Pivoting Panel Wagon Interior Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing children's wagons offer limited interior configurations, with removable panels that can become lost and only provide two or fewer seating and storage arrangements, lacking versatility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A children's wagon with multiple pivotally attached panels that can be rearranged to provide various seating and storage configurations, including seatbacks, foot wells, storage compartments, and a flat floor, ensuring easy reconfiguration and preventing panel loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable panels are used to create interior configurations, then seating and storage arrangements can be adjusted, but the panels may become lost and storage space is reduced when panels are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The interior panels are segmented from the removable type to permanently hinged type, divided into multiple panels that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently hinged to the wagon body or to other panels, enabling multiple configuration options while ensuring reliable attachment through hinge connections rather than removable fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels transition from static removable components to dynamic hinged components that can be moved between different positions. The hinge mechanism allows panels to be rotated between a stored position (flush with wagon body), an extended position (protruding to create partitions or seatbacks), and intermediate positions, providing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment.
2Device complexity
If only two interior configurations are provided, then the design is simple, but the wagon lacks versatility and cannot adapt to different needs
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space is segmented into multiple zones using several hinged panels instead of a single large panel. This segmentation into smaller independently positionable panels (front panel, rear panel, intermediate panel) enables multiple configuration options including single-seat and two-seat arrangements, storage compartments, and flat floor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged panels are designed to serve multiple functions: they can form seatbacks, create storage compartment dividers, extend the wagon floor, or be stored flush against the wagon body. Each panel can be positioned in multiple orientations to accommodate different usage scenarios, making the wagon adaptable to various needs without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If panels are permanently attached to provide multiple configurations, then panel loss is prevented, but the ability to reconfigure the interior is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides a permanent yet dynamic attachment solution. Panels are permanently attached through hinges that allow rotation between multiple positions, ensuring panels cannot be lost while maintaining full reconfiguration capability. The hinge connection is robust and secure but allows controlled movement for easy repositioning by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels utilize changes in angular position (from 0 degrees when flush to 90 or 180 degrees when extended) to create different configurations. By changing the angular parameter of panel attachment, the wagon interior can be reconfigured for different purposes while the panels remain securely attached through their hinge connections throughout the range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A children's wagon includes a body supported by wheels and having an interior. Panels are pivotally attached to the wagon body and are positioned within the interior of the wagon. At least one such panel has a second panel pivotally attached to it. The panels may be moved between generally upright and horizontal positions so that the wagon features multiple interior configurations.