Folding Climber With Four-Bar Linkage for Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing children's climbers lack a practical solution for easy storage and conversion between use and storage positions, limiting their versatility and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A folding children's climber design featuring rotating panels and a four-bar linkage system that allows the structure to be easily converted between a use position and a storage position, with locking mechanisms to secure panels in place during use and facilitate folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed children's climber is used, then structural stability and safety are maintained, but storage space requirements increase and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The climber structure employs dynamic folding panels and linkage mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between fixed (stable) and folded (compact) configurations. The panels are designed to rotate and fold along predetermined paths while maintaining structural rigidity when deployed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The climber is divided into modular segments including foldable panels, detachable accessories, and segmented frame structures. This segmentation allows individual components to be folded or reconfigured independently, enabling the structure to transform from a stable play configuration to a compact storage configuration while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a folding mechanism is added to enable storage conversion, then space efficiency and versatility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism employs asymmetric linkage designs where certain panels and support structures are positioned at specific angles and locations to enable smooth folding motion. The asymmetric arrangement of hinges, locks, and support beams allows the structure to fold along a controlled path while minimizing the number of moving parts required.
Solution Approach 2:
Four-bar linkage mechanisms serve as intermediary elements between the fixed frame and the folding panels. These linkages translate the folding motion into controlled rotational movements, mediating between the simple act of folding and the complex requirements of maintaining structural stability during transformation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanisms are implemented to secure panels, then structural stability during use is maintained, but ease of operation for folding decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the climber is in its deployed position, using the weight and position of the panels themselves to trigger the locking action. During folding, the mechanism releases automatically or requires minimal manual intervention, allowing the structure to lock itself during setup and unlock itself during storage without requiring complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is positioned and designed so that the locked state occurs naturally at the stable deployed position, where gravitational forces and structural geometry work together to maintain the locked configuration. This eliminates the need for additional force or complex mechanisms to maintain stability during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding play structure is provided. The play structure is convertible between a storage position and a use position, and has first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. A center beam is positioned between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A first foldable frame structure joins one end of the first sidewall to one end of the second sidewall, and a second foldable frame structure joins the other end of the first sidewall to the other end of the second sidewall. A frame lock is provided and is prevented from moving when the play structure is in the use position to retain the structure in the use position. The structure has legs, a slide and a ladder.