Retractable Child Canopy With Cam Lock and Nested Recess Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face challenges in transporting children while keeping them warm and protected from the elements using existing child conveyance devices like strollers and car seats, as these devices often lack effective canopy systems for sun, wind, or rain protection.
Innovation Solution
A child conveyance device with a retractable canopy supported by a cam mechanism and a lock system, allowing the canopy to be securely positioned in fully extended, partially extended, or retracted configurations within recesses, using a semi-rigid stanchion and tubular sections of fabric with plastic piping for secure attachment and easy removal for washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable canopy system is implemented, then protection from environmental elements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into multiple sections that can be independently positioned along the support mechanism. The support mechanism itself is segmented into multiple adjustment positions, allowing the canopy to be divided into functional zones for different protection levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy sections are nested along the support mechanism, with each section able to slide into position along the articulated arm. The recesses in the support mechanism provide nested storage positions for the canopy sections when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioned configurations are enabled, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism provides discrete periodic positions rather than continuous adjustment. The cam mechanism creates distinct stable positions at regular intervals, allowing the canopy to be set at predetermined angles and heights that are easily achievable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism replaces complex multi-position locking systems with a simpler mechanical advantage system. The cam profile inherently provides the positioning function, eliminating the need for multiple separate locks or complex control mechanisms for each position.
3Ease of repair
If the canopy is made removable for washing, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy sections are designed to be easily removable and reattachable by the user without special tools or complex procedures. The attachment mechanism allows the canopy to service itself through simple removal for washing and reattachment, maintaining user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy is constructed with flexible fabric material that can be easily removed, washed, and reattached. The flexible nature of the canopy material allows it to conform to the support mechanism while maintaining ease of removal for maintenance.
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 solution provides a versatile and protective canopy system that can be easily operated to shield children from environmental elements, ensuring their comfort and safety during transport while being easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
the hold-down formed of a resilient material and including an end portion configured to be displaced from a position adjacent the wall of the one of the shell and the canopy cap to a sufficient degree to allow the tubular section of fabric including the section of plastic piping to be introduced or removed from the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the canopy support mechanism is coupled to the shell by a cam, the cam configured to releasably retain the canopy cap in each of a position in which the canopy is in a fully extended position and in which the canopy in a retracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Child conveyance devices and canopies for them are described. In one embodiment a child conveyance device comprises a shell including a first canopy recess, a support surface configured to support a child, and a retractable canopy mounted on a canopy cap pivotally coupled to the shell and configured to support the canopy above at least a portion of the support surface and to secure a first portion of the canopy in a retracted configuration within the first canopy recess upon positioning of the canopy cap in a closed configuration.