Detachable Changing Carrier for Playard with Slidable Bracket Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Playards do not facilitate easy diaper changes due to elevated top frame rails, which hinder accessibility for young children.

Innovation Solution

A detachable changing carrier with a frame and fabric body that attaches to the playard's upper side rails, allowing for a movable and secure diaper-changing platform, and can be easily stored or used as a standalone unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the top frame rails of the playard are elevated from the bottom floor for safety purposes, then the safety of the playard is improved, but the ease of diaper changing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of diaper changing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the playard system into two functional parts: the elevated playard structure (maintained for safety) and the separate changing carrier (added for functionality). The changing carrier is a detachable accessory that segments the diaper-changing function from the main playard structure, allowing each to optimize their respective functions independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The changing carrier acts as an intermediary device between the elevated playard structure and the diaper-changing task. It provides a platform that bridges the gap created by the elevated rails, enabling easy access to the infant for diaper changes while maintaining the safety benefits of the elevated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the changing carrier is made detachable and movable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidstability of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The changing carrier employs a dynamic connection system with slideable brackets that can transition between attached and detached states. The brackets include engagement features that provide stable connection when attached, while allowing easy detachment when needed, thus combining stability with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism uses simple, lightweight engagement features (such as hooks or clips on the brackets) that are easy to attach and detach repeatedly. These components are designed for frequent use and easy replacement, prioritizing operational ease over permanent structural integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9770118B2Changing carrier for a playard

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A changing carrier for a playard includes a frame used to be attached detachably to the top of the playard, and a fabric body wrapping around the frame to confine a receiving space within the frame. The frame includes a pair of brackets, each of which is adapted to be connected slidably and detachably to a respective one of two upper side rails of the playard. The frame is movable relative to the playard between a detached position, where each bracket is not connected to the respective upper side rails, and a stop position, where each bracket connects to the respective upper side rail and where the frame abuts against an upper end rail of the playard interconnecting the upper side rails.