Child Seat Pivot Latch for One-Hand Inclination Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional child seating apparatuses, such as infant swings, require operation of two release buttons simultaneously to adjust the seat inclination, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A single-hand adjustment mechanism using a pivot joint and actuating mechanism with a latching member and handle, allowing the seat to be adjusted by unlocking and rotating with a single hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two release buttons are used on left and right sides of the seat for unlocking, then the seat can be locked securely, but the operation becomes inconvenient requiring simultaneous two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate release buttons into a single integrated release mechanism. The single release button is connected to a linkage system that simultaneously actuates both latching members on the left and right sides, merging two independent operations into one unified action while maintaining secure locking on both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the single release button and the two latching members. This intermediary transmits the releasing force from the single button to both sides simultaneously, enabling one-handed operation while ensuring both latches are released together for safe seat adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a single-hand adjustment mechanism is implemented, then operation convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional linkage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the release mechanism into distinct functional components: a single release button, a linkage system with connecting rods, and two separate latching members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system, making the complex mechanism more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having two independent release buttons that require simultaneous operation, the patent inverts the approach by using a single release button that actively drives the release of both latches through the linkage system. This inversion transforms a difficult two-handed operation into an easy one-handed operation while distributing the mechanical complexity across modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A child seating apparatus comprises a support frame, a seat assembly mounted with the support frame, a pivot joint and an actuating mechanism. The pivot joint includes a first coupling element connected with the support frame, a second coupling element connected with the seat assembly and pivotally assembled with the first coupling element, and a latching member movable between a first position locking the first and the second coupling element in position, and a second position unlocking the second coupling element from the first coupling element. The actuating mechanism includes a casing, and a handle movably assembled through the casing and is connected with the latching member via a link element, whereby the handle is operable with a single hand to cause the latching member to move from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, a method of operating the child seating apparatus is also described.