Play Structure Kit Using Segmented Panels and Releasable Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing play structures for children are often small, intricate, and difficult to assemble, with larger structures being heavy and awkward to handle, limiting imaginative and interactive play.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a variety of arcuate and linear tubes, connectors, and panels with non-linear edges, allowing for the assembly of multiple play structures, including those that can be entered by children, using a system of C-shaped tube clips and various connectors for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If play structures are made larger to allow children to enter and play inside, then the play structure provides more space for imaginative play, but the structure becomes heavy and awkward to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The play structure is divided into multiple separate panels that can be individually handled and assembled. Each panel is lightweight and manageable, but when combined with connectors they form a larger playable structure. This segmentation allows children to handle individual components easily while still creating spacious play areas when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The play structure uses releasable connectors that allow the structure to be dynamically assembled and disassembled. The connectors enable the panels to be connected when needed for play and separated for easy storage or reconfiguration, making the large structure manageable despite its size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If play structures are made intricate to provide detailed themes, then the play structure offers more imaginative play opportunities, but the structure becomes difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses separate panels with standardized connection points, allowing intricate themes to be created through combination of simple components. Each panel can be independently designed with specific thematic elements while using the same easy-to-attach connectors, separating the complexity of the theme from the simplicity of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to work with multiple panel types and configurations, allowing the same connector to serve various functions in different thematic arrangements. This universality simplifies assembly while enabling diverse thematic possibilities through panel selection and arrangement.
3Volume of moving object
If play structures are made from large injection molded panels, then the structure provides sufficient size for children to enter, but the panels are heavy and not easily assembled and disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one or a few large panels, the structure divides the interior space into multiple smaller panels. Each panel is lighter and easier to handle, but together they create sufficient interior space for children to enter and play. The segmented approach maintains the required volume while improving handling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable connectors allow the panels to be easily assembled and disassembled without permanent attachment. This dynamic connection system enables parents to assemble the structure once and then easily disassemble it for storage or relocation, overcoming the handling difficulties of large molded panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for constructing a variety of play structures for children includes a plurality of arcuate tubes, a plurality of linear tubes, a plurality of connectors, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of panels. At least one of the tubes is releasably assembled together with another one of the tubes using one of the couplers and the connectors to form a frame. The frame may also include at least one panel releasably coupled to at least one of the couplers. An instruction manual provides directions for releasably assembling the tubes, the connectors, the couplers, and the panels to form the variety of play structures from the kit. The kit may also include at least one covering and at least one covering connector to releasably affix the covering to at least a portion of the frame of the play structure.