Child Seat Swing Mechanism with Adjustable Horizontal and Vertical Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional child swing apparatuses have a fixed swinging frequency and limited movement paths, making it difficult to adjust the swinging motion and frequency, particularly when a slower frequency is needed, as they rely on gravitational torque and lack adjustable drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A child motion apparatus with independently controllable vertical and horizontal actuating mechanisms, powered by electric motors, allowing for adjustable swinging frequencies and a wide range of movement paths, including horizontal oscillations and vertical movements, using sliding and rotating components guided along circular paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pendulum motion is used with gravitational torque, then the swing apparatus can operate with simple drive system, but the swinging frequency is locked and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent mechanisms: a horizontal actuating mechanism for oscillating motion and a vertical actuating mechanism for lifting motion. Each mechanism can be independently controlled, allowing the swinging frequency and motion path to be adjusted without being locked by gravitational torque constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the horizontal actuating mechanism to operate at different frequencies and amplitudes independent of the pendulum length. The system transitions from a fixed gravitational-driven pendulum to a dynamically controllable oscillating system with variable motion parameters.
2Speed
If slower swinging frequency is needed with same motion path, then more driving torque is required to overcome gravitational force, but conventional drive systems cannot provide sufficient torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the traditional horizontal pendulum motion. The vertical actuating mechanism lifts the child seat upward during the swing arc, adding a vertical motion component that complements the horizontal oscillation. This dimensional addition allows slower swinging frequencies to be achieved without requiring excessive horizontal driving torque, as the vertical mechanism assists in overcoming gravitational effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pendulum swing apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but the range of movement paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two distinct motion mechanisms (horizontal oscillation and vertical lifting) into a single integrated child motion apparatus. The horizontal actuating mechanism provides back-and-forth oscillating motion while the vertical actuating mechanism provides upward lifting motion, and both mechanisms work together to create combined motion paths that exceed the capabilities of either mechanism alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is designed with multi-functionality, where the horizontal actuating mechanism can operate independently for oscillating motion, the vertical actuating mechanism can operate independently for lifting motion, or both can operate together for combined motion paths. This universal design allows the same apparatus to provide multiple types of motion suitable for different child entertainment needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A child motion apparatus includes a base frame assembly for providing standing support on a floor, a column assembled with the base frame assembly, a support arm extending generally horizontally relative to the column and having a first and a second end portion, a child seat connected with the second end portion of the support arm, a vertical actuating mechanism supported by the base frame assembly and operable to drive the column to slide upward and downward, and a horizontal actuating mechanism operable to drive the support arm to oscillate generally horizontally relative to the column. The first end portion of the support arm is assembled with the column and has a channel, and the horizontal actuating mechanism includes a driving part movable along a circular path and guided for sliding movement along the channel at the first end portion of the support arm.