High Chair Tray Latch Mechanism for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high chair tray systems face difficulties in easy installation and positional adjustment, particularly due to high friction between tray posts and sockets, and require two-handed operation for tray removal and adjustment, which can be cumbersome and frustrating for caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a retractable latch member that allows passive insertion of the tray system onto the high chair structure, enabling one-handed operation and positional adjustment without initial actuation, utilizing anti-friction rollers and a central actuation button to manage latch engagement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a post and socket tray mounting design is used, then the tray offers a strong interlocking connection with the high chair structure, but high amounts of friction between post and socket make the tray difficult to adjust positionally
Solution Approach 1:
A latch member is introduced as an intermediary component between the tray post and socket. The latch member engages with the post and socket to provide the strong interlocking connection, while allowing the post to slide freely within the socket during positional adjustment. This separates the functions of connection strength and adjustment ease into different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the tray post, the socket, and the latch member. The post and socket handle the strong connection function, while the latch member separately handles the positional adjustment function, eliminating the friction problem that would exist if a single integrated mechanism tried to perform both functions.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is integrated into the tray post, then the tray can be securely latched to the high chair, but the locking mechanism obstructs insertion of the post into the socket during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to automatically engage with the socket after the post is inserted. The insertion action itself performs the preliminary alignment, and then the latch member springs into engagement automatically, eliminating the need for separate manual locking actions during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the locking mechanism being present during insertion and requiring manual retraction, the design inverts the sequence: the post inserts freely first, and then the locking mechanism automatically engages. This reverses the traditional approach where locking mechanisms must be manually disengaged before insertion.
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
Facilitates easy and flexible tray system installation and adjustment, reducing frustration and improving usability by allowing single-handed operation and minimizing friction, thus enhancing the value of a removable tray.
Implementation Method 1
A roller is provided at a lower end of the post and engages a lower surface of the socket to reduce friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch mechanism (50) for a tray system (30) of a child's high chair having a tray post (35) and socket mounting arrangement includes a central, front actuation button (52) that moves a slide link (53) mounted underneath the tray system (30). The slide link (53) is connected to actuation arms (57) slidably mounted within respective tray posts (35). Each actuation arm (57) includes a cam surface (58) that pivots a respective latch member (55) having a rectangular lock pin (55a) which extends below a respective tray post (35) into engagement with openings in a respective socket (28) receiving the respective tray post (35). Thelatchmember (55) is spring-loaded into engagement with the openings. Front surfaces of arm rests (23) of a high chair structure (10) are sloped to cam the lock pins (55a) into respective tray posts (35) to permit passive mounting of the tray system (30) onto the high chair structure (10), but a non-passive manipulation is required once each lock pin (55a) is engaged to the openings in the sockets (28) to affect positional adjustment or removal from the high chair structure (10).