Foldable bassinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable bassinets are inconvenient to fold due to the need for individual inward folding of supporting legs, which can form a triangle and resist folding actions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bassinet design incorporating a top rail assembly, first and second hinge assemblies, and a latch assembly, allowing the leg assembly to be folded relative to the top rail by rotation of the second hinge assembly relative to the first, with the latch assembly restraining or allowing rotation to facilitate easy folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the four supporting legs are configured to be folded individually inwardly toward a center of the bassinet, then the soft good is prevented from forming a triangle that resists folding actions, but the folding operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding actions of multiple supporting legs into a single unified motion through the latch assembly mechanism. When the latch assembly is actuated, it simultaneously controls the folding of at least two supporting legs, transforming the complex individual folding operations into a single simple user action. This merging of operations resolves the contradiction by maintaining stability (preventing triangle formation) while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the supporting legs. Instead of directly folding each leg individually, the user operates the latch assembly which then mediates the folding action, coordinating the movement of multiple legs simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism prevents the formation of resistant triangular configurations while requiring only simple user input, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting legs are made foldable relative to the top rail, then the bassinet becomes more portable and convenient for sharing a room, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bassinet structure into distinct modular components: the top rail assembly, multiple supporting legs, hinge assemblies, and a latch assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system portability. The supporting legs can be folded separately from the top rail, and the latch assembly can be operated independently to control the folding, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements through the hinge assemblies and latch mechanism, allowing the supporting legs to transition between fixed and folded positions. The hinge assemblies provide controlled rotational movement, while the latch assembly dynamically locks or releases the legs as needed. This dynamic design enables portability when folded while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
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
Enables convenient folding of the bassinet by preventing the formation of a triangle that resists folding and allows caregivers to easily fold the leg components, improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
a recovering component abutting between the at least one second hinge assembly and the engaging component to bias the engaging component to engage with the engaging recess; the recovering component is a compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable bassinet includes a top rail assembly, a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, a leg assembly and a latch assembly. The first hinge assembly is combined with the top rail assembly. The second hinge assembly is rotatably combined with the first hinge assembly. The leg assembly is connected to the second hinge assembly. The leg assembly is foldable relative to the top rail assembly by rotation of the second hinge assembly relative to the first hinge assembly. The latch assembly is movably disposed on one of the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly to engage with the other one of the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly for restraining the rotation of the second hinge assembly relative to the first hinge assembly when the leg assembly is unfolded relative to the top rail assembly to an upright position.


