Child play enclosure frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child play enclosure frames lack an efficient mechanism for stable extension and easy collapsibility, with prior designs often resulting in unstable structures when extended and cumbersome folding processes.
Innovation Solution
A child play enclosure frame featuring a deformable triangle and four-link mechanism with vertically movable central sets and pivotally connected bottom link sets, along with locking devices for the upper and lower frames, allowing for stable extension and synchronized folding of vertical rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional four-link mechanism is used in the bottom link set, then the structure can achieve collapsibility, but the stability when extended is insufficient and the folding process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom link set is segmented into multiple independent linkages (first bottom rod, second bottom rod, third bottom rod) connected by axles, allowing each segment to move independently during folding while maintaining overall structural integrity when extended
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static four-link mechanism to a dynamic multi-linkage system with movable axles and pivot points, enabling smooth transitions between extended and folded states while maintaining stability in the extended position
2Ease of manufacture
If the central seat is fixed, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the synchronization of vertical rods during folding is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The central seat is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic structure with upper and lower center sets that can move vertically relative to each other, enabling synchronized movement of all vertical rods through mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The upper center set and lower center set are combined into a single central seat assembly that moves vertically as one unit, ensuring all bottom link sets and vertical rods move in synchronization during the folding operation
3Device complexity
If simple locking devices are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of locking the frame in extended position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices are designed to automatically engage and lock the upper and lower frames in the extended position through the tension between frame rods, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking devices are positioned and designed to prevent premature collapse of the frame by maintaining constant engagement with the frame rods, countacting the natural tendency of the structure to fold before intended
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 maintains structural stability in the extended position and facilitates easy folding by deforming mechanisms that keep rods vertical during collapse, ensuring safe and efficient use.
Implementation Method 1
each bottom link set, the upper center set and the lower center set form a deformable four-link mechanism with the vertical rods
Implementation Method 2
one end of a third bottom rod plus the second bottom rod are pivotally connected around a second bottom axle
Implementation Method 3
an upper frame locking device used to lock the upper frame in the extended position, and a lower frame locking device used to lock the lower frame in the extended position
Data Source
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AI summary
A child play enclosure frame, comprising: a plurality of vertical rods (2) respectively provided with upper frame corner joints (13) and lower frame corner joints (37), an upper frame (1) that is connected between the plurality of upper frame corner joints (13) and that is capable of folding, a lower frame (3) that is connected between the plurality of lower frame corner joints (37) and that is capable of folding, and an upper frame locking apparatus (100) used for locking the upper frame (1) in an unfolded position. The lower frame (3) comprises a center seat (34) located in at a middle portion, a plurality of bottom link sets (30) connected between the center seat (34) and corresponding lower frame corner joints (37). The center seat (34) comprises an upper center set (35) and a lower center set (36) capable of relative vertical movement, a triangular mechanism capable of deformation is formed between each of the bottom link sets (30) and the upper center set (35) and lower center set (36), and a four-linkage mechanism capable of deformation is formed between the foregoing sets and the vertical rods (2). When the child play enclosure frame is in the unfolded position, the lower frame (3) structure is stable. When the upper center set (35) performs an upward relative motion relative to the lower center set (36), the triangular mechanism and the four-linkage mechanism deform simultaneously, which may force the plurality of vertical rods (2) to remain upright or remain in a state of being approximately upright and synchronously drawing together towards the center, which forces the entire play enclosure frame to fold and collapse.