Collapsible Baby Crib Frame With Detachable Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible baby crib designs are heavy and complex, making them difficult to easily collapse and store effectively.
Innovation Solution
A baby crib design featuring a simple construction with an upper frame, folding joints, legs, and a bar linkage, where the legs are connected via a height adjustment mechanism and the bar linkage is locked with a locking mechanism, allowing for easy collapse by pivoting the legs towards the center and disassembling for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional folding structures are used to enable crib collapse, then the crib can be collapsed, but the construction becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The crib structure is divided into separate modular components including an upper frame assembly, lower frame assembly, and intermediate support assembly that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for simplicity while maintaining overall functionality, reducing construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows frame members to nest within each other during collapse, with the lower frame assembly nesting within the upper frame assembly. This nesting approach enables compact storage without requiring complex folding mechanisms, as the structure collapses by telescoping rather than folding.
2Ease of operation
If traditional folding structures are used to enable crib collapse, then the crib can be collapsed, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the crib into lightweight modular assemblies connected by simple coupling mechanisms, the overall weight is reduced compared to traditional monolithic folding structures. Each segment can be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled tubular frame members that provide sufficient structural strength while minimizing weight. These lightweight tubular structures replace heavier solid or thick-walled components, enabling easy collapse and portability without sacrificing durability.
3Ease of operation
If detachable coupling assemblies are used in the upper frame, then assembly and disassembly becomes easier, but the structure may become less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assemblies incorporate self-locking mechanisms that automatically engage and lock frame members together upon assembly, ensuring stable connection without requiring additional fastening steps. This self-service feature maintains structural stability while preserving ease of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly integrates multiple functions into a single component, combining the connection, locking, and alignment functions in one integrated mechanism. This merging ensures that the detachable connection maintains the same stability as permanent joints while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A baby crib includes an upper frame (1), two folding joints (2), two legs (3) and a bar linkage (7). The upper frame (1) includes a first and a second handrail portion (11, 12), the second handrail portion (12) being detachably connected with two ends of the first handrail portion (11) via two coupling assemblies (8), wherein at least one of the two coupling assemblies (8) includes a first engaging structure (81) provided on the first handrail portion (11), and a second engaging structure (82) provided on the second handrail portion (12) and adapted to engage with the first engaging structure (81). The two folding joints (2) are respectively affixed with two opposite sides of the first handrail portion (81). The two legs (3) are respectively connected pivotally with the two folding joints (2), each of the two legs (3) having an upper segment (31) and a lower segment (32) that are connected with each other via a height adjustment mechanism (33). The bar linkage (7) extends transversally between the two legs (7), and has two opposite ends respectively connected with the two legs (3).