Accordion-Fold Play Structure With Retained-Fastener Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional children's play structures are often bulky and require many small pieces for assembly, making them difficult to store and transport, and consumers struggle with the complexity of assembly, often needing a second person to assemble and identifying correct hardware.
Innovation Solution
A foldable play structure with an accordion fold design and a simplified assembly device featuring corner hinges with through-holes and a fastener system that allows panels to be easily connected and disconnected, enabling one-person assembly without additional hardware identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional play structures are assembled from many small pieces, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The play structure is divided into panel sections that can be folded together like an accordion, allowing the structure to be transported in a compact state and assembled by simply unfolding and connecting pre-positioned components rather than assembling many small pieces
Solution Approach 2:
Hardware components are pre-positioned in recesses within the panels during manufacturing, so that when the structure is unfolded, the hardware is already in its correct location and orientation, eliminating the need for users to identify and install hardware during assembly
2Volume of moving object
If play structures are designed to be foldable for compact storage, then storage space is reduced, but assembly mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The play structure uses a dynamic folding mechanism with hinges that allow panels to transition between folded and unfolded states, enabling compact storage during transport while maintaining full structural functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism combines multiple functions into a single component: it enables folding for compact storage, provides structural connection between panels, and works in conjunction with pre-positioned hardware to enable simple assembly without additional complexity
3Loss of time
If hardware is pre-positioned in hinges for easy assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but the hinge design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it enables the folding action for compact storage, provides structural connection between panels, and serves as a pre-positioned hardware mounting point, eliminating the need for separate hardware installation steps
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 reduces storage and shipping space, simplifies assembly, and eliminates the need for a second person, making it easier and faster for consumers to set up the play structure while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot portion attaching the first hinge portion to the second hinge portion, wherein the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are configured to rotate with respect to each other about the pivot portion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may relate to a foldable play structure which may be easily assembled and which may be form of four or more panels each connected to another to provide an accordion fold structure; corner hinges comprising a first hinge portion attached to one panel of the at least four panels; a second hinge portion attached to another panel of the at least four panels; and a fastener configured to be retained within either the first portion or the second portion; and mid-wall hinge(s) attached to two of the panels and located between the corner hinges. Typically, in a first configuration, the panels of the accordion fold structure are folded to be stacked in substantially parallel planes, and in a second configuration, the panels are unfolded forming a play structure. The retained fastener may be used to secure the corner panels together.