Foldable child enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable child enclosures are difficult to handle due to clumsy operating mechanisms, and existing designs are expensive to manufacture and assemble, with aesthetically unpleasing fastening mechanisms that can cause fabric stretching or tearing during folding and unfolding.

Innovation Solution

A foldable enclosure apparatus with a frame connected to a flexible enclosure, featuring a push rod system and clamp mechanism that securely attaches the fabric to the frame without stretching, providing ease of operation and aesthetic appeal while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex interconnections of linkages, cables, and gear assemblies are used to provide ease of operation and compact folding, then the child enclosure folds correctly and compactly, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of foldingVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple modular sections (side rails, end rails, cross members) that can independently fold and connect. Each section is a self-contained unit with standardized connection points, allowing the overall structure to collapse into a compact configuration without requiring complex interconnecting linkages or cables between all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into simplified structural elements. The frame members serve both as structural support and as the folding mechanism themselves, eliminating the need for separate linkages and cables. The connection joints integrate locking, folding, and support functions into single components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of foldingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive connection joints and frame members that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The design avoids expensive, complex mechanical assemblies in favor of straightforward, easily fabricated components with standardized connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to attach fabric enclosure members to upright tubes, then the fabric can be securely attached, but the fastening mechanisms cause the enclosure member to stretch or tear during folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric attachment strengthVSAvoidfabric integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible fabric enclosure members that are attached to the frame in a manner that allows the fabric to move and flex during folding and unfolding operations. The attachment system accommodates fabric movement without creating stress concentrations that would cause stretching or tearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the fabric to adjust its position and tension as the frame folds and unfolds. This dynamic attachment prevents the fabric from being subjected to excessive or concentrated forces during the folding cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to attach fabric enclosure members to upright tubes, then the fabric can be securely attached, but the fastening mechanisms are aesthetically unpleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric attachment strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is nested within or concealed by the fabric enclosure member itself or by decorative covers. The functional components are hidden from view, presenting a clean, aesthetic appearance while maintaining secure attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11723478B2Foldable child enclosure

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 MONAHAN PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A child enclosure including a hub member including a crank link, a substantially four bar articulated link operably connected to the crank link, a push rod connected to the substantially four bar articulated link so that linear movement of the crank link effects, through the substantially four bar articulated link, a linear driving motion of the push rod, and a slide wedge coupled to the push rod, the slide wedge includes a slider and a pivot surface biasing the slider transverse to the linear driving motion of the push rod, where the linear driving motion of the push rod extends and retracts the slider.