Foldable playard having X-frame assemblies, oval-shaped leg assemblies, and canopy cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional playards are cumbersome to set up and stow away due to complex folding mechanisms, resulting in a bulkier product that is difficult to handle and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A foldable playard with a closed frame comprising multiple leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies, which allows for easier folding and unfolding without additional support structures, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional playards include additional support structures (such as top rails and bottom support structures) to ensure mechanical stability and compliance with safety standards, then the mechanical stability and safety compliance are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional top rails and bottom support structures from the playard frame, relying instead on the inherent stability of the X-frame assemblies and leg support assemblies to provide mechanical support and comply with safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The X-frame assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable folding functionality, and contribute to the overall mechanical stability of the playard, eliminating the need for separate support structures
2Ease of operation
If conventional playards include complex folding mechanisms with multiple components to enable foldability, then the ease of operation for folding and unfolding is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The playard frame is divided into modular X-frame assemblies and leg support assemblies that can independently fold and unfold, simplifying the overall folding mechanism while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The X-frame assemblies incorporate rotatable joints that allow dynamic folding and unfolding motion, enabling the playard to transition between open and closed states without complex mechanical components
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 simplified frame design enhances mechanical stability and ease of use, while complying with consumer safety standards, and reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the X-tubes 22a and 22b are only rotatably coupled to each other and to other X-tubes
Implementation Method 2
the X-tubes 22a and 22b of each X-frame assembly 20 are coupled to respective sliders 26a and/or 26b and corners of the leg support assemblies 24. Thus, when the playard 10b is being folded or unfolded, the X-tubes 22a and 22b undergo both rotation and displacement along the leg tubes 25 via the sliders 26a and/or 26b
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable playard includes a frame defining an interior space when unfolded and soft goods partially disposed within the interior space to define a partially enclosed space for a child to play and/or sleep. The frame includes multiple oval-shaped leg support assemblies and multiple X-frame assemblies that couple adjacent leg support assemblies together. The X-frame assembly is positioned near the top of the frame when the playard is unfolded such that the X-frame assembly functions as a top rail to mechanically reinforce the playard. In this manner, the playard does not include a separate compliant or rigid top rail or a bottom support structure, thus reducing the number of parts for manufacture. Additionally, the playard includes a single latch mechanism to maintain the playard in the unfolded configuration. The playard may also include an optional canopy cover assembly mounted to the frame to provide shade for the child.