Baby Cradle Hook Geometry for Secure Orientation-Locked Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baby cradle systems face challenges in providing a secure connection between movable and stationary parts while allowing for easy interchangeability and preventing unintentional detachment, particularly in spring cradles where metal-on-metal contact can lead to chipping and increased risk.

Innovation Solution

A baby cradle hook system with first and second hook sections that allow secure connection and easy detachment through defined orientations and movements, ensuring the connection remains stable under load and prevents unintentional release, featuring asymmetric design and additional safety elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal-on-metal connection interface is used between movable and stationary parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of chipping and component failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrisk of component failure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plastic intermediary component (retaining element with retaining part) between the metal hook section and the metal support element. This plastic intermediary prevents direct metal-on-metal contact, eliminating the chipping risk while maintaining connection strength through the engineered interface between the plastic retaining part and metal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure connection system is designed to prevent unintentional detachment, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against unintentional detachmentVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design where the retaining part has a rectangular cross-section that can only be inserted into the hook section in a specific orientation. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent prevention against unintentional detachment while maintaining relative simplicity, as the asymmetric shape itself serves as the locking mechanism without requiring additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If individual components are designed to be easily replaceable by end users, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of component replacementVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection system into separable components: a hook section, a retaining element with retaining part, and a support element. The retaining element can be independently removed and replaced by users through simple rotational movement, while each component maintains its structural integrity and connection security when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4562314B1Baby-cradle hook system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 EXPLICATIS GMBH
  • EP4562314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4562314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4562314B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A baby-cradle hook system (1) for connecting a movable baby cradle (11) to a holding element (2) in a main direction (H) is provided. The baby-cradle hook system (1) comprises a first hook portion (3) with a first holding region (31) for holding a holding part (91) of the baby cradle (11), and a second hook portion (4) with a second holding region (41) for holding a cross-sectionally rectangular holding part (6) of the holding element (2) and with a second insertion region (42) for inserting the holding part (6) of the holding element (2) into the holding region (41). The second holding region (41) is designed such that only in a first orientation can the holding part (6) of the holding element (2) be held in the holding region. The second insertion region (42) is designed such that only in a second orientation can the holding part (6) of the holding element (2) pass through the insertion region in a direction of insertion (R1). The first orientation and the second orientation differ from each other. A spring-cradle system with the baby-cradle hook system (1) is also provided.