Wagon Canopy Assembly with Longitudinal Springs for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing canopy assemblies for ride-on toys, such as wagons, are complex, difficult to assemble, and do not collapse well for storage and transport, failing to provide adequate sun protection and comfort in hot and humid climates.
Innovation Solution
A folding canopy assembly with longitudinal springs and rigid members that transition between coiled and extended orientations, allowing for easy assembly, use, and automatic folding, along with connectors for secure attachment to the ride-on vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a canopy is attached through cross support members and vertical support members, then the canopy provides stable sun protection, but the canopy cannot collapse well for storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy frame is divided into collapsible segments connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be broken down into smaller parts for compact storage while maintaining structural integrity when assembled for sun protection
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy frame segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with cross support members and vertical support members fitting inside one another to minimize storage volume while preserving the full canopy structure for use
2Reliability
If special attachment mechanisms are used to connect canopy poles and frame to the wagon body, then the canopy can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, where the canopy frame automatically positions itself relative to the wagon body and locks into place through spring-loaded or elastic retention systems that require no complex adjustment or multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure mechanical attachment, allows for quick release, enables adjustment of canopy position, and accommodates variations in wagon body shapes, replacing the need for multiple specialized attachment devices
3Strength
If a complex frame and attachment system is used, then the canopy provides adequate structural support, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy frame components are pre-assembled into modular units with integrated connection points and alignment features during manufacturing, allowing for rapid field assembly where users simply need to connect pre-configured modules rather than assembling individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic connection elements such as spring-loaded latches, elastic retention springs, and movable alignment pins that automatically engage and disengage during assembly and disassembly, reducing the time and effort required while maintaining structural support strength
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 canopy assembly provides quick and easy assembly, effective sun protection, and convenient storage by automatically folding, addressing the limitations of prior canopy systems while ensuring comfort and protection from weather elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first longitudinal spring retained within the first cavity; a second longitudinal spring retained within the second cavity, wherein the first and second longitudinal springs have a concave cross section with an apex of the first and second longitudinal springs being positioned adjacent the second side of the top panel, and wherein the first and second longitudinal springs can transition between a coiled orientation and a rigid extended orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy assembly is provided for a ride-on vehicle, such as a wagon. The canopy assembly has a canopy, a support structure and a connecter assembly. The support structure may have longitudinal springs secured to the canopy that can transition between a coiled orientation and a rigid extended orientation to transition the canopy assembly between a use position and a folded or coiled position. The support structure may also have rigid members at opposite ends of the canopy. The connector assembly may have a plurality of connectors secured to the canopy and adapted to operably receive a canopy pole.