Foldable highchair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Prior highchairs have complex button structures that are time-consuming to assemble and costly, which complicates the folding mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A foldable highchair design featuring four support rods with hinge bases and slide bases, a double-locking mechanism, and elastic columns, allowing for simplified folding through a sequence of operations involving the removal of the feeding tray, disengaging the locking mechanism, and sliding the support rods to fold the entire structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a button structure is used to hinge and fold the front bracket and rear bracket, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex, assembly time increases, and production cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidbutton structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into multiple sections (front bracket with first bracket section and second bracket section, rear bracket with third bracket section and fourth bracket section) that can be independently folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the folding function to be achieved through simple hinge connections between sections rather than a complex button structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the folding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a button structure is used to hinge and fold the front bracket and rear bracket, then the folding function is achieved, but assembly time becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The complex button structure is extracted and replaced with simple hinge connections between bracket sections. The hinge connections require minimal assembly steps compared to a button structure, significantly reducing assembly time while still achieving the required folding function. The hinge connections can be easily attached during manufacturing without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a button structure is used to hinge and fold the front bracket and rear bracket, then the folding function is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the expensive button structure with simple, inexpensive hinge connections and locking mechanisms. The hinges are basic mechanical components that are much cheaper to manufacture than a button structure, and the locking mechanism uses simple elements like locking pieces and grooves rather than complex moving parts. This substitution significantly reduces production cost while maintaining the folding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 design simplifies the folding process, reduces assembly time, and lowers production costs while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic column is arranged in each of the adjacent two support rods in the other group. One end of the elastic column extends out of the support rod and snaps into the opening slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A double-locking mechanism configured to control the two folding rods to be fixed or folded is arranged on the two folding rods between the adjacent two support rods in one group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The top of the front bracket and the top of the rear bracket are hinged by a button structure, and the button structure drives the front bracket and the rear bracket to be folded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS12484710B2Foldable highchair
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 ZT (FUJIAN) INDUSTRIAL CO LTD
  • US12484710B2 patent drawing
  • US12484710B2 patent drawing
  • US12484710B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable highchair includes four support rods and a cloth seat. A hinge base and a slide base are sleeved on each of the four support rods. Two folding rods intersected with each other are arranged between the every adjacent two support rods, and the two folding rods are hinged at an intersection. One end of each of the two folding rods is hinged with the corresponding hinge base, and the other end of each of the two folding rods is hinged with the corresponding slide base. A double-locking mechanism configured to control the two folding rods to be fixed or folded is arranged on the two folding rods between the adjacent two support rods in one group. The cloth seat is connected to the four support rods, and a feeding tray is arranged between the tops of the front two support rods.