Pivoting Junction Hub Assembly for Reconfigurable Play Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional children's play structures are often one-size-fits-all, lacking customization options, are difficult to assemble, and are inflexible, making them less engaging as children grow and their play styles evolve, with challenges in moving or disposing of them.
Innovation Solution
A junction assembly comprising a primary hub, secondary hub, and pivotable brackets that allow for easy assembly, disassembly, and adaptation to changing play needs, featuring components that can be reversibly coupled and configured to securely house rigid members, facilitating quick customization and relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid components and fixed connections are used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of assembly and relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The play structure is divided into modular components including hubs, members, and brackets that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The junction assembly separates the structure into connectable segments that maintain strength while enabling easy assembly through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from fixed rigid connections to dynamic reversible connections. Brackets can be pivoted between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the structure to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed size and orientation structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hubs and members are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The standardized interfaces allow the same components to be used in various arrangements, enabling the structure to adapt to different play needs while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized production.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from fixed configuration to dynamically reconfigurable design. Brackets can be pivoted to different positions and members can be reconnected in various orientations, allowing the play structure to adapt to changing play styles and spatial requirements while using precisely manufactured standardized components.
3Reliability
If comprehensive hardware kits are included, then reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into integrated hub components. The hubs combine multiple connection points and mounting features into single standardized components, reducing the overall number of separate hardware pieces needed while maintaining reliable connections through consolidated design.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized hubs and members serve multiple connection purposes throughout the structure. These universal components can connect different types of members and accessories, reducing the need for specialized hardware for each connection type and simplifying the overall assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A junction assembly comprising a primary hub, the primary hub comprising one or more primary hub sidewalls, one or more primary hub angular members; a top member disposed atop the primary hub; a secondary hub disposed below the primary hub; and one or more brackets pivotably coupled to at least one of the primary hub and the secondary hub.