Elevator height adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing play yard systems with elevator mechanisms for height adjustment are complex, costly, and prone to fabric bunching and wrinkling, with limited height positions and visibility issues, making them inefficient and user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A depth-adjustable fabric liner system that can be coupled with a structural support frame to convert between play yard, bassinet, and sleeper configurations, using elastic and stretchable fabrics to adjust the floor height and provide improved visibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known elevator mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex elevator mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simplified system where the support surface is directly coupled to the frame members through fabric panels that slide along the frame. This extraction of the problematic mechanism while retaining height adjustment functionality through a simpler alternative directly resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical elevator system with a fabric-based sliding system. Instead of using mechanical components for height adjustment, the invention uses fabric panels that slide along the frame members, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler, more elegant solution that achieves the same functional goal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known elevator mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the expensive elevator mechanism and replacing it with simple fabric panels and direct couplings to the frame, the patent significantly reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the essential height adjustment capability through a more economical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive fabric panels and simple coupling mechanisms instead of costly mechanical elevator systems. These simpler components are easier and cheaper to manufacture, aligning with the principle of using more economical materials and designs to achieve the same functional outcome.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known elevator mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex operation of elevator mechanisms by directly coupling the support surface to the frame members through fabric panels. Users can easily adjust height by simply moving the support surface to different positions along the frame, without needing to operate complicated mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric panels and direct coupling system allow the support surface to be easily repositioned by the user without requiring complex controls or mechanisms. The design enables intuitive, self-service height adjustment where the user can directly manipulate the support surface position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If known elevator mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is provided, but harmful factors increase due to fabric bunching and wrinkling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of fabric bunching and wrinkling by eliminating the elevator mechanism that causes excessive fabric manipulation. The direct coupling system allows fabric to drape naturally from the support surface to the floor, minimizing bunching and wrinkling while preserving height adjustment capability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If known elevator mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then height adjustment capability is provided, but user burden increases due to weight support requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring mechanisms that provide upward counterweight force to offset the weight of the support surface and its contents. This counterweight system significantly reduces the effort required by users to adjust height, making the operation much easier while maintaining full height adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A depth-adjustable fabric liner for removable attachment to a structural support fame for use as a child containment device. In example forms, the depth-adjustable fabric liner provides for adjustability to the depth of the floor or bottom of the liner such that the bottom or floor portion of the liner is adjustable between at least two different heights. In example forms, the depth-adjustable fabric liner is adjustable relative to the structural support frame between a first floor position, a second floor position, and a third floor position such that the child containment device is generally convertible between a play yard configuration, a sleeper/bassinet configuration, and a diaper changing station configuration. In some example forms, the liner is substantially elastic and stretchable.