Adaptive Infant Support Motion With Multi-Axis Soothing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant care devices lack the capability for simultaneous or independent movement in multiple directions and fail to adapt motion profiles based on the baby's mood or state, limiting their effectiveness in soothing or entertaining infants.
Innovation Solution
A motorized infant support system with a drive mechanism that includes a lateral motion assembly and a lifting motion assembly, allowing for independent control of horizontal and vertical movements, and a control system that adjusts motion profiles and vibration modes based on real-time monitoring of the infant's state using sensors and AI-driven feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single degree of motorized freedom is used to move the infant laterally, then the device can be simpler, but the motion profiles that can be generated are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into separate motorized assemblies for different degrees of freedom. The patent employs an first motorized assembly for lateral motion and a second motorized assembly for longitudinal motion, allowing independent control of each axis. This segmentation enables complex motion profiles to be generated by coordinating simpler individual motorized movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-degree-of-freedom lateral motion to multi-degree-of-freedom motion by adding longitudinal motorized movement. This dimensional expansion allows the infant seat to move not only laterally but also longitudinally, creating a broader range of motion profiles including diagonal and complex patterns that combine both movements.
2Extent of automation
If the caretaker must physically tend to the baby when mood or state changes, then the monitoring can be simple, but the caretaker's time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the infant's mood and state, providing real-time feedback to the system. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the motion characteristics of the drive mechanism, such as changing motion profiles or vibration patterns, to respond to the infant's needs without requiring physical intervention from the caretaker.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying its own operation based on sensor data. The control system interprets infant state changes and autonomously changes motion characteristics, enabling the device to serve itself in responding to infant needs rather than requiring external caretaker action.
Data Source
AI summary
An infant care apparatus includes an infant holder, a drive section, a biometric sensor, and a controller. The drive section is coupled to the infant holder and has a motor configured to generate one or more of an action and a motion of the infant holder. The biometric sensor is configured to observe at least one characteristic of an infant within the infant holder. The controller is configured to employ a neural network or state machine that is communicably coupled to the biometric sensor and the drive section, where the controller registers sensor data from the biometric sensor and effects, through the neural network or the state machine, a change in the one or more of the action and the motion of the infant holder.