Self-Deployable Cot Structure With Stiffener Bars Against Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child beds and cribs are cumbersome to set up and dismantle, and when children grow, the structures can collapse, allowing them to exit the lying space, while traditional fold-up cots are heavy and difficult to transport.
Innovation Solution
A self-deployable children area device with an arcuate structure featuring two hoop ends and stiffener bars that can absorb pressing forces, allowing for easy setup and folding, with one end of the bar fixed and the other end secured by a reversible connection, enabling the device to maintain its deployed state without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional fold-up cots are used, then the structure provides a defined lying down space, but the device becomes heavy and bulky to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular components: arcuate elements that can be folded together, flexible walls that can be attached and removed, and stiffener bars that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to be lightweight and easy to transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic self-deploying system. The arcuate elements are designed to automatically assume their upright position through elastic energy storage during folding, eliminating the need for heavy rigid support structures and making the device both lightweight and structurally stable.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fold-up cots are used, then the structure provides support, but the device becomes complicated to set up and fold up
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to self-deploy through elastic energy storage in the arcuate elements. When folded together, the stored elastic energy automatically propels the structure into its upright configuration, eliminating the need for complex assembly instructions or multiple adjustment steps. The stiffener bars automatically engage with the arcuate elements during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate elements are pre-formed with specific curvature and elastic properties that enable automatic deployment. The stiffener bars are pre-positioned with engagement features that automatically connect to the arcuate elements during the self-deploying process, simplifying the overall setup procedure.
3Strength
If baby beds with arch structure are used, then the structure is simple, but the arch collapses when the child presses down
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines flexible materials for the walls with rigid stiffener bars and elastic arcuate elements. This composite construction allows the structure to be simple in form while providing high resistance to pressing down forces through the synergistic combination of material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate elements are designed with specific curvature that provides structural strength against compressive forces. The curved geometry naturally distributes pressing down forces along the arc, preventing collapse while maintaining a simple overall structure without complex bracing systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If stiffener bars are fixed at both ends, then the structure is stable, but the device becomes difficult to deploy and fold
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener bars transition from a static fixed-fixed configuration to a dynamic system where one end remains fixed and the other end moves freely during deployment. This allows the bars to automatically position themselves relative to the arcuate elements during self-deployment, maintaining stability in the upright position while enabling easy folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection of stiffener bars is segmented into a fixed end and a free end. This segmentation allows the bar to be anchored at one point while remaining mobile at the other, enabling automatic positioning during deployment while maintaining structural stability when deployed.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, easy-to-assemble and disassemble device that resists collapse and allows for secure child containment, improving usability and safety compared to traditional models.
Implementation Method 1
at least two stiffener bars allow to withstand a bearing against said hoop end
Implementation Method 2
The free end may for example be provided with a non-slip coating of the rubber type in order to assure good engagement with the floor or other
Data Source
AI summary
A self-deployable device for a child (1), comprising an arcuate structure (110, 120) adapted to support at least one flexible material wall (20) defining a space for receiving a child and at least four stiffener bars (201, 201′) for countering pressing down on the arcuate structure. For at least one of said bars, only one end (211, 211′) of the two ends of the bar is fastened to the arcuate structure by a fixed connection so that said bar may remain connected to the arcuate structure when said structure goes from the folded state to the deployed state and/or vice-versa.