Foldable Child Lounger with Central Locking Drive Shaft Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby bouncers or hammocks are bulky and have complex, user-unfriendly folding mechanisms that complicate setup and operation, often requiring users to bend down to engage locking devices, which compromises ease of use and adherence to safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A foldable baby lounger with a simplified locking mechanism using a drive shaft connected to the chassis and seat structure, featuring a single locking device that allows intuitive and reliable locking and unlocking, facilitated by a transmission shaft, central housing, and control elements for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linking mechanism with multiple parts and locking devices is used in folding deck chairs, then the folding function is achieved, but the setup and folding process becomes complex and user-unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The linking mechanism is divided into modular components: a transmission shaft with gear, a locking device with toothed sector, and control elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated locking device that engages with the transmission shaft. This isolation of the locking function from other mechanism parts simplifies the overall design and makes the locking operation independent and user-friendly.
2Reliability
If locking devices are positioned in locations that meet safety standards, then safety requirements are satisfied, but accessibility becomes poor requiring users to bend down
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the structure. This allows the locking mechanism to be accessible from the side while maintaining its functional relationship with the folding joints, satisfying both safety and accessibility requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional folding mechanisms with multiple components are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission shaft and locking mechanism are merged into an integrated assembly where the gear on the transmission shaft directly engages with the toothed sector of the locking device. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable locking through the interlocking gear teeth.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a folding child's deckchair comprising a chassis (2), a seat structure for supporting a flexible element for holding a child, and a linkage mechanism between the chassis (2) and the seat structure. According to the invention, the linkage mechanism comprises a drive shaft (9) extending along a longitudinal axis between two ends (9a, 9b) connected to two uprights (5a, 5b) of the seat structure, and a central housing (6), fixed to the chassis (2), through which the drive shaft (9) passes along the longitudinal axis. The deckchair includes a locking device housed in the central housing, comprising a first element (29) fixed to the drive shaft during movement, and a second movable element between a locked position of the first element and an unlocked position of the first element.