Foldable Child Enclosure Wheel Assembly for Multi-Surface Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable child enclosures, such as play yards and cribs, are cumbersome to open and fold, and difficult to move across various surfaces due to lack of efficient operating mechanisms and wheel assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A foldable structure with a centrally-located hub assembly that allows for a one-step opening and folding process, equipped with wheel assemblies at each corner for easy movement, featuring a cable-operated latching mechanism that locks and releases the structure, facilitating smooth operation and mobility on different surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional operating mechanisms are used in foldable child enclosures, then the structure can be opened and folded, but the operation is cumbersome and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operating functions (latching, releasing, and structural transformation) into a single integrated hub assembly. This central hub connects to all four corners of the enclosure through cables, allowing one centralized control point to manage the entire opening and folding operation, thereby simplifying user interaction while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cables as intermediary elements connecting the central hub assembly to the corner joints. These cables transmit force and control movements throughout the structure, enabling smooth and coordinated opening and folding operations without requiring complex mechanical linkages at each corner, thus improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wheel assemblies are used, then the enclosure can be moved on smooth floors, but it is difficult to move across thick carpet and various surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs wheel assemblies that perform multiple functions: they rotate freely on smooth surfaces for easy movement, and can be tilted or adjusted to navigate thick carpet and uneven surfaces. Each wheel assembly incorporates both rotational capability and tilting capability, making the enclosure adaptable to various floor types while maintaining ease of movement across all surfaces.
3Weight of moving object
If a lightweight structure is used for the foldable enclosure, then portability is improved, but the structure may be less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic structural elements including telescopic posts that can extend and retract, and joints that allow controlled movement during opening and folding. These dynamic features enable the structure to maintain strength during operation while minimizing weight, as the structural components only engage when needed for support or transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-tensioned cables and pre-positioned latching mechanisms that are prepared in advance. The cables are pre-tensioned to provide structural support without adding significant weight, and the latching mechanisms are pre-positioned to engage automatically during the folding process, ensuring robustness while maintaining light weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable structure includes: an upper assembly forming an upper portion of the structure; a base assembly forming a lower portion of the structure; a centrally-located hub assembly operatively connected to the base assembly; and a post extending from each corner of the upper assembly to a corner of the base assembly. At least one rotatable wheel assembly is provided at each corner of the lower portion of the structure extending from the structure to engage a surface. Each wheel assembly includes at least one support surface adapted for supporting and guiding the wheel on a surface and at least one groove provided on opposing sides of the support surface.