Foldable Lateral Protection Mechanism With Automatic Unfolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lateral protecting devices in child restraints are either fixed and space-consuming or foldable but prone to being forgotten in the unfolded state, lacking an automatic unfolding mechanism and selective folding capability.

Innovation Solution

A lateral protecting mechanism with an automatic unfolding operation and folding mechanism, featuring a locking component that slides between releasing and locking positions, driven by an operating component, and assisted by resilient components to ensure proper deployment and space-saving configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional fixed lateral protecting device is used, then lateral protection is provided, but more space is occupied and it interferes with other passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral protectionVSAvoidoccupied space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral protecting device is designed to be movable between an unfolded protective state and a folded space-saving state, transforming from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure that can adapt to different spatial requirements while maintaining protection capability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a foldable lateral protecting device is used to save space, then occupied space is reduced, but users may forget to unfold it before traveling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupied spaceVSAvoidprotection function

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an automatic unfolding mechanism with resilient components that automatically deploy the lateral protecting device when activation conditions are met, eliminating the need for manual operation and ensuring the protection function is activated without user forgetfulness or intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If two foldable lateral protecting devices are operated to be in unfolded states, then lateral protection is provided at both sides, but users cannot selectively fold one device according to practical demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral protectionVSAvoidselective folding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the lateral protection into independent controllable units, with each lateral protecting device having its own operating component and locking mechanism, allowing individual control and selective folding of each side's protection device without affecting the other side

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If an automatic unfolding mechanism is added, then user forgetfulness is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic deploymentVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient components are designed to store potential energy during normal operation and automatically convert this stored energy into the kinetic energy needed for deployment during emergencies, transforming the potential complexity of active control systems into a simple passive automatic response mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Ensures automatic unfolding during emergencies, prevents user forgetfulness, and allows selective folding to optimize space usage, enhancing safety and convenience in child restraints.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient component adapted to be disposed between the protecting block and the lateral portion for biasing the protecting block to pivotally switch to the unfolded position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3971025B1Lateral protecting mechanism

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG

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AI summary

A lateral protecting mechanism (100) includes a protecting block (110), a locking component (120) and an operating component (140). The protecting block (110) is pivotally disposed on a lateral portion (220) of a child carrier (200). The locking component (120) is slidably disposed on the lateral portion (220) of the child carrier (200). The protecting block (110) is allowed to pivotally switch between an unfolded position and a folded position when the locking component (120) is located at a releasing position. The protecting block (110) at the folded position is restrained from leaving from the folded position when the locking component (120) is located at a locking position. The operating component (140) is movably disposed on the child carrier (200) and for driving the locking component (120) to slide to the locking position when the operating component (140) is operated.