Foldable Playard Handrail Locking Structure for Stable Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable playard handrails lack a simple and user-friendly mechanism for easy folding and size reduction while maintaining stability and safety during use.

Innovation Solution

A foldable handrail structure with rotatable locking members, torsion springs, and a driving mechanism that allows for simultaneous locking and unlocking of handrail members, enabling easy conversion between expanded and folded states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a foldable handrail structure is implemented to reduce space for shipment and storage, then the volume and area occupied by the playard are reduced, but the reliability and stability of the handrail during use deteriorate due to the risk of incomplete folding or unstable configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume occupied by playardVSAvoidstability of handrail

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the handrail member when the handrail is in the extended position, and automatically disengage when the handrail is folded. The resilient member provides automatic resetting of the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring the handrail is always properly secured or folded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member is pre-loaded to provide continuous elastic force that keeps the locking member engaged with the handrail member. This pre-loaded elastic force acts as a safety mechanism that prevents accidental disengagement and ensures the handrail remains stable during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is added to ensure stable locked state, then the reliability of the handrail is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocked state stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking member with engaging protrusion, a handrail member with engaging groove, and a resilient member. Each component has a specific function, and together they form a reliable locking system without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where the locking member can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. The resilient member provides dynamic resetting force, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different states (locked/unlocked) while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual locking and unlocking operations are required for each handrail member, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple separate operations needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking assuranceVSAvoidfolding operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed so that a single rotational movement of the locking member simultaneously controls the locking state of both handrail members. The resilient member ensures that the locking member returns to its engaged position automatically, providing reliable locking without requiring separate operations for each handrail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If the handrail structure is made fully foldable for space reduction, then the volume and area for storage are reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for complete disassembly or complex folding procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space occupiedVSAvoidfolding operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the handrail position. When the handrail is extended, the locking member is forced into the engaged position by the resilient member. When folded, the locking member automatically disengages, eliminating the need for manual locking/unlocking operations and simplifying the folding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy folding and size reduction of playards while maintaining stability and safety by allowing simultaneous locking and unlocking of handrails, preventing incomplete or unstable configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion spring attached on the first connecting member. Both ends of the torsion spring abut against the first and second locking members respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a resilient member disposed between the casing and the driving member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7958601B2Foldable handrail structure

Publication Date: 2011.06.14 BAMBINO PREZIOSO SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A foldable handrail structure includes a casing, a first handrail member and a first locking member. The first handrail member is rotatably connected to the casing. The first locking member is rotatably disposed in the casing. The first locking member is capable of rotating between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, so as to selectively restrain the first handrail member from rotating.