Foldable Cot Structure With Synchronous Side-Bar and Base Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable cots for infants are complex to fold and transport, often requiring the mattress to be removed, which can lead to separation and loss, and present finger-trap hazards due to their intricate structures, taking excessive time to transition between configurations.
Innovation Solution
A foldable cot design featuring hinged side-bars and a base that fold synchronously, with a mattress that can be folded with the base, and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental folding, allowing for quick and safe conversion between deployed and stowed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional folding mechanisms are used, then the cot can be folded, but the folding process is complex and time-consuming (over 20 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The cot is divided into distinct modular segments (base, side-rails, ends, mattress) that can fold independently and synchronously. Each side-rail is a separate component hinged to the base, allowing them to fold without interfering with each other, reducing the overall folding time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress is integrated with the base through attachment means, allowing the mattress and base to fold together as a unified unit. This eliminates the need to separate the mattress from the base during folding, streamlining the folding process and reducing time.
2Ease of operation
If complex tubular arrangements are used for the base, then the cot can be folded, but the structure becomes difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The folded side-rails nest within the space between the ends and base, with the first side-rail positioned to fold above the second side-rail. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume required for storage and transport while maintaining the folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-rails fold in a vertical dimension rather than requiring horizontal space, bringing the first and second ends together with the folded components between them. This dimensional change reduces the footprint and storage volume significantly.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cot designs are used, then the cot can be folded, but the mattress must be removed separately, increasing complexity and risk of loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is merged with the base through attachment means that allow them to move together during folding. This integration simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for separate mattress handling while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress is pre-attached to the base before use, so that during folding operations, the mattress automatically follows the base's movement. This preliminary attachment action eliminates the need for separate mattress removal and reattachment steps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If intricate folding structures are used, then the cot can be folded, but finger-trap hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is segmented into large, widely-spaced components (base, side-rails, ends) with substantial gaps between them. This segmentation eliminates narrow crevices where fingers could become trapped, while preserving the folding functionality through hinged connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable cot (1) including a base (12) attached to a first end (10) and a second end (11) and side- bars (20, 21) connected between the first and second ends (10, 11) above opposite sides of the base (12), with the first side-bar (20) positioned further from the base (12) than the second side-bar (21), and the side-bars (20, 21) hinged such that they may fold toward one another, and the base (2) hinged so that it may fold towards the first and second side-bars (20, 21), such that folding of the base (12) causes folding of the side-bars (20, 21), with the cot (1) moveable between a first configuration in which the base (12), first (20), and second (21) side-bars are substantially un-folded, (10) into a second configuration in which the base (12) is folded in the direction of the first and second side-bars (20, 21), the first and second side-bars (20, 21) are folded such that the first side- bar (20) folds above the second side-bar (21), and the first and second ends (10, 119 are brought together with the folded base (12) and the folded first and second side-bars (20, 21) between them.