Corner Latching Play Yard With Central Hub Folding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable child enclosures, such as play yards and cribs, are cumbersome to open and fold due to complex operating mechanisms, making them difficult to handle efficiently, especially when attending to young children.
Innovation Solution
A foldable structure that operates in a three-phase manner through a single interface, where pushing down on a centrally-located hub assembly opens the enclosure and pulling up on it folds it, with latches locking the structure in the open position, utilizing a cable or similar operating device to engage or disengage the latching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex operating mechanism with multiple latches and cables is used, then the play yard can be securely locked in position, but it becomes cumbersome and difficult to open and fold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latching functions into a single integrated hub assembly located at the center of the play yard. This central hub controls all corner latches simultaneously through a unified mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cable operations at each corner and reducing the overall complexity of the operating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the central control point for all latching operations, provides structural support for the play yard frame, and serves as the pivot point for the folding mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If diagonal braces and multiple side members are added to the lower structure, then the play yard becomes more stable and robust, but it becomes heavier and more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The play yard structure is divided into modular sections with standardized connection points. The lower structure uses a simplified geometric configuration with pivotal connections that provide stability through proper mechanical arrangement rather than excessive bracing, allowing each component to be lighter while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pivotal connections at key joints that automatically adjust to loading conditions. These flexible connections provide structural stability when needed while allowing the play yard to fold smoothly, replacing rigid diagonal braces with adaptive mechanical joints that achieve stability with less material.
3Reliability
If a robust latching mechanism is provided at each corner, then the play yard can be securely locked in the open position, but it increases the complexity and weight of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latching functions into a single integrated hub assembly located at the center of the play yard. This central hub controls all corner latches simultaneously through a unified mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cable operations at each corner and reducing the overall complexity of the operating system.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable structure includes: an upper assembly forming an upper portion of the structure; a base assembly forming a lower portion of the structure; a centrally-located hub assembly operatively connected to the base assembly; and a post extending from each corner of the upper assembly to a corner of the base assembly. The upper assembly includes a plurality of arm assemblies. At least one latching mechanism is provided at each corner of the upper assembly extending from an upper portion of at least one of the posts to a portion of at least one of the arm assemblies.