Portable confinement apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable confinement devices for individuals, such as those with sleep issues, face challenges in accessibility and stability, often requiring complex assembly and disassembly, and lack ease of transportation due to unstable frames and restrictive designs.
Innovation Solution
A portable confinement apparatus with integrally secured base and bridge members, featuring multiple closable openings for easy access, a mattress-receiving pocket, and a stabilization system with telescopic support struts and base plates to ensure stability and ease of handling, allowing for secure and comfortable confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable confinement device with a frame and canopy is used, then portability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to independent movement of frame and canopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame and canopy into a single integrated structure where the canopy is attached to the frame members, eliminating independent movement between components. This merging resolves the stability issue while preserving portability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs telescopic support struts that can extend and retract, allowing the structure to adapt between a compact portable state and a stable deployed state. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides stability when needed while maintaining portability for transport.
2Reliability
If a bed enclosure is built around an existing bed, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in moving the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the enclosure into modular components including a frame, canopy, and telescopic support struts that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the safe enclosure to be moved and repositioned with minimal effort while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic support struts enable the enclosure to be quickly deployed and collapsed, transforming from a stable enclosed state to a compact portable state. This dynamic mechanism maintains safety during use while enabling easy relocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a confinement device with a frame and canopy is used, then portability is improved, but accessibility deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates removable panels or openings in the canopy and frame structure, allowing easy access to the interior while maintaining the portable design. This segmentation enables caregivers to access the person inside without disassembling the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic support struts allow the canopy to be adjusted or removed temporarily for access, then repositioned to restore enclosure. This dynamic adjustment provides accessibility when needed while preserving portability and confinement when required.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A portable confinement apparatus having an enclosure (10, 30) for confining a person upon a mattress. The enclosure (10, 30) is formed of a flexible material having a base face (38), at least four side faces and a roof (36) which define a void (50), with a pocket (40) for the mattress. A frame (200, 20, 22, 24A, 30) has four base (22, 32) members arranged in a rectangle with two bridge members (24A), arranged over the base (22, 32) members. At least part of each base (22, 32) member is integrally secured to the base (22, 32) section and at least part of each bridge member is integrally secured to the roof (36) section. The enclosure (10, 30) is provided with at least two closable openings (60A) on different sides (34). An opening (160C) may extend into the roof (36) section. Support struts (226A, 226C, 26A) and a stabilisation system are also described to increase stability and prevent tipping. Members may be telescopic to increase the portability of the apparatus.