Wagon Flaps Zip to Form Table Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding wagons lack a convenient and accessible cover to protect contents from the elements and prevent unauthorized access, and they do not provide a surface for eating or accessing items like food and utensils.
Innovation Solution
A folding wagon with detachable article transport and table flaps that zip together to create a continuous cover over the basket, while also forming a table, and a pull-out rack for additional items like coolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the basket top remains open for easy access to articles, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from elements and unauthorized access is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between multiple positions: hanging downward for access, folded upward to form a cover, or positioned at intermediate angles. This dynamic adaptability allows the same structure to provide both easy access and protection from elements depending on usage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps serve multiple functions: they act as protective covers when folded upward, form a table surface when positioned horizontally, and can be configured in intermediate positions for partial access. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and access through different configurations of the same component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to protect contents, then protection from elements is improved, but ease of access to articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Users can easily transition between covered and accessible states by folding the flaps upward or downward, maintaining ease of access while providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap design allows users to easily configure the cover themselves without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The flaps can be manually positioned and secured by users based on their immediate needs for protection or access.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are designed to fold upward and connect to form a cover, then protection and table functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the flap structure itself: the flaps serve as protective covers, table surfaces, and article carriers simultaneously. By merging these functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate mechanisms, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the multifunctional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: protecting contents when folded upward, providing a table surface when positioned horizontally, and carrying articles in intermediate positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective covers and tables, reducing overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the wagon is designed for compact folding storage, then ease of storage is improved, but available space for articles during use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wagon is divided into collapsible segments including the basket and frame that can be folded together for compact storage. During use, these segmented parts expand to provide maximum capacity, while for storage they collapse to minimize space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wagon structure is dynamically reconfigurable between expanded and collapsed states. The basket and frame components can transition between rigid extended configurations for maximum capacity and flexible folded configurations for compact storage, allowing the same structure to optimize for both usage and storage needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wagon having a basket with an open top through which articles are received to be transported by the wagon. The wagon has a pair of article transport and table flaps that are connected to the top of the basket. The flaps initially hang downwardly against the opposite sides of the basket at which to carry different articles. The flaps are adapted to rotate from a location at the sides of the basket to a location above the top of the basket at which the flaps are connected by zipper fasteners to one another to create a cover to close the top of the basket and form a table extending across the basket. A pull-out rack is carried by the wagon below the basket to be pulled outwardly from the back of the wagon at which to transport another article such as a cooler.