H-Shape Play Structure Stability via Fixed Plate Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child play structures are either too complex and costly, making them unsuitable for smaller children, or they are simple but lack stability and supervision ease, often collapsing if used incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
A child play structure composed of a main plate and two side plates, arranged to form an H-shape with fixed angles, providing stability and ease of supervision while minimizing material usage and the number of plates required, with additional corner strengthening elements for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large complex structures with many different areas are used, then children have more play areas, but the structure becomes costly and complex to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The play structure is divided into separate functional areas (enclosed play area and open play area) that can be independently configured. The structure uses modular panels that can be assembled in different configurations to create various play spaces, allowing versatility without requiring a single complex monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The same structural panels and components serve multiple functions: they form walls, create enclosed spaces, provide open play areas, and can be configured for different age groups. The structure accommodates both small children (with enclosed areas) and older children (with open areas), making it universally applicable across different play scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fully enclosed internal areas are provided, then children have a feeling of playing inside, but the structure becomes difficult to supervise
Solution Approach 1:
The structure provides localized enclosed spaces rather than fully enclosed rooms. The enclosed play area is partially enclosed with open sides or transparent panels, giving children a sense of enclosure and security while maintaining visual and physical connection to the surrounding supervised area. This local enclosure approach satisfies children's need for private play space while eliminating supervision difficulties.
3Device complexity
If fewer panels are used to reduce complexity, then the structure is easier to supervise, but the structure may collapse if used incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The structure incorporates pre-designed reinforcement elements and bracing systems that are installed during assembly. Corner reinforcements, diagonal bracing, and strengthened joint connections are built into the design from the beginning, providing structural stability before the structure is put into use. This preliminary strengthening ensures the structure can withstand improper use without requiring complex additional components.
4Reliability
If more components are used to ensure stability, then the structure does not collapse, but the structure becomes complex and requires many components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural functions are combined into single components. For example, panels serve as both walls and structural supports, joints provide both connection and reinforcement, and certain panels incorporate both enclosure and bracing functions. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate components needed while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses composite construction methods where different materials and components work together to achieve strength. The combination of rigid panels, reinforced joints, and bracing elements creates a composite structural system that provides high stability without requiring each individual component to be overly complex or numerous.
Data Source
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AI summary
A child play structure comprising: a main plate having a max length greater than 58 cm or 80 cm and a max height greater than 58 cm or 80 cm and being arranged at an angle of less than 20 degrees to the vertical, a first side plate having a max length greater than 50 cm and a max height greater than 40 cm and being arranged at an angle of less than 20 degrees to the vertical, wherein said first side plate is fastened to the main plate in such a way that: the first side plate forms a fixed angle to the main plate of between 60 and 90 degrees and at least 30% of the max length of the first side plate extends past each side of the main plate. In this way a play structure is provided which has a very high play value and a very high stability with a low use of materials.