Swinging Child Support Latch for Simple Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child care apparatuses with swingable child supports often have complex latching mechanisms that are not convenient to use, failing to meet current needs for simplicity and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A child care apparatus featuring a standing frame with a child support frame connected via pivotally connected hanging bars, a latching mechanism with a latch actuator and spring for rotational locking, and a holding mechanism to keep the latch actuator in the locking state, allowing for easy switching between locking and unlocking states using an external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism is used to lock the child support frame, then the child support can be secured in position, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member for engagement, a latch actuator for movement control, and a spring for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining reliable locking through the coordinated action of these discrete elements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch actuator automatically returns to the locked position after being actuated, providing self-service functionality. The spring bias ensures the latch member automatically engages with the hanging bar when not actively opened, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms and making the system easier to operate while maintaining reliable locking
2Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used, then secure locking is achieved, but the device construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The latch actuator integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the actuating element for opening the latch and the moving element that directly engages or disengages the latch member from the hanging bar. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining secure locking through the unified action of the combined components
Solution Approach 2:
The latch actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the engagement and disengagement of the latch, provides the mechanical link between the operating portion and the latch member, and works in conjunction with the spring to provide automatic return and biasing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the device construction while ensuring reliable locking
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
The solution provides a simple and convenient mechanism for swinging and locking the child support frame, enhancing user experience and suitability for applications like baby cribs, child swings, and rockers by ensuring easy operation and secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected with the latch actuator. The latch actuator is movable along with the latch between a locking state where the latch is engaged with the hanging bar and an unlocking state where the latch is disengaged from the hanging bar, the latching mechanism being biased toward the unlocking state by the spring
Implementation Method 2
the hanging bar being rotatable for swinging the child support frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A child care apparatus (200) includes a standing frame (202) including a mounting portion (214), a child support frame (204) held on the standing frame (202) via at least one hanging bar (206) that is pivotally connected with the mounting portion (214), a latching mechanism (100) for rotationally locking the hanging bar (206), and a holding mechanism (134, 150). The latching mechanism (100) includes a latch (102) connected with the mounting portion (214), a latch actuator (104) movably linked to the latch (102) and having an operating portion (116) exposed for operation, and a spring (108) connected with the latch actuator (104). The latch actuator (104) is movable along with the latch (102) between a locking state where the latch (102) is engaged with the hanging bar (206) and an unlocking state where the latch (102) is disengaged from the hanging bar (206), the latching mechanism (100) being biased toward the unlocking state by the spring (108). The holding mechanism (134, 150) is adapted to keep the latch actuator (104) and the latch (102) in the locking state, wherein the latch actuator (104) is switchable between the locking state and the unlocking state by applying an external force on the operating portion (116) of the latch actuator (104).