Foldable Baby Crib Frame for Single-Handed Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable baby cribs require multiple folding actions and force-exerting points, making them inconvenient to fold and occupy significant space when collapsed.
Innovation Solution
A foldable baby crib design featuring a bottom frame unit, lateral frame units, upper and lower pivot connectors, and an actuator that allows for single-handed folding by collapsing the lateral frame units toward each other, resulting in a compact, space-saving configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple folding actions and force-exerting points are used (as in prior art), then the baby crib can be folded, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The baby crib is divided into multiple lateral frame units (first, second, third, fourth lateral frame units) that can be independently folded toward the center. Each lateral frame unit includes support rods, top rods, and connectors that can be collapsed individually, allowing the entire structure to be folded through a single pulling action on the bottom frame unit while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple pivot connectors (upper pivot connectors and lower pivot connectors) that enable dynamic movement between the lateral frame units and the bottom frame unit. These pivot points allow the structure to transition smoothly from an expanded state to a folded state through a single continuous motion, eliminating the need for multiple discrete folding actions.
2Volume of moving object
If the baby crib is folded using conventional methods, then it can be collapsed, but it occupies a relatively large amount of space when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral frame units are designed to collapse toward the center of the baby crib, with the third and fourth lateral frame units folding inward to nest alongside the first and second lateral frame units. This nesting arrangement allows the entire structure to be compressed into a compact columnar form that occupies minimal space while maintaining the ability to be folded through a simple single-handed pulling action.
3Ease of operation
If the lateral frame units are designed for single-handed folding, then operation becomes simple, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom frame unit is designed with connecting sections that pre-position the lateral frame units in a stable configuration before folding begins. The pivot connectors are arranged to ensure that as the bottom frame unit is pulled, the lateral frame units fold in a controlled sequence that maintains structural integrity throughout the folding process, preventing buckling or collapse of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper pivot connectors and lower pivot connectors work together as an integrated system to maintain structural strength during folding. The connecting sections of the bottom frame unit are combined with the lateral frame units through these pivot points, creating a unified structure that can be folded by a single pulling action while distributing forces evenly across all components to preserve structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable baby crib includes a bottom frame unit, lateral frame units, and upper and lower pivot connectors. Each lateral frame unit includes a pivot connection seat, a pair of support rods, each having a top rod end pivoted to the pivot connection seat, and a pair of top rods, each having an inner rod end pivoted to the pivot connection seat. The upper pivot connectors interconnect pivotally outer rod ends of the top rods of adjacent lateral frame units. The lower pivot connectors interconnect pivotally lower rod ends of the support rods of adjacent lateral frame units. The bottom frame unit is connected to the lower pivot connectors and is operable to convert the foldable baby crib from an expanded state to a folded state, where the lateral frame units are collapsed.