Breathable Mesh Toy Storage with Elliptical Zipper Pull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage and transportation solutions for children's items, especially those under three years old, are inadequate as they pose suffocation risks, are cumbersome, and lack design features suitable for young children's use, with insufficient securing mechanisms and unsuitable zipper aids.
Innovation Solution
A storage and transportation device made of breathable mesh fabric with visible contents, durable, and easy-to-carry handles, combined with a specially designed elliptical zipper pull for easy grasping and use by children, addressing suffocation risks and dexterity limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional storage baskets, boxes, bins or drawers are used for children's items, then suffocation risk is avoided, but the storage device becomes cumbersome and heavy for children to lift and carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric construction with mesh panels instead of rigid materials like plastic or wood. The storage device is made from flexible fabric panels that can be folded and compressed, making it lightweight and easy for children to carry while maintaining structural integrity when loaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device combines different fabric materials including mesh fabric for visibility and breathability, solid fabric for structure, and elastic materials for the base. This composite construction achieves both safety (non-suffocating materials) and portability (lightweight flexible structure).
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional storage baskets, boxes, bins or drawers are used for children's items, then suffocation risk is avoided, but portability is reduced as they are completely open on the top and not easily portable
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fabric construction allows the storage device to be folded into a compact configuration for easy carrying. The sides can be collapsed and the device folded in half using the hinges, transforming from an open-top storage container into a portable packet that children can easily carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the sides to fold and collapse. The hinges enable the structure to transition between an expanded storage configuration and a collapsed portable configuration, adapting to different usage states.
3Strength
If opaque materials are used for bags, backpacks and suitcases to ensure durability, then contents cannot be seen through the material, making it difficult for children to identify what's inside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible mesh fabric panels that allow visual penetration while maintaining structural function. The mesh construction provides sufficient strength and durability for children's use while enabling children to see through the panels to identify contents without opening the storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh fabric is inherently porous with open weaves that allow light and vision to pass through. This porous structure maintains durability while providing visibility, solving the contradiction between needing strong opaque material and wanting children to see contents.
4Ease of operation
If standard zipper pulls are used on storage solutions, then children cannot easily grasp or manipulate them due to limited dexterity, but modified zipper pulls with O rings or tools are not practical for children to carry or use independently
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper pull is designed with non-uniform geometry featuring an enlarged portion with a specific shape that provides an easy-to-grasp surface. This localized modification creates an ergonomic grip area that is larger and more accessible for children's hands, while the rest of the zipper mechanism remains simple and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified zipper pull is permanently attached to the zipper mechanism, enabling the storage device to be self-servicing for children. The child can independently operate the zipper without needing external tools or assistance, as the pull itself is designed to be easily manipulated by small hands.
5Ease of operation
If plastic storage bags are used for storing and transporting children's items, then portability and ease of use are improved, but suffocation risk increases making them unsuitable for children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible fabric instead of plastic film. The fabric construction maintains the portability and flexibility advantages of thin-film solutions while eliminating the suffocation hazard. The fabric is breathable and cannot pose the same choking or suffocation risks as plastic storage bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh fabric panels are porous and breathable, allowing air circulation and preventing the suffocation risk associated with sealed plastic bags. The porous structure maintains flexibility and portability while ensuring child safety by eliminating suffocation hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage solution for children's toys is described. A storage and transportation device for children's items (e.g., toys, puzzles, craft supplies, etc.) is specially designed to be used by children, including children under three years old. The storage solution may also include an improved zipper pull for opening and closing the storage and transportation device.