Wheeled Highchair Locking Fixture for Secure Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing highchairs are often bulky, expensive, difficult to construct, and feature cumbersome latch mechanisms, feeding trays that easily fall off, and ineffective or dangerous wheel-locking mechanisms, failing to provide a safe and flexible solution for toddlers.
Innovation Solution
A highchair design featuring a wheeled frame with an arresting fixture and a cylinder assembly for seat adjustment, incorporating a lever-operated linkage mechanism to securely lock the frame from movement and a pneumatic cylinder for seat height adjustment, along with a simple latch system for the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheeled frame is incorporated to enable movement of the highchair, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but the highchair becomes difficult to lock securely and may roll uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The arresting fixture is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a retracted position (allowing wheel movement) and an extended position (arresting wheel rotation). This dynamic positioning system enables the highchair to transition between mobile and stationary states, resolving the contradiction between mobility and security requirements.
2Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used to secure the tray to the seat, then tray attachment reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes difficult to operate and construct
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted from complex multi-component designs and simplified to essential elements: a latch arm with a cam surface that engages a corresponding slot in the tray. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains reliable tray attachment while dramatically improving ease of operation and construction.
3Reliability
If a cumbersome harness assembly is used to secure the child to the seat, then child security is improved, but the assembly becomes difficult to construct and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system is segmented into simple, independent components: shoulder straps with buckles and a crotch strap. Each segment functions independently and can be easily adjusted or removed. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining child security through multiple attachment points.
4Ease of operation
If feeding trays are designed to be easily installed onto the seat, then ease of operation is improved, but the trays easily fall off during use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray incorporates pre-positioned engagement features (slots and cam surfaces) that align with corresponding features on the seat arms. This preliminary configuration of engagement elements allows the tray to be easily installed while ensuring reliable retention, as the geometric features naturally guide proper positioning and secure engagement.
5Strength
If wooden cube-style highchairs are used to provide a sturdy structure, then structural strength is improved, but the highchair becomes bulky and takes up more space
Solution Approach 1:
A pneumatic cylinder assembly is incorporated to provide adjustable height positioning of the seat. This pneumatic mechanism enables the seat to be raised or lowered as needed, replacing the need for bulky fixed-height wooden cube structures and reducing the overall footprint while maintaining structural strength.
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
The design provides a safe, cost-effective, and flexible highchair that can be easily moved and securely locked, with a convenient tray attachment system, addressing the deficiencies of prior art by enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder assembly coupled between the seat and the frame and which is used to conveniently raise and lower the seat relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
an arresting fixture... for engagement with the surface for arresting the frame from wheeled movement over the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A highchair includes a seat attached to a frame having a first periphery defining a first footprint of the frame. Wheels are attached to the frame adjacent to the first periphery for providing wheeled movement of the frame over a surface. The first periphery of the frame bounds a receiving area underlying the frame within the first footprint of the frame. An arresting fixture is located in the receiving area and has a second periphery defining a second footprint of the arresting fixture within the first footprint of the frame. The arresting fixture is mounted to the frame for movement in reciprocal directions relative to the frame between a first position toward the frame, and a second position away from the frame for engagement with the surface for arresting the frame from wheeled movement over the surface.