Pivoting Hammock Frame Segmentation for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hammocks and hammock supports are difficult to transport due to their size and weight, as they typically only have an expanded or non-compact collapsed configuration, making them cumbersome to move between locations.
Innovation Solution
A frame with multiple elongate members that can pivotally couple to each other, allowing the frame to transition between an expanded configuration for supporting a hammock and a compact, collapsed configuration for easy transport, with the frame being self-supporting in its expanded state and parallel in its collapsed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hammock support is designed with a fixed expanded configuration, then it provides stable support for the hammock, but it becomes difficult to transport due to large size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple elongate members that can be separated or reconfigured. These members connect through pivotal couplings, allowing the frame to be segmented into smaller components for transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled for hammock support.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The pivotal couplings enable the elongate members to move between different positions, allowing the frame to transform from a compact transported state to an expanded support state and back again.
2Strength
If the hammock support uses traditional rigid structure, then it maintains structural integrity, but it increases weight and difficulty of transport
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs dynamic pivotal couplings instead of rigid fixed connections. These couplings maintain structural integrity when the frame is in its expanded configuration while allowing the frame to be collapsed and transported more easily, effectively reducing the operational weight burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate members are designed to nest within each other when the frame is in its collapsed configuration. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume and effective weight during transport, as the members can be stored compactly within the frame structure itself.
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
Enables the hammock and hammock support to be easily converted between expanded and collapsed configurations, providing a compact and portable solution for outdoor use while maintaining structural integrity and support in the expanded state.
Implementation Method 1
The first end portion of the first elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the support member. A second elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the second elongate member is pivotally coupled to the support member.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a frame has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a support member that has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the first elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the support member. A second elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the second elongate member is pivotally coupled to the support member. A third elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the third elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the second elongate member. The third elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the first elongate member.