Adjustable Spring Steel Play Tunnel Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional play tunnels for children have a large storage size due to fixed diameter spring steel wires, making them inconvenient for storage and logistics, which limits their practicality and sales volume.
Innovation Solution
A storage-size-adjustable play tunnel with a supporting frame formed by bent spring steel wire and a locking mechanism that allows the frame to be adjusted radially, reducing the diameter and overall size for storage, combined with a multi-layer cloth cover for safety and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed diameter spring steel wires are used to ensure structural stability, then the tunnel structure is stable, but the storage size becomes large and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spring steel wire diameter adjustable rather than fixed. The supporting frame can be collapsed to a smaller diameter for storage and expanded to a larger diameter for use, allowing the structure to transition between stable operational state and compact storage state. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adapt its dimensions based on functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spring steel wire diameter from fixed to variable. By allowing the diameter to be adjusted within a range (e.g., 3-5 cm for use, collapsed to smaller diameter for storage), the system can maintain structural stability during use while achieving compact storage dimensions. This parameter change directly addresses the contradiction between stability and storage size.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed diameter spring steel wires are used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the adaptability to different storage spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustable diameter design allows the play tunnel to adapt to different storage spaces while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing. The supporting frame can be collapsed to various diameters to fit different storage constraints, and the locking mechanism ensures stability during use. This resolves the contradiction by adding adaptability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a play tunnel that can serve multiple storage scenarios. The adjustable diameter allows the same product to be stored in different locations (homes, logistics centers, warehouses) with varying space constraints. This multi-functional storage capability enhances adaptability while keeping the base design simple and cost-effective.
3Volume of moving object
If the supporting frame diameter is reduced for storage, then the storage size decreases, but the structural stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic design allows the supporting frame to transition between a collapsed small-diameter state for storage and an expanded large-diameter state for use. The locking mechanism ensures that when expanded, the structure achieves sufficient stability for children's play, while when collapsed, it achieves compact storage dimensions. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between storage size and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diameter parameter dynamically based on operational requirements. During storage, the diameter is minimized to reduce volume. During use, the diameter is increased to ensure structural stability. The locking mechanism enables this parameter change while maintaining stability in the operational state, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and stable use.
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 adjustable design facilitates easier storage and improves the product's practicality by reducing the overall size, enhancing usability and scalability while maintaining a clear and cost-effective structure.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting frame is formed by bending a spring steel wire... the supporting frame is adjustable in a radial direction as a whole
Implementation Method 2
Both ends of the spring steel wire are provided with a locking mechanism. By means of the locking mechanism, the two ends of the spring steel wire can integrally slide along the spring steel wire and be fastened onto any positions of the spring steel wire
Data Source
AI summary
A storage-size-adjustable play tunnel for children includes a supporting frame constituting a tunnel structure, and a cloth cover. End openings at two sides of the tunnel structure communicate each other. The supporting frame is formed by bending a spring steel wire. The spring steel wire is bent to form a plurality of continuous loop parts. Both ends of the spring steel wire are provided with a locking mechanism. By means of the locking mechanism, the two ends of the spring steel wire can integrally slide along the spring steel wire and be fastened onto any positions of the spring steel wire. With sliding of the two ends of the spring steel wire, the supporting frame is adjustable in a radial direction as a whole.