Collapsible Highchair Locking Structure for Stable Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible highchairs have a large volume in their collapsed state and a locking device that is difficult to operate and unstable, making them inconvenient for storage and use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible highchair design featuring a locking device with an actuating portion and armrest configuration that allows easy operation and stable maintenance in a stretched state, with frames that pivot to reduce volume when collapsed, incorporating a tray and elastic elements for adjustable seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device is designed to be simple, then it is easy to operate, but it becomes unstable and cannot maintain the highchair in a stretched state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple independent components: a locking member with locking protrusions, a locking cavity with locking grooves, and an actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply while collectively providing stable locking through multiple engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device employs local quality by creating specific localized features (locking protrusions and grooves) at critical positions. These localized structural characteristics provide targeted stability at the locking interface without requiring the entire device to be complex.
2Volume of moving object
If the highchair is designed to be collapsible, then the volume is reduced when collapsed, but the locking device becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the self-service principle by employing elastic deformation of the locking member to automatically engage and disengage locking protrusions. The elastic element stores and releases energy to perform the locking action without requiring complex mechanical actuation, making operation simple even in the collapsed configuration.
3Reliability
If the locking device uses complex mechanism, then it can stably maintain the highchair, but it becomes difficult to be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a simplified elastic deformation mechanism. The locking member utilizes elastic bending to engage and disengage locking protrusions, substituting what would traditionally require complex levers, springs, and cam mechanisms with a single elastic element that provides both the locking force and the actuation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible highchair with a locking device includes a first frame, a second frame which is pivotally connected to the first frame in “X” shape, a seat portion pivotally connected to upper sections of the frames, a backrest connected to the upper section of the first frame, a locking device secured to top end of upper section of the second frame, and an armrest one end of which is pivotally connected to the first frame and another end is engaged with the locking device. The locking device includes a first case and a second case, both of which cover the second frame. The first case is integrally formed with an elastic actuating portion. When the actuating portion is engaged with an opening on the armrest, the highchair is in a stretched state. When the actuating portion is pressed to disengage from the opening, the highchair is in a collapsible state.