Convertible Mat Border Structure for Flat-to-Tray Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mats and pads are limited to single functions, such as protection or receiving items, and lack versatility in use, particularly in transitioning between configurations for easier loading and transport.
Innovation Solution
A convertible mat that can switch between a planar and tray configuration, featuring a border that is either integral or separable, with handles and reversible design, allowing for bistable operation and adaptable material selection for specific properties, enabling dual-purpose use in transporting and placing items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mat is designed for single function (protection or receiving items), then it is simple in structure, but it lacks versatility in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mat incorporates a border that can dynamically change its configuration between flat and raised states. This dynamic structure allows the same mat to serve multiple functions: when flat, it provides a large surface area for protection and item placement; when raised, it creates a tray-like structure for transport and containment. The dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks: it can protect surfaces, receive and hold items, transport objects, and provide structural support. The border's ability to transform between configurations enables the mat to adapt to different use cases, making a single device serve multiple purposes and thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a mat is designed with fixed planar configuration, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot facilitate easier loading and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The border is designed with fold lines that enable it to transform from a flat configuration during manufacturing to a raised tray-like configuration during use. This dynamic capability allows the mat to be easily manufactured in a simple flat state while still providing the functionality to facilitate loading and transport when needed, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The border is segmented into sections connected by fold lines, allowing it to be manufactured in a flat, easy-to-produce state while enabling transformation into a three-dimensional tray structure for loading and transport. The segmentation allows the border to be manufactured simply but still achieve the desired operational functionality through controlled folding and assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the border is made integral with the base, then the structure is simpler, but the mat cannot be reversed for different uses
Solution Approach 1:
The border is designed with dynamic connectivity to the base, allowing it to be integral yet movable. This enables the mat to be reversed and the border to adapt to different orientations, providing versatility for different uses while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure that does not require separate components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the mat is made bistable, then it can hold itself in mat and tray positions, but it requires additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The mat incorporates bistable mechanics into its border structure, allowing it to naturally settle into and hold two stable configurations: the flat mat position and the raised tray position. This dynamic stability feature enables the mat to maintain its configuration without external support while providing the versatility of multiple usable states, resolving the contradiction between stability and structural simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A convertible mat (10) is provided and comprises a generally planar base (20) and a border extending around the base, the border comprising border sections (25, 26, 27, 28) joined together by webs, the webs being single, substantially non-folding web sections (35, 36, 37, 38) which cause the border sections to be movable together between a first position in which they are coplanar with the base and a second position in which they are inclined whereby to form a tray.