Foldable Bassinet Frame With Uplift Locking for Playards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing playards face challenges in securely and easily attaching a bassinet, requiring compromises between safety and user convenience, with current solutions often being intrusive or difficult to remove without compromising the playard's functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A bassinet frame design that nests within the playard's perimeter frame, featuring support ledges and uplift-preventing end members for secure attachment, along with folding joints for easy installation and removal, and telescoping stiffeners for improved stability and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If latches and interconnecting means are used to securely connect the bassinet frame to the playard frame, then the connection strength and safety are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex latches and interconnecting means from the bassinet-playard connection system. Instead, it uses simple support ledges on the playard frame that passively support the bassinet frame corners, eliminating the need for complicated fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bassinet frame is designed with built-in features (upright members extending below the playard frame) that automatically engage with the playard structure when the bassinet is positioned. The system self-secures without requiring user intervention or complex assembly steps, achieving both simplicity and security.
2Strength
If latches and interconnecting means are used to securely connect the bassinet frame to the playard frame, then the connection strength and safety are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates latches and complex interconnecting means, replacing them with simple support ledges that passively support the bassinet. This extraction of complex components directly improves ease of operation while maintaining connection strength through the ledge-support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system requires no user action beyond positioning the bassinet near the playard. The upright members automatically engage with the playard frame structure, making the operation trivial while ensuring secure connection through the geometric constraints of the engagement.
3Strength
If the bassinet frame is designed with rigid structural members to withstand forces, then the strength and stability are improved, but the ease of manufacture and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bassinet frame is divided into modular components (side frame members, end frame members, support ledges) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each part to be produced using simple processes while the assembled structure achieves the required strength through geometric configuration and engagement mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the bassinet frame uses complex interconnecting means, then the connection security is improved, but the intrusiveness into the playard when bassinet is removed worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex interconnecting means that would create intrusiveness. Instead, it uses simple support ledges that are integrated into the playard frame structure, providing secure connection when the bassinet is attached while occupying minimal space and creating no obstruction when the bassinet is removed.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved bassinet frame for an infant playard comprising a plurality of structural members configured to nest within a playard top frame top and rest upon supports on corner members of the playard frame. The bassinet frame includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel side members connected by a pair of perpendicularly aligned uplift preventing end members. The bassinet frame end members extend beneath playard frame end members when the bassinet frame is deployed for use such that the playard end frame members inhibit uplift of the bassinet frame. The side members each further include a joint positioned approximately midway along the respective lengths allowing the bassinet frame to be folded along an axis parallel to its width. Folding the bassinet frame retracts the end members from beneath the playard end frame members and allows the bassinet frame to be removed from the playard.