Bi-axially collapsible frame for a bassinet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible frames for portable infant care accessories are often awkwardly reconfigurable or require significant space when folded, failing to meet consumer demands for improved portability, compactness, and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A foldable frame design that allows for bi-axial folding, with upper and lower frame rails that pivot and telescope, enabling the frame to collapse into a compact form while preventing inadvertent collapse, and featuring a stable and easy-to-assemble structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional collapsible frames are used, then the bassinet can be collapsed for storage, but the frame requires significant space when folded and is awkwardly reconfigurable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollapsed volumeVSAvoidreconfiguration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can independently compress along the longitudinal axis. The side rails are segmented into upper and lower portions that can move relative to each other, allowing compact folding while maintaining operational simplicity through guided movement paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional compact form by utilizing vertical compression through telescoping sections. The end members pivot inward while the side rails compress vertically, creating a compact bundle that minimizes storage space while keeping the folding mechanism intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the frame is designed for compact folding, then portability is improved, but the frame may become unstable or require complex locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollapsed volumeVSAvoidframe stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping sections incorporate friction-based or detent-based locking features that automatically engage during the folding process to prevent premature collapse. These preliminary anti-actions ensure the frame remains stable during assembly and deployment while still allowing controlled movement when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The frame utilizes dynamic locking mechanisms that transition from locked to unlocked states based on applied force. The telescoping sections can be easily extended or collapsed by applying force in the desired direction, while automatically locking into stable positions during use, providing both portability and stability without complex external locking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If telescoping sections are added to enable compact folding, then device complexity increases, but manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollapsed volumeVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping sections are designed so that one rail segment fits within another, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement allows multiple sections to compress into a compact form while using minimal additional materials and keeping the structural logic straightforward for manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 frame effectively collapses into a compact form, maintaining stability during use and ease of deployment, addressing the need for improved portability and compactness while being durable, inexpensive, and simple to use.

Implementation Method 1

Pivoting connections enable the end members and the side members to pivot, each member having a pivot connection at each end thereof.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The lower frame rails incorporate telescoping sections enabling the length between the pivoting connections to be varied.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTelescoping:

Data Source

PatentUS9675182B2Bi-axially collapsible frame for a bassinet

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 ARTSANA USA INC

AI summary

A foldable frame comprises opposing pairs of side and end frame members joined at respective ends to define a generally rectangular and planar frame perimeter. The end members and the side members are generally movable between folded and unfolded positions. The end members are spaced-apart along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The side frame members extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to define a frame length. Pivoting connections enable the end members and the side frame members to pivot, each member having a pivot connection at each end thereof. Pivoting of a respective end or side member is permitted when the frame is configured to align the respective end pivots, but is inhibited when the frame is configured to move the respective end pivots out of alignment. The respective pivot axes of the end and side members are generally perpendicular oriented and define a folding and unfolding sequence.