Hexagonal Scissoring Playyard Frame for Faster Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Playyards have a large number of parts, leading to increased setup and teardown time, potential for incorrect construction, and caregiver anxiety due to the complexity and variability of components.
Innovation Solution
A foldable playyard design featuring an endless frame with a flexible sidewall and floor, scissoring frame members, and a simple locking mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the number of steps required for setup and teardown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a playyard has a large number and variety of parts to maximize functionality, then the playyard can provide more features and accessories, but the setup and take down time increases and the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into integrated assemblies. The frame members are pre-assembled with hubs and connectors already attached, creating modular units that reduce the number of separate parts to handle. The sidewall panels are pre-attached to the frame members, and the floor is integrated with the sidewalls, creating a unified structure that folds as a single unit rather than requiring assembly of multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The playyard is divided into collapsible scissoring frame members that can be segmented into manageable sections. Each frame member consists of interconnected segments that can be easily folded and stored. This segmentation allows the structure to be broken down into compact units without requiring complete disassembly of all components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a playyard has a large number and variety of parts, then the playyard can provide more features, but the number of assembly steps increases and the risk of incorrect construction increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into pre-assembled modules. The hubs contain integrated connectors for multiple frame members, the sidewalls are pre-attached to frame sections, and the floor is integrated with the sidewall structure. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly operations required and minimizes the chance of incorrect construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates self-aligning features where components automatically position themselves during assembly. The scissoring frame members have built-in pivot points that guide proper alignment, and the flexible sidewalls and floor naturally conform to the frame structure during folding and unfolding, reducing the need for manual adjustment and verification steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a playyard has a large number and variety of parts, then the playyard can provide more features, but caregiver anxiety increases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of components into unified assemblies simplifies the overall system from the caregiver's perspective. Instead of managing numerous separate parts, the caregiver interacts with cohesive modules that are pre-configured and designed to work together, reducing mental load and increasing confidence in proper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning and self-assembling features provide visual and tactile feedback that confirms proper assembly without requiring the caregiver to verify each connection. The scissoring mechanism naturally locks into place, and the flexible sidewalls and floor automatically conform to the correct configuration, giving the caregiver confidence that the playyard is properly assembled.
4Volume of moving object
If the playyard uses a foldable design with scissoring frame members, then the playyard can be easily stored in a compact form, but the mechanism requires additional junctions and connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into scissoring members with pivot points that enable compact folding. These segmented sections can be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. The segmentation creates natural folding points without requiring additional complex connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The junctions serve dual purposes: they provide structural connections for support and stability, and they function as pivot points for folding and collapsing. By merging these two functions into single integrated connection points, the design avoids adding separate mechanisms for folding, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the foldable capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present playyard includes an endless frame, an endless sidewall within the frame, and a floor within the sidewall. The sidewall and floor form the shape of a receptacle having an open top and a closed bottom defined by the floor. Each of the frame, sidewall and floor takes the shape of a hexagon. The frame is a scissoring frame. The frame includes upper and lower junctions. The upper junction engages the sidewall. A strap engages the lower junction to a periphery of the floor, an inner portion of the floor, and the sidewall.