Folding Cot Clip Structure for Low-Force Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cots with X-shaped legs face limitations in reducing volume and weight due to the need for thick or stiff materials for stability, and require significant force for assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A cot design featuring horizontal poles, support bars with clips, and a clip adjusting member that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, along with an optional heating pad for warmth, which reduces weight and volume by using a simple structure and lever-operated clips for reduced effort assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If legs are made with great thickness or stiff material to maintain stability, then stability is improved, but weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure is divided into multiple segments (first leg portion, second leg portion, third leg portion) connected by connection bars. This segmentation allows each segment to be thinner and lighter while the overall structure maintains stability through the distributed framework design.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg structure transitions from a simple X-shape to a three-dimensional framework with multiple connection bars and support bars arranged in specific spatial relationships. This dimensional complexity allows for better load distribution and stability without requiring thicker individual members.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connection rods are inserted into guides to maintain unfolded shape, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly requires much force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection bars are designed to rotate relative to support bars through rotary shafts, allowing dynamic adjustment and easy assembly/disassembly. The clips can be opened and closed to engage or disengage connections without requiring significant force, making the structure both stable when assembled and easy to configure.
Solution Approach 2:
Clips act as intermediary components between connection bars and horizontal poles. These clips simplify the connection mechanism by providing easy-to-engage fastening points, eliminating the need to pull connection rods through guides and reducing assembly force requirements.
3Strength
If legs are designed in X shape to provide support, then load-bearing capability is improved, but volume reduction is limited when dissembled
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure is segmented into multiple portions connected by rotatable joints, allowing the structure to be collapsed into a more compact configuration. When disassembled, the segments can be folded against each other, significantly reducing volume compared to rigid X-shaped legs.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs incorporate rotatable connection bars and clips that allow the structure to transition between extended (load-bearing) and collapsed (compact) states. This dynamic capability enables both strong load-bearing performance when needed and minimal storage volume when disassembled.
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 cot achieves reduced weight and volume, easier assembly, and provides warmth through the heating pad, while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The clip adjusting member may be configured so that a length at one side extending from the rotary shaft to the clip is shorter than a length at the other side extending from the rotary shaft to an end opposite to the clip, thereby operating by means of the principle of the lever.
Implementation Method 2
The cot may further include a heating pad disposed at a lower side of the cloth.
Data Source
AI summary
A cot having a simple structure and capable of being easily installed and dissembled is provided. The cot includes a cloth having horizontal poles inserted into both ends thereof, a plurality of support bars for supporting a load in contact with the ground, and a plurality of connection bars connected to both ends of each support bar and respectively having clips at terminals thereof to receive the horizontal poles, wherein the clips are open toward the outside.