A collapsible cot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible cots in the hospitality industry face issues such as damage from multiple users, complex assembly and folding mechanisms, bulky storage, and safety concerns due to numerous moving parts, leading to breakages and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cot design featuring centrally located hinges on side walls for symmetrical folding, a latch mechanism for secure base platform attachment, and pivotable connections for easy transportation and storage, allowing for tool-free folding and unfolding without additional parts, with a covering portion to prevent accidental opening and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used for folding mechanisms, then the cot can be collapsed, but the complexity of the device increases and reliability decreases due to more components that can break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple folding functions into a single hinge mechanism. The hinge at the corner joint integrates the folding action for both side walls, eliminating the need for separate hinges on each side wall. This merging of functions reduces the total number of moving parts while maintaining the collapsing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables folding of both side walls, provides structural support at the corner joint, and allows for both collapsed and extended configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex assembly mechanisms are used, then the cot can be adjusted, but the ease of operation decreases and more tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The cot can be assembled and collapsed without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures. The design allows staff to operate it easily through simple intuitive actions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous parts are made accessible for tampering, then the cot can be adjusted, but the reliability decreases and repair needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary adjustable parts and mechanisms that are accessible to users. By simplifying the design to essential components only, it reduces the opportunities for tampering and damage while maintaining the core functionality needed for infant safety.
4Strength
If bulky design is used for durability, then the cot can withstand multiple users, but the ease of transportation and storage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cot employs a dynamic folding mechanism that allows the structure to transition between a sturdy extended configuration for use and a compact collapsed configuration for storage and transport. The hinge mechanism enables this dynamic transformation while maintaining structural integrity.
5Device complexity
If asymmetric folding is used, then the folding mechanism can be simpler, but the weight distribution becomes uneven making transportation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single hinge positioned at the corner joint, which creates an asymmetric folding action. However, this asymmetric design is balanced by the overall symmetric structure of the cot frame, ensuring that when collapsed, the weight is distributed evenly and the cot remains symmetrical for easy handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collapsible cot (1) moveable between an open position and a folded position, the collapsible cot comprises; a side wall (3) at the foot of the cot and a side wall (3) at the head of the cot, each side wall having at least two upper beams and at least two lower beams pivotally attached to one another; a front wall (8) and a back wall (6) connecting the opposite ends of the two side walls, the front wall and back wall each having an upper beam (16) and a lower beam (14) and being rigid structures; four upwardly extending legs (10) joining the ends of the side walls to the ends of the front wall and to the ends of the back wall, each leg being pivotably connected to the side walls; a base platform (12), wherein said base platform is pivotable about one longer edge of the lower frame of either the back wall or the front wall and wherein said base platform rests horizontally on a ledge of either the front wall or the back wall, when the cot is in the open position.