Highchair Tray and Seat Adjustment with Cable Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing highchair tray and seat adjustment mechanisms are not intuitive and user-friendly, making it difficult for parents to adjust the tray position and seat height effectively.

Innovation Solution

A highchair design featuring a button, linkage, cable, and locking member mechanism that allows for intuitive adjustment of the tray with respect to the seat or seat height with respect to the leg assembly, enabling easy and user-friendly adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the tray and seat can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is not intuitive and user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A cable is introduced as an intermediary element that transmits force from the button through the linkage to the locking member. This cable-mediated force transmission simplifies the user interface while maintaining reliable locking, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional complex mechanical linkage system is replaced with a cable-driven mechanism. The cable replaces multiple rigid mechanical connections, reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism while preserving its functionality and improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the adjustment mechanism is simplified for ease of use, then user-friendliness improves, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the seat assembly or leg assembly when the cable is released. This self-locking feature ensures reliability without requiring complex additional mechanisms, maintaining both ease of operation and locking reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded locking member that maintains constant contact pressure with the engagement surface. This pre-applied force ensures reliable locking engagement before any adjustment is attempted, preventing slippage or failure during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8696055B2Highchair with adjustable tray and seat height

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 KAZ EUROPE SA

AI summary

A highchair includes a seat assembly, a tray connected with the seat assembly, a leg assembly connected with the seat assembly, and an adjustment mechanism. The seat assembly includes a rear support surface and a lower support surface for supporting an infant or child. The leg assembly is configured to support the seat assembly above a floor surface. The adjustment mechanism can be for adjusting the tray with respect to the seat assembly or the seat assembly with respect to the leg assembly. The adjustment mechanism can include a button, a linkage, a cable, and a locking member.