Hammock Frame Asymmetry and Segmentation for Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hammock supporting frames are difficult to balance, prone to tilting, and cumbersome to fold, with foldable models being complex, costly, and time-consuming to use.
Innovation Solution
A hammock frame with arc-shaped support members and hinges that allow rotation and folding, featuring a symmetrical design with different radii segments for stability and a fixing mechanism to prevent accidental folding, enabling stable reclining and sitting positions while being easy to fold and unfold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the frame uses a circular arc shape with acute angled support members, then the hammock can achieve multiple reclining positions, but the frame becomes difficult to balance and easily leans one way or the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a parabolic arc shape instead of a circular arc, and by making the support members of unequal length. The first support member extends from a first end to a midpoint, while the second support member extends from the midpoint to a second end, creating an asymmetric configuration that improves balance while maintaining multiple reclining positions
2Ease of operation
If the frame is designed to be portable and foldable, then it can be easily transported, but the folding mechanism becomes complicated, costly to manufacture, and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frame into modular components including first and second support members that can be detached from each other, and first and second ends that can be connected or separated. This modular design enables easy portability without requiring complex folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional folding mechanisms that require multiple hinges and joints, the patent inverts the approach by using a telescopic or detachable design where support members can be extended or removed, achieving portability through simplification rather than complex folding action
3Ease of operation
If the support members are made as separate sections that can be taken apart, then portability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes very time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by connecting the first and second support members at their ends to form an integrated frame structure during use. The first end of the first support member connects to the second end of the second support member, creating a unified stable structure that is easy to assemble while maintaining portability when disassembled
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for supporting a hammock includes a support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint between the first end and second end. The hammock support member defines a first surface portion that extends from the first end to the midpoint and a second surface portion that extends from the midpoint to the second end. The second surface portion is substantially symmetrical with the first surface portion about a plane of symmetry that extends through the midpoint. The first surface portion includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The second segment is between the first segment and the third segment. The first, second, and third segments are arc shaped. The first segment has a first radius, the second segment has a second radius, and the third segment has a third radius. The second radius is smaller than the first and third radii.