Foldable Child Enclosure Hub Assembly for One-Step Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable play yards, playpens, and crib devices are cumbersome and difficult to open and fold, requiring clumsy operating mechanisms and often being heavy and complicated, making them inefficient for quick use and transport.
Innovation Solution
A child enclosure apparatus with a centrally located hub assembly that simultaneously moves all movable components, featuring a sliding cam-follower plate and latching connectors, allowing for easy opening and folding, either manually or with a motor, and a lower corner structure that prevents the enclosure from swinging open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional operating mechanisms are used, then the enclosure can be opened and folded, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operating functions into a single centralized hub assembly that coordinates the movement of all side members simultaneously. This merging of functions into one control point eliminates the need for multiple separate latches and release mechanisms, directly reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a central pivot point, a coordination mechanism for simultaneous movement, and a control center for the entire opening and folding operation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall operating mechanism.
2Strength
If traditional structures with diagonal braces and multiple side members are used, then the enclosure provides structural support, but the device becomes heavy and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular components: a base assembly, an upper assembly, and four interchangeable side members that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through proper joint design while reducing overall weight by using lighter individual components and eliminating unnecessary bracing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The side members are designed to dynamically transition between different positions (open and folded) through pivoting connections at the hub assembly. This dynamic design replaces static diagonal braces with movable arms that provide structural support only when needed in the open position, reducing weight while maintaining strength during use.
3Reliability
If traditional latching mechanisms are used for upper rails, then the enclosure can be secured, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring multiple unlatching steps
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latching functions are merged into the centralized hub assembly, which simultaneously controls and secures all side members. Instead of requiring separate unlatching of each upper rail, the hub assembly provides a single coordinated release mechanism that maintains reliability while dramatically simplifying the unlatching operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a robust, efficient, and inexpensive solution for easy operation, ensuring smooth opening and folding, reducing the effort required and stabilizing the enclosure in both positions, while allowing for compact storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
Operation of an embodiment includes the use of a sliding cam-follower plate that enables the correct geometric movement of various components of the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
Latching connectors between upper arms in the enclosure upper assembly also contribute to superior operation of the inventive apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a lower corner structure that pivots slightly from a position when the enclosure apparatus is opened to another position when the enclosure is folded so that a tendency for the enclosure to swing partially open on it own is avoided
Data Source
AI summary
A child enclosure apparatus that includes a hub assembly, a base assembly having four base legs in an X-shaped configuration, a side structure having four side posts, an upper assembly having four pairs of upper arms with each pair connected with medial latch connectors, lower corner assemblies, each having a pair of plates that are pivotally mounted to a side post and a pair of base legs, upper corner assemblies, each having two pair of plates that are configured at a right angle to each other, and cables extending from the base assemblies, through the side posts and being connected to the upper arms and to the latch connectors. The enclosure apparatus is operated by linear movement of the hub assembly, either by a motor assembly or manually, to cause simultaneous movement of the base legs, the upper arms and the latch connectors between opened and folded positions by tensioning the cables. The lower corner assemblies are pivotally connected to the side posts and the base legs so as to prevent unintended opening of the enclosure from a folded position.