Collapsible Cot with Telescoping Frame for Portable Travel Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers often face the challenge of finding comfortable seating or lying areas, especially in airports where available seating is uncomfortable and restricts the ability to lie down.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight collapsible cot designed for easy transportation, weighing approximately 8 pounds and capable of supporting up to 300 pounds, which can transform from a collapsed to an expanded state using two pulling motions, featuring telescoping members and folding support mechanisms with retractable legs and a removable fabric item, allowing it to be used as a stand-alone item or integrated into luggage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional suitcase design is used, then the suitcase is compact and easy to store, but it cannot provide a comfortable seating or lying area for travelers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single suitcase structure. The suitcase can function as both a standard luggage container and a supportive seating or lying area through its expandable gullwing configuration. The base structure serves dual purposes: as the suitcase body when collapsed and as the support surface when expanded, eliminating the need for separate seating equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The suitcase is divided into functional segments including the base structure, gullwing sides, and support mechanisms. These segments can be independently configured and collapsed, allowing the structure to transform between compact storage mode and expanded seating mode. The modular segmentation enables versatile functionality while maintaining ease of storage when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If a supportive seating structure is added to the suitcase, then traveler comfort is improved, but the weight and bulk of the suitcase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the suitcase body itself rather than being a separate add-on. The gullwing sides and base form an integrated assembly where the suitcase structure provides the support function. This merging eliminates redundant materials and reduces overall weight compared to attaching a separate bench or seat to the suitcase.
Solution Approach 2:
The suitcase employs dynamic, movable components that allow the structure to transform between compact and expanded states. The telescoping members and folding mechanisms enable the support surface to be deployed only when needed, keeping the suitcase lightweight and compact during transport while providing full support functionality when required.
3Ease of operation
If the suitcase structure is expanded to provide support, then traveler comfort is improved, but the compactness and ease of storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gullwing sides nest within or alongside the base structure when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. The telescoping members allow one structural element to be contained within another, maximizing compactness during storage. When expanded, these same nested elements unfold to provide the full support surface area needed for comfortable seating or lying.
Solution Approach 2:
The suitcase utilizes dynamic folding and telescoping mechanisms that allow smooth transition between compact and expanded states. The movable joints and spring-loaded components enable the structure to collapse into a minimal volume for storage while expanding to provide adequate support surface area when needed, addressing both compactness and support requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments for a collapsible cot are provided. A collapsible cot can include a first telescoping member, a second telescoping member, and folding support mechanisms. Each of the folding support mechanisms can include a crossmember, a first arm having a first end pivotably coupled to a first side of the crossmember and a second end slidably coupled to the first telescoping member, and a second arm having a first end pivotably coupled to a second side of the crossmember and a second end slidably coupled to the second telescoping member. The second end of the first arm and second arm can include a coupler having a cross-section having a shape and size similar to a cross-section of the first telescoping member and the second telescoping member. The coupler can permit sliding of the at least one folding support mechanism along the first and second telescoping members.