Crib Mattress Support Slide-Bar Locking for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattress support systems for cribs require screws or bolts for assembly, making the process complex, costly, and prone to tool loss and structural integrity issues due to loose screws over time.
Innovation Solution
A connecting arrangement using stationary and slide bars with a spring biasing mechanism, eliminating the need for screws or bolts by employing a sliding mechanism with pins and rivets for secure assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to secure hanger arms to corner posts, then the mattress support can be securely attached, but the assembly becomes complex and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates screws and bolts from the assembly process. Instead of using threaded fasteners, the design employs a slide bar mechanism with openings that directly receive pins from hanger arms, removing the need for separate fastening components and tools while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide bar mechanism is designed to be self-securing through its mechanical structure. The openings in the slide bar align with pin positions, and the spring-loaded or gravity-assisted insertion provides automatic locking without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-sufficient for secure attachment.
2Reliability
If screws or bolts are used for assembly, then the mattress support can be securely attached, but the construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive fastening components (screws, bolts, nuts, washers) from the bill of materials. The slide bar mechanism uses simple geometric features (openings, pins) that can be manufactured as integrated parts of the bar itself, reducing component count and material costs while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate fastening components into a single integrated slide bar structure. The bar itself provides both the mounting surface and the securing mechanism through its openings, eliminating the need for separate screws, nuts, and washers, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If screws or bolts are used, then the mattress support can be assembled, but the risk of screw loss and loosening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates removable threaded fasteners that can be lost or loosened. The pin-and-opening mechanism creates a permanent, tool-free connection where the pin is either permanently attached to the hanger arm or securely retained within the slide bar structure, preventing loss and loosening over time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threads that can strip or loosen over time, the patent inverts the connection approach by using a positive mechanical fit where the pin directly engages the opening. This reversal of the fastening concept (from threaded to direct insertion) eliminates the progressive loosening problem inherent in threaded connections.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces costs, prevents tool loss, and ensures structural integrity by eliminating the risk of screws loosening, providing a safer and more reliable mattress support system.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is connected between each respective stationary bar and slide bar for biasing each slide bar to the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting arrangement for connecting a mattress support to supporting sides of a crib, includes stationary bars secured to the supporting sides, each having a first opening; slide bars, each having a second opening and mounted in sliding relation to a stationary bar between first and second positions in which the first and second openings are in or out of alignment with each other; a third opening in the slide bar and being in open communication with the second opening, the third opening being smaller than the second opening; and arms, each having one end connected to the mattress support and an opposite free end having a pin with an enlarged head for engagement within the first and second openings when the slide bar is moved to the first position and which is locked in the third opening when the slide bar is moved to the second position.