Upholstered Creeper Internal Framework and Enclosed Cover Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanic's creepers lack comfort and are prone to damage due to their exterior framework design, which limits their ability to provide increased comfort and support.

Innovation Solution

A creeper with an internal support framework and an exterior cover that encapsulates the entire assembly, featuring laterally spaced side rails, cross-members, a spanning member, and a pad, with casters secured to the internal frame for mobility and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an exterior framework design is used to construct the creeper, then the structural support is provided, but the user comfort is limited and the creeper is susceptible to damage at contact points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional exterior framework design by placing the framework inside the cover. The internal framework (side rails, crossmembers, headrest support) is enclosed within a upholstered cover, reversing the conventional arrangement where the frame is on the outside. This inversion allows the soft cover to contact the user directly for comfort while the internal frame provides structural support without exposing hard edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the framework structure inside the cover. The internal framework (including side rails, crossmembers, and headrest support) is nested within the upholstered cover assembly. This nested arrangement allows the cover to envelop the frame, providing a soft exterior surface for user comfort while maintaining the structural integrity of the internal framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If mechanical fasteners are used to secure the pad to the exterior frame, then the pad is attached, but the fasteners are susceptible to tearing and displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad attachmentVSAvoidresistance to tearing and displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible cover (upholstered material) to envelop and secure the pad and framework assembly. The cover acts as a flexible shell that can be stretched and secured around the internal framework and pad, replacing traditional mechanical fasteners. This flexible enclosure method distributes attachment forces across a larger area, reducing stress concentration and susceptibility to tearing and displacement at specific fastener points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Shape

If an exterior framework design is used, then the creeper structure is defined, but the aesthetic appeal and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural definitionVSAvoidaesthetic appeal and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional exterior framework design by placing the framework inside the cover. The internal framework (side rails, crossmembers, headrest support) is enclosed within a upholstered cover, reversing the conventional arrangement where the frame is on the outside. This inversion allows the soft cover to contact the user directly for comfort while the internal frame provides structural support without exposing hard edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the framework structure inside the cover. The internal framework (including side rails, crossmembers, and headrest support) is nested within the upholstered cover assembly. This nested arrangement allows the cover to envelop the frame, providing a soft exterior surface for user comfort while maintaining the structural integrity of the internal framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7712750B2Upholstered creeper

Publication Date: 2010.05.11 WHITESIDE MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A creeper includes an inner framework having longitudinally extending, laterally spaced side rails interconnected by one or more cross members extending therebetween. A support plate is secured to the inner framework. A pad is positioned on the support plate and a cover encompasses the pad and at least a portion of the inner framework therein. A plurality of caster assemblies are secured to the inner framework.