Baby Cradle Vertical Motion Using a Sliding Shaft Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baby cradles are limited to swinging leftward and rightward or forward and backward, lacking the ability to move upward and downward, requiring manual intervention or baby action to achieve vertical motion.

Innovation Solution

A baby soothing device with a holding structure, a supporting frame, a sliding shaft, and a driving device, comprising a torsion spring and motor mechanism, or a manual spring mechanism, to enable upward and downward motion of the holding structure relative to a supporting surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a swing mechanism is used to move the baby cradle, then the baby cradle can swing leftward and rightward or forward and backward, but the baby cradle cannot move upward and downward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion direction capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional horizontal/forward-backward swinging motion to vertical upward-downward motion by introducing a sliding shaft mechanism that moves along a guide rail. This dimensional change in motion direction enables the baby cradle to move in a previously unavailable vertical dimension, resolving the contradiction between motion versatility and mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional swing mechanism with a driving device that incorporates a motor and sliding shaft system. This substitution eliminates the need for manual pushing or baby jumping while enabling automated vertical motion, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If manual pushing or baby jumping is used to move the baby cradle upward and downward, then vertical motion can be achieved, but continuous automated motion cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated vertical motionVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driving device is designed to automatically control the sliding shaft's vertical motion without requiring manual intervention from caregivers or physical effort from the baby. The motor-driven system self-regulates the up-and-down movement, achieving continuous automated operation while maintaining ease of use through automatic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous automated vertical motion through the motor-driven sliding shaft mechanism, eliminating the intermittent and discontinuous nature of manual pushing or baby jumping. The driving device provides sustained, smooth, and continuous motion cycles, enhancing both automation and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a swing mechanism limits the direction of motion to leftward and rightward or forward and backward, then the mechanism structure is simple, but the motion versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion directionVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motion control system into independent components: a sliding shaft for vertical movement, a guide rail for directional constraint, and a motor-driven driving device. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve multi-directional motion capability (vertical up-down) while maintaining a relatively simple and modular structure that can be easily assembled and maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the baby soothing device to move upward and downward continuously, reducing the mechanical stress on components and providing more varied motion directions compared to traditional swing mechanisms, thus enhancing the soothing experience.

Implementation Method 1

a driving device disposed between the sliding shaft and the supporting frame, the driving device being used for driving the sliding shaft to move upward and downward relative to the supporting frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

comprising a torsion spring and motor mechanism, or a manual spring mechanism, to enable upward and downward motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotor mechanism: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS7748063B2Baby soothing device

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 BAMBINO PREZIOSO SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A baby soothing device includes a holding structure, a supporting frame, a sliding shaft, and a driving device. The holding structure is used for holding a baby. The supporting frame is used for supporting the holding structure on a surface. The sliding shaft has an end connected to the holding structure. The driving device is disposed between the sliding shaft and the supporting frame. The driving device is used for driving the sliding shaft to move upward and downward relative to the supporting frame.