Booster Seat Frame with Rotatable Tray for Single-Motion Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing booster seats require multiple steps to fold and store, as the tray must be separated from the frame, folded, and re-engaged, limiting smooth conversion between open and closed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A booster seat design with a rotatable tray and engagement/disengagement means allows the tray to be easily switched between use and stored configurations, enabling the seat to be folded to a closed position without separating the tray, using a simple and smooth mechanism that includes telescopic connections and locking/unlocking mechanisms for efficient conversion between open and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tray is engaged in cantilever fashion to the booster seat frame, then the tray provides stable support during use, but the booster seat cannot be folded to closed position without removing the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The tray connection mechanism transitions from a static cantilever engagement to a dynamic system where the tray can be easily disengaged and reengaged. The quick-release mechanism allows the tray to move between engaged and disengaged states smoothly, enabling the frame to fold while the tray remains attached or is quickly reattached after folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray connection is segmented into discrete engagement and disengagement points, allowing the tray to be quickly separated from the frame without requiring complete removal. This segmentation enables independent movement of the tray and frame components during the folding operation.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is removed before folding, then the booster seat can be folded to closed position, but the process requires multiple separate steps and increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism is pre-configured with engagement lugs and recesses that automatically align when the tray is moved toward the frame. This preliminary positioning reduces the time required for reengagement after folding, as the components are already oriented correctly for immediate connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding operation can proceed with the tray in a partially engaged state or be quickly completed by rushing through the disengage-fold-reengage sequence as a single fluid motion rather than separate steps, reducing overall operation time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tray remains engaged during folding, then the tray stays attached to the frame, but the backrest cannot be folded down onto the seat portion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism provides dynamic states allowing the tray to be engaged during certain phases of folding (when it does not interfere with backrest movement) and disengaged during other phases (when interference would occur), optimizing both attachment and folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding process is segmented into distinct phases: Phase 1 with tray engaged (initial folding), Phase 2 with tray disengaged (backrest folding), and Phase 3 with tray reengaged (final positioning). This segmentation allows each phase to proceed without interference while maintaining overall system integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A booster seat (1) for children comprising a frame (2) composed of a front structure (3) and a rear structure (4), the front structure (3) comprising a lower base portion (5) and an upper backrest portion (6), the rear structure (4) being rotatably attached to the lower base portion (5); a seat portion (8) rotatably attached to the upper backrest portion (6); a tray (9) comprising a pair of lateral arms (11); the tray (9) being rotatably attached to the upper backrest portion (6) for the tray (9) to be commuted between a use configuration in which the tray (9) overhangs the upper backrest portion (6) and a stored configuration in which the tray (9) is substantially parallel to the upper backrest portion (6); the booster seat (1) being adapted to be commuted between an open configuration and a closed configuration whereby, in the open configuration, the lower ends of the lower base portion (5) and the lower ends of the rear structure (4) are spaced apart from each other, with the seat portion (8) substantially parallel to the tray (9) which is in the use configuration, and in the closed configuration, the lower ends of the lower base portion (5) are close to the lower ends of the rear structure (4) with the seat portion (8) and the tray (9) substantially parallel to the upper backrest portion (6).