Collapsible Toy Boat Batten Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing play structures supported by flexible wire loops face limitations in achieving realistic shapes, collapsing to a compact storage configuration, and providing sufficient rigidity without creating protrusion hazards.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible batten assembly using flexible rods with telescoping segments and connectors that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, providing a resilient structure that can safely yield under compressive forces and rebound to form a representative shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a continuous flexible wire loop is used to support the fabric sheet, then the structure can be collapsed and stored compactly, but the structure cannot achieve realistic shapes with angular apexes and crisp corners
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous wire loop is divided into multiple rigid batten segments that can be connected at angles to form angular apexes and crisp corners, while still allowing the overall structure to be collapsed for storage
2Volume of moving object
If the wire is bent in a small radius to achieve compact storage, then the storage configuration is smaller, but the wire may deform and damage the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is segmented into rigid battens with connection joints, allowing the structure to collapse by folding at the joints rather than bending the wire itself, thus avoiding wire deformation while achieving compact storage
3Strength
If the wire loop is used to support the structure, then the structure can be easily assembled, but the structure cannot provide sufficient rigidity for realistic vehicle representation
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses multiple rigid batten segments connected by simple joints, providing the necessary rigidity for realistic vehicle shapes while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid battens are used at critical locations where structural strength is needed (such as angular apexes and crisp corners), while flexible connections are used at joints to maintain assembly ease
4Strength
If stiff protruding members are used to provide rigidity, then the structure has sufficient stiffness, but vertical protrusions create injury hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses segmented rigid battens connected by joints that allow the battens to collapse inward when compressed, eliminating protruding hazards while maintaining structural stiffness during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid battens are designed to be dynamically collapsible, transitioning from a stiff configuration during normal use to a collapsed configuration when compressed, thus eliminating injury hazards while maintaining structural integrity
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 the creation of realistic and durable play structures that can collapse safely and rebound, reducing the risk of protrusion hazards while allowing for easy storage and reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient wire used to form the loop may have a minimum radius of curvature that limits how compact the coiled wire can be compressed
Implementation Method 2
a resilient structure that can safely yield under compressive forces and rebound to form a representative shape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A play structure is formed from flexible struts (22, 24) supporting a fabric. The struts (22, 24) are inserted through pockets (50) along the edges of the fabric. The struts (22, 24) are joined together by connectors (20) at apexes of the structure. The struts (22, 24) form an upper frame and a lower frame. The upper and lower frames are connected by battens (21). The struts (22, 24) and battens (21) hold the fabric in a selected shape, such as a sailboat. The battens (21) are formed from flat, flexible members that are bent about their longitudinal axis to form a C-shaped cross section. Ends of the battens (21) are inserted into curved batten receivers (30) on the connectors (20). When a downward force is applied, such as when a child sits or steps on the structure, the upper frame is pressed toward the lower frame. The battens (21) bend and flatten to resiliently allow the structure to collapse. When the force is relieved, the battens (21) resiliently resume their curved shape, restoring the structure to its original configuration.