Variable Shape Frame Using X-Shaped Cross Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively allow for the change in shape or area of frames and three-dimensional structures using extendable arms, limiting their versatility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A variable shape frame with extendable arms formed by X-shaped cross units and corner members that guide coupling shafts, enabling the frame to change shape or size through extending and contracting operations, while maintaining corner angles, and a variable length coupling member that adjusts the distance between arms to alter the frame's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extendable arms are used to change the shape of a frame, then the adaptability and versatility of the frame is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases due to the need for corner members and guide portions
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable arm is divided into multiple cross units connected in a linear fashion, with each cross unit formed by two rigid members crossing in an X-shape and pivotally coupled by a middle coupling shaft. This segmentation allows the arm to extend and contract while maintaining structural integrity and enabling shape changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Corner members are introduced as intermediary components that locate and guide the coupling shafts of adjacent extendable arms. These corner members include guide portions that linearly guide the coupling shafts, enabling the extendable arms to move along predetermined paths and maintain proper alignment during shape transformations.
2Manufacturing precision
If corner members with guide portions are added to guide coupling shafts, then the precision of shape change and maintenance of corner angles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Corner members serve as intermediary components that locate and guide the coupling shafts of adjacent extendable arms. The guide portions of these corner members linearly guide the coupling shafts, ensuring precise movement and maintaining correct corner angles during extendable arm operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portions are designed with specific geometric parameters (linear guidance paths) that constrain the movement of coupling shafts. This parameter-based guidance ensures that corner angles remain constant while allowing the overall frame shape to change as extendable arms extend and contract.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable length coupling member is used to adjust the distance between arms, then the adaptability of the frame is improved, but the complexity of controlling the frame dimensions increases
Solution Approach 1:
A variable length coupling member is introduced to dynamically adjust the distance between extendable arms. This coupling member allows the frame to adapt its dimensions by changing the effective length of the coupling, enabling flexible control of frame shape and size without complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable shape frame having a polygonal shape includes: extendable arms forming each side of a polygonal frame; and corner members located at at least two of the corners of the polygon. Each of the extendable arms includes cross units each formed by two rigid members in an X-shape and pivotally coupled by a middle coupling shaft, and an end coupling portion pivotally coupling ends of adjacent ones of the cross units. The end coupling portion includes inner end coupling shafts and outer end coupling shafts. Adjacent two of the extendable arms are pivotally coupled by a common one of the inner end coupling shafts at every corner of the polygon. The corner member includes a first guide portion linearly guiding the inner end coupling shafts of the first extendable arm, and a second guide portion linearly guiding the inner end coupling shafts of the second extendable arm.