Child Accessory Support Device with Hinge-Connected Movable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child accessory support devices have limitations such as rigid connections, limited configuration possibilities, and inefficiencies in production, leading to stability and safety issues, as well as difficulties in space-saving design and weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a main crosspiece and auxiliary crosspieces that allow independent movement of legs, a quick-release locking mechanism, and a design optimized for stability and ease of use, featuring a main crosspiece with intermediate portions and coupling pins for secure and flexible attachment of the child accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connection between arms is used, then structural strength is improved, but configuration flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed connections with movable hinge connections between the auxiliary crosspiece and main crosspiece. This allows the support legs to change configuration dynamically while maintaining structural strength through proper hinge design and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support structure into separate movable components (auxiliary crosspiece, main crosspiece, support legs) connected by hinges. This segmentation allows each part to move independently, providing configuration flexibility while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If simple central hinge connection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary crosspiece as an intermediary component between the support legs and main crosspiece. This intermediary element provides additional connection points and improves stability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through standardized hinge connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different connection characteristics at different locations - fixed connections at the base, movable hinge connections at the auxiliary crosspiece, and locking mechanisms at critical joints. This localized differentiation optimizes both stability and simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four support legs with independent movement are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the auxiliary crosspiece and hinge connections to serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing structural support, enabling movement, and allowing configuration changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while improving adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If quick-release locking mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the quick-release locking mechanism that allows users to easily secure and release the child accessory without requiring complex tools or procedures. The locking mechanism is designed to be user-operable, improving ease of operation while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through standardized components.
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 support device provides enhanced stability, safety, and ease of use while occupying minimal space, with improved weight distribution and efficient production, allowing for easy transportation and secure attachment of the child accessory.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling pin (5), configured for determining and keeping at least temporarily a hinge connection between the main crosspiece (3) and the first auxiliary crosspiece (4a)
Data Source
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AI summary
Support device (1) for a child accessory (100), in particular a child bathtub, the support device comprising: - a plurality of support legs (2), wherein said plurality of support legs (2) comprises at least one first pair of legs (2a, 2b); - at least one main crosspiece (3) joining, and fixed to, respective upper ends of the first pair of legs (2a, 2b) and extending along a main longitudinal direction between such upper ends, the main crosspiece having at least one first intermediate portion (3i) extending transversely with respect to the main longitudinal direction and to a line ideally joining the upper ends of the first pair of legs (2a, 2b); - at least one third leg (2c), movably mounted with respect to the first pair of legs (2a, 2b); - at least one first auxiliary crosspiece (4a) fixed to an upper end of the third leg (2c), said first auxiliary crosspiece (4a) being configured for being rotatably connected to the main crosspiece (3) at the first intermediate portion (3i); and - a first coupling pin (5), configured for determining and keeping at least temporarily a hinge connection between the main crosspiece (3) and the first auxiliary crosspiece (4a).