Corner Connector with Shield Member for Cot Edge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cot designs fail to effectively prevent wear and damage to the support sheet edges from animals or children, as they lack adequate protection mechanisms, leading to potential disconnection between the sheet and frame.
Innovation Solution
A corner connector system comprising a base member with frame and shield member attachment sections, and a cap that secures the support sheet margin, preventing access and maintaining tension, while allowing for easy assembly and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing cot designs are used without adequate protection mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the support sheet edges are vulnerable to wear and damage from animals or children
Solution Approach 1:
The corner connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a base member with frame attachment sections and a separate shield member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The shield member can be attached to the base member to provide protection without requiring complete redesign of the entire corner connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member acts as an intermediary element between the frame and the support sheet edges. It intercepts harmful forces from animals or children before they can reach the vulnerable sheet edges, while still allowing the frame structure to remain relatively simple. The shield member is positioned to extend alongside the side frame member, creating a protective barrier without complicating the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If shield members are added to protect support sheet edges, then durability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member is pre-configured with attachment features that align with corresponding features on the base member. This preliminary configuration allows the shield member to be attached in a single straightforward operation without requiring complex alignment or multiple assembly steps. The shield member recess and frame member recess are pre-shaped and arranged to facilitate easy mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member attachment section is integrated with the base member structure, combining the support function and protection function into a unified assembly process. The frame member channel and shield member recess are formed in the same base member, allowing both the frame and shield members to be attached simultaneously or in sequence without requiring separate complex assembly operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If corner connectors with both frame and shield member attachment sections are used, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it attaches the side frame member through the frame member channel and attaches the shield member through the shield member recess. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment components, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing. The single base member structure provides both structural support and shield attachment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member features locally optimized attachment sections: the frame member channel is positioned and shaped specifically for receiving the side frame member, while the shield member recess is positioned and shaped for receiving the shield member. This local quality approach ensures that each attachment section is optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire base member to be over-engineered, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A corner connector supports frame members that are securable to side margins of a support sheet to form a cot. The corner connector can be assembled from two parts, a base member and a cap. The base member can be configured to receive end portions of the frame members in an open-top channel. This can allow a subassembly of the support sheet and the frame members to be lowered into the corner connector base members when forming the cot. The base member and cap can include opposing portions configured to capture corner portions of the support sheet between them. The corner connector can include a shield member recess adjacent to a frame member recess to mount a shield member to extend alongside a frame member installed in the corner connector.