Convertible Mat Web-Hinged Border for Flat-to-Tray Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mats are limited to a single function, such as protecting surfaces or receiving items, and lack versatility in use, particularly in transporting and placing items efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A convertible mat design featuring a planar base with a movable border that can transition between a flat and tray configuration, allowing for dual functionality in transporting and placing items, facilitated by flexible connecting webs and reversible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mat is designed with a single function (protecting surface or receiving items), then the structure is simple, but the versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The border is designed as a movable component that can transition between a flat configuration (coplanar with base) and an inclined configuration (forming tray sides). This dynamic structure allows the mat to adapt between two distinct functional states: a flat mat for receiving items and a tray for transporting items, thereby improving versatility without requiring multiple separate products
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as a flat mat for receiving items on a support surface, transform into a tray for transporting items, and provide protective functions in both configurations. The border's ability to move between positions enables this multi-functionality, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate mat and tray products
2Stability of the object's composition
If the border is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the stability is improved, but the ability to transform between configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The border is divided into multiple border sections that are connected by flexible webs. This segmentation allows each section to move independently relative to the others, enabling the border to transform from a flat configuration to an inclined tray configuration. The segmented structure maintains stability when in either configuration while allowing easy transformation between states
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible webs connecting the border sections act as flexible elements that allow the border to bend and change shape. These thin, flexible connections enable the border to transition between flat and inclined positions while the border sections themselves maintain sufficient rigidity to provide structural stability when in their respective positions
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible mat (10) is provided and comprises a generally planar base (20) and a border extending around the base, the border comprising border sections (25, 26, 27, 28) joined together by webs, the webs being single, substantially non-folding web sections (35, 36, 37, 38) which cause the border sections to be movable together between a first position in which they are coplanar with the base and a second position in which they are inclined whereby to form a tray.