Foldable child seating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child support apparatuses, such as buggies, face challenges in folding mechanisms that result in unattractive appearances due to bulbous hinge assemblies and misalignment, while also risking finger trap formation at hinges.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with offset pivot pins and asymmetric hinge profiles allows for 180-degree pivotal movement of frame members, ensuring parallel alignment in the folded state, preventing finger traps and maintaining structural strength, while keeping the seat surfaces clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If frame members are hinged together at conventional pivot points, then folding is enabled, but finger traps form in gaps between pivoting members
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly employs asymmetric profiles where the first and second hinge parts have different geometries that prevent symmetric gap formation. The asymmetric design ensures that when frame members pivot during folding, the gaps between members do not create finger trap configurations, while still allowing the necessary 180-degree pivotal movement for folding and unfolding operations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hinge assembly is designed to prevent finger traps, then safety is improved, but appearance becomes unattractive due to bulbous hinge assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric hinge profiles are designed to be sleek and streamlined rather than bulbous. The first hinge part and second hinge part have complementary asymmetric shapes that fit together efficiently, creating a compact appearance when folded that is aesthetically pleasing while maintaining the finger trap prevention geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly utilizes offset pivot points positioned above the longitudinal axes of the frame members. This dimensional offset allows the hinge to achieve the necessary folding motion while maintaining a compact profile that does not protrude excessively, preserving aesthetic appearance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hinge assembly is designed to prevent finger traps, then safety is improved, but misalignment between frame members occurs when buggy is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric hinge profiles incorporate precision-machined bearing surfaces and alignment features that ensure frame members return to their correct relative positions after folding. The asymmetric geometry is designed with built-in alignment constraints that prevent misalignment during use while maintaining finger trap prevention during folding
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly employs offset pivot points positioned above the longitudinal axes of the frame members. This offset positioning creates a mechanical configuration where the frame members naturally align in their unfolded position due to the geometry of the hinge connection, ensuring proper alignment when the buggy is in use
4Shape
If offset pivot pins are used, then parallel alignment in folded state is achieved, but hinge assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric hinge profiles with offset pivot points are designed to achieve parallel alignment of frame members in the folded state. The offset positioning of the pivot pins above the longitudinal axes creates a mechanical configuration that naturally guides the frame members into parallel alignment when folded, while the asymmetric geometry itself simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for additional alignment mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatus for seating a child comprising a seat and a foldable frame for supporting the seat. The frame comprises on left and rights sides: a first and a second frame member 16, 18 connected by a hinge assembly and relatively pivotal through substantially 180 degrees between an unfolded condition and a folded condition; and a third frame member 20 connected to the hinge assembly and pivotal relative to the first and second frame members by less than 180 degrees between an unfolded condition and a folded condition. The first and second frame members are aligned and on opposite sides of the hinge assembly when unfolded and parallel and on the same side of the hinge assembly when folded. The third frame member is parallel with the first and second frame members when folded to provide a compact folded apparatus.