Highchair Socket Cover with Spring Mechanism for Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing highchair designs have complicated connections that require covers to be removed and reinstalled each time the booster stool is connected or disconnected from the building block table, causing inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates elastic covers with spring mechanisms that automatically ascend and descend based on the weight of the booster stool and feeding chair, eliminating the need to manually remove or install covers when the booster stool is connected or removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If covers are screwed to the building block table, then the socket is covered when the booster stool is removed, but the connection structure becomes complicated and requires manual removal and reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket coverageVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is transformed from a static screwed-on component to a dynamic spring-loaded component that automatically moves between covering and non-covering positions. The spring mechanism enables the cover to dynamically adapt its position based on whether the booster stool is present, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex screw connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system performs self-service by automatically covering or exposing the socket based on the presence of the booster stool. When the booster stool is installed, its weight compresses the spring and moves the cover away from the socket. When removed, the spring automatically returns the cover to its original position, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If covers are screwed to the building block table, then the socket is covered, but manual removal and reinstallation is required each time the booster stool is connected or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket coverageVSAvoidcover installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system performs self-service by automatically covering or exposing the socket based on the presence of the booster stool. When the booster stool is installed, its weight compresses the spring and moves the cover away from the socket. When removed, the spring automatically returns the cover to its original position, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is pre-installed and pre-positioned to automatically perform the covering action. The system is prepared in advance with the spring loaded, so that when the booster stool is removed, the cover automatically returns to its covering position without requiring any manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cover needs to be removed and reinstalled each time, then the socket can be accessed when needed, but convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket accessibilityVSAvoidconvenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is transformed from a static screwed-on component to a dynamic spring-loaded component that automatically moves between covering and non-covering positions. The spring mechanism enables the cover to dynamically adapt its position based on whether the booster stool is present, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex screw connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system performs self-service by automatically covering or exposing the socket based on the presence of the booster stool. When the booster stool is installed, its weight compresses the spring and moves the cover away from the socket. When removed, the spring automatically returns the cover to its original position, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the connection process by allowing the covers to remain in place when the booster stool is connected to the building block table and automatically return to their original position when the booster stool is removed, enhancing convenience and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

A first spring is provided between the first spring receiving groove and the second spring receiving groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

an elastic cover with spring mechanisms that automatically ascend and descend based on the weight of the booster stool and feeding chair

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

based on the weight of the booster stool and feeding chair

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3932259B1highchair
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 ZHONGTONG (XIAMEN) CHILDREN PROD CO LTD
  • EP3932259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932259B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3932259B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A highchair includes a building block table, a booster stool and a feeding chair. The bottom of the booster stool is detachably connected to the top of the building block table. The bottom of the feeding chair is detachably connected to the top of the booster stool. Four sockets are provided on the top surface of the building block table. An elastic cover that is adapted to the socket covers the top of each socket. A plurality of vertical grooves are spaced apart on the inner periphery of each socket. The bottom surface of each socket is provided with a first spring receiving groove. A plurality of protruding blocks are spaced apart on the outer periphery of each cover. The protruding block is matched with a corresponding groove. The bottom surface of each cover is provided with a second spring receiving groove. A first spring is provided between the first spring receiving groove and the second spring receiving groove. The booster stool has four legs, and the bottom of each of the four legs can be inserted into the corresponding socket. In the present invention, the cover is conveniently connected to the socket, and the cover does not need to be removed whether the booster stool is connected to the building block table or not.