs, is environmentally friendly, easy to recycle, and ensures the information carrier maintains its shape without additional tools or personnel intervention, even if the resilient element breaks.

Implementation Method 1

a single exhibition surface is curved due to effect of elasticity force of an elastic element mounted on the stand's rear panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2650862B1Unfolding mechanism and collapsible information carrier

Publication Date: 2019.09.11 UDS

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AI summary

The subject matter of this patent application is an unfolding mechanism (1) for collapsible information carriers (13) having side working elements, comprising fastening elements for joining the mechanism (1) with information carrier (13), engaging elements, wherein the engaging elements are joined with each other by means of at least one resilient element (8), characterised by that the engaging elements are distant from fastening elements, wherein between the fastening elements and engaging elements there is an adjustment area of fixed length, while between the engaging elements there is an adjustment area (a) of variable length. The subject matter of this patent application is also an information carrier (13) that uses such unfolding mechanism (1).