Child Motion Drive Feedback Control for Smooth Reciprocating Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional child motion devices lack operational adjustability and customization options, leading to inefficacy in soothing or entertaining children due to inaccurate and inefficient control techniques, which result in bumpy motion and rapid battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of capacitive sensing technologies for absolute swing angle sensing and automated self-calibration routines, combined with user-defined modes and motor voltage optimization, to provide a secure, comfortable, and adaptable motion control system that adjusts power application based on real-time position data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional control techniques are used in child motion devices, then the device structure is simple, but the motion accuracy deteriorates resulting in bumpy motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the swing angle sensor data and adjusting motor voltage accordingly. The controller receives feedback about the actual swing position and modifies power application to achieve desired swing characteristics, eliminating the bumpy motion problem while maintaining reasonable system complexity through efficient feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of using purely mechanical linkages and springs to control swing motion, the invention uses electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and motor voltage regulation to achieve precise motion control, improving accuracy while managing complexity through electronic rather than mechanical means.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional control techniques are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but energy efficiency deteriorates leading to rapid battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling motor voltage in cyclical patterns that match the swing motion requirements. Power is applied in timed pulses rather than continuously, with voltage adjustments synchronized to the swing cycle. This periodic control approach significantly improves battery efficiency by eliminating energy waste during deceleration phases while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard motor control techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting motor voltage levels based on swing position and desired motion characteristics. The controller modifies electrical parameters (voltage, duty cycle) in real-time to optimize energy consumption, achieving extended battery life while using conventional manufacturing processes for the control electronics and motor assembly.
3Reliability
If conventional control techniques are used, then the device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates resulting in inconsistent motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor swing angle via sensors and adjust motor voltage to maintain consistent swing characteristics. This closed-loop approach compensates for variations in load, friction, and motor performance, ensuring reliable and repeatable motion while managing system complexity through efficient sensor integration and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through self-calibration routines that automatically adjust control parameters before normal operation begins. The system performs initial calibration to establish baseline swing characteristics and stores these parameters for use during operation, ensuring consistent motion from the start without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device lacks operational adjustability, then the device complexity is low, but adaptability deteriorates making it ineffective for different children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making control parameters adjustable and changeable during operation. The system allows modification of swing speed, amplitude, and timing parameters to adapt to different children's preferences and needs. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through user interface controls that modify motor voltage characteristics in real-time, providing versatility without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to provide operational adaptability by allowing users to modify control parameters such as swing speed, amplitude, and timing. The controller adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, duty cycle) to create different swing patterns suitable for various children, achieving high adaptability through software-based parameter modification rather than complex hardware changes.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of child motion devices, ensuring consistent and soothing motion across a wide range of conditions, reducing battery consumption, and allowing for personalized settings to better suit individual children's needs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more capacitive sensors, such as a sensor board with one or more capacitive traces
Implementation Method 2
the back-EMF technique... an induced voltage is then generated on the winding by the revolving magnet on the motor rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A child motion device includes a motor, a drive system coupled to the motor to produce movement along a motion path having reciprocating strokes, and a sensor responsive to the movement to generate feedback information indicative of the movement. The child motion device further includes a motor control circuit coupled to the sensor to determine, based on the feedback information, when to apply power to the motor during each reciprocating stroke. In some cases, the feedback information is indicative of a position of the motor such that the motor control circuit applies the power to the motor for a duration of time that begins after an end of each reciprocating stroke.