Collapsible Bed Rail Structure for Flat-Pack Mobility Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobility assistance devices, such as bed rail devices, often come in bulky packaging, which negatively impacts profit per retail space due to their large size, making it difficult for mass retailers to optimize storage and sales.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible mobility assistance device that breaks down into multiple similarly sized pieces, allowing for compact packaging by separating the base and upright sections into planar components that can be stored without stacking, thus reducing the package thickness to that of a single piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If mobility assistance devices are packaged in traditional bulky containers, then the devices can be adequately protected and transported, but the package size becomes large which negatively impacts profit per retail space and storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility assistance device is divided into multiple separable components including a base section and an upright section. Each section can be independently packaged, allowing for compact flat packaging that reduces overall package volume while maintaining device functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The device sections are designed to collapse from a three-dimensional upright configuration into a two-dimensional flat planar configuration for packaging. This dimensional transformation allows the device to be packaged in flat containers with minimal thickness, dramatically reducing the volume required for storage and shipping.
2Ease of operation
If the device is designed as a single integrated structure, then it provides stable support functionality, but it cannot be compactly packaged or easily stored
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base section and an upright section that can be separated for packaging but reconnect to form a stable support structure during use. The junction portion between sections is designed to maintain structural integrity when connected while allowing separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic separable structure. The base and upright sections can be connected to provide stable support, then separated for compact storage, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on operational or storage needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible mobility assistance device which may be configured in an operable configuration and a storage configuration. The device may be configured such that each individual component is planar, which may allow the device to be packaged, stored, and/or shipped in minimally sized containers.