Infant High Chair Folding Lock for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infant high chairs have a large footprint and complex folding mechanisms, making them difficult to store in limited spaces and discouraging caregivers from folding them due to insufficient compactness and multi-step folding processes.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a standing frame with a latching part and release actuator, a seat assembly with vertical adjustment, and a lock mechanism connected to a linkage system that allows the high chair to fold into a compact size with a simplified one-step unlocking process, enabling easy storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the high chair is designed with a rigid frame and oversized tray to provide stable support, then the structural strength is improved, but the footprint area increases making it difficult to store in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The high chair frame is divided into separable components including a standing frame, seat assembly, and tray assembly that can be detached and folded independently. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its structural integrity when in use while enabling compact configuration for storage by reducing the overall footprint through disassembly and folding operations.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are added to ensure stable locking of the seat assembly at different heights, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring three or more steps to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated lock mechanism that controls both the seat assembly height positioning and the tray assembly folding. The lock mechanism includes a locking lever that simultaneously engages with the seat support frame and tray support frame, allowing both components to be locked or unlocked together through one operation rather than requiring separate locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: it locks the seat assembly at various heights, locks the tray assembly in folded and unfolded positions, and provides a unified interface for collapsing the entire high chair. This universal locking system eliminates the need for multiple separate locking mechanisms and simplifies the folding procedure to a single operational step.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tray assembly is designed with a fixed connection to maintain stability during use, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it requires separate operations to detach and fold the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the tray assembly and seat assembly is designed as a dynamic, movable joint rather than a fixed connection. The tray support frame is pivotally connected to the seat support frame, allowing the tray to be rotated between a deployed horizontal position for stable use and a folded vertical position for compact storage. This dynamic connection maintains stability during eating while enabling easy folding through simple rotational movement controlled by the integrated lock mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An infant high chair includes a standing frame, a seat assembly, and a lock mechanism operable to lock the seat assembly at a desirable height relative to the standing frame. The standing frame includes a latching part operable to lock the standing frame in an unfolded state, and a release actuator operatively connected with the latching part and arranged near a foot of the standing frame. The seat assembly is connected with the standing frame, and is vertically adjustable relative to the standing frame when the lock mechanism is unlocked. A downward displacement of the seat assembly relative to the standing frame to a predetermined lower position urges the release actuator in movement such that the release actuator actuates the latching part to unlock for allowing folding of standing frame.