Foldable Child Seat Frame Hinge for Compact Safe Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child support apparatuses, such as buggies and highchairs, face issues with unattractive bulbous hinge assemblies and misalignment when folded, which can lead to finger traps and compromised appearance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with eccentrically mounted pivot pins allows frame members to pivot between unfolded and folded conditions without finger traps, maintaining alignment and strength while ensuring a compact, aesthetically pleasing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge assemblies are used to allow folding, then the frame can be folded and unfolded, but bulbous hinge assemblies and misalignment occur resulting in unattractive appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly employs asymmetric geometry where the third frame member is positioned at an angle in the unfolded condition and becomes parallel in the folded condition. The offset pivot pins create asymmetric pivot paths that enable precise alignment of frame members during folding, eliminating the bulbous appearance and misalignment issues of traditional symmetric hinge designs.
2Volume of moving object
If frame members are positioned close together during folding, then compact storage is achieved, but finger traps may form in gaps between pivoting members
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly design incorporates varying gap dimensions at different locations. Critical areas where fingers could be trapped are designed with larger clearances or protective features, while non-critical areas maintain tight tolerances for compact folding. The asymmetric pivot paths ensure that gaps between frame members are controlled and minimized in a way that prevents finger trap formation while achieving compact folded dimensions.
3Shape
If offset pivot pins are used to prevent misalignment, then frame members remain aligned when folded, but the hinge assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The offset pivot pins are incorporated directly into the hinge assembly housing, combining the alignment function with the folding mechanism. The third frame member's angular positioning is achieved through the same pivot assembly that enables folding, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity despite the offset design.
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 enables a simple and quick folding mechanism that prevents finger traps, maintains structural integrity, and keeps the seat clean by aligning frame members for compact storage and easy transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinge part fixed to the first frame member and a second hinge part fixed to the second frame member, the first and second hinge parts being arranged to pivot about a first eccentrically mounted pivot pin which is sufficiently off-set above an axis of the first and second frame members
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for seating a child comprising a seat and a foldable frame for supporting the seat. The frame comprises on left and rights sides: a first and a second frame member connected by a hinge assembly and relatively pivotal through substantially 180 degrees between an unfolded condition and a folded condition, and a third frame member connected to the hinge assembly and pivotal relative to the first and second frame members by less than 180 degrees between an unfolded condition and a folded condition. The first and second frame members are aligned and on opposite sides of the hinge assembly when unfolded and parallel and on the same side of the hinge assembly when folded. The third frame member is parallel with the first and second frame members when folded to provide a compact folded apparatus.