Playpen Leg Folding Mechanism for Compact Frame Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding mechanisms for playpens do not adequately reduce the size of the frame when folded, leading to increased storage and transportation costs due to the frame's height and length, which complicates packaging and storage.
Innovation Solution
A folding device that allows support legs to be further pivoted by connecting a bottom rod and post to multiple positions, utilizing a movable member to secure the post during use and pivot it relative to the support leg during folding, thereby reducing the frame's size when folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional collapsing mechanism is used to fold the playpen frame, then the frame can be folded for storage and transport, but the height of the frame remains too long requiring larger packaging space and incurring high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg is divided into multiple segments (first support leg segment and second support leg segment) that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the leg to fold at multiple points, significantly reducing the overall height and volume of the folded frame while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg incorporates a dynamic folding mechanism with pivot joints and movable members that allow the leg to transition between extended (use) and folded (storage) positions. The movable member enables controlled pivoting of the second support leg segment relative to the first, creating a compact configuration for storage while maintaining stability during use.
2Volume of moving object
If the frame length is reduced for better storage, then packaging costs decrease, but the folding mechanism becomes more complex increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot joint connector, a locking mechanism, and a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall mechanism while achieving the desired compact folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second support leg segment is positioned within or alongside the first support leg segment during folding, creating a nested configuration. This nesting approach maximizes space efficiency and minimizes the overall dimensions of the folded frame without requiring complex external folding structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding device for each of four support legs of a playpen includes a bottom rod and a post pivotably and respectively connected to a first position and a second position of each support leg. A locking device is connected to the bottom rods and a connection member is connected to a top of each post. Four top rods are pivotably connected to the four connection members. A movable member is movably connected to the post which is pivotably connected to the support leg so that the post is secured to the support leg or the support leg can be pivotable relative to the post by operation of the movable member. The bottom rods and the top rods can be pivoted toward each and the support legs can be further pivoted relative to the post so as to reduce the storage size of the frame of the playpen in folded state.