Child Swing Rotatable Column with Height Adjustment and Magnetic Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child swing designs lack flexibility in height adjustment and recline positions, making it difficult for caregivers to easily access the child and provide comfortable seating angles, and they often require manual operation which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A child swing with a modular design featuring an extendable column that allows height adjustment and a recline mechanism, powered by a magnetic drive for automated motion, incorporating sensors and optical encoders for precise control, and removable legs for easy packaging and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the column is made extendable with multiple height positions, then height adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column is designed as an extendable structure that can dynamically change its length to provide multiple height positions. The column includes an inner column and an outer column that can slide relative to each other, allowing the seat to be positioned at different heights above the floor. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing height adaptability through a controlled structural change rather than a fixed complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The column is segmented into multiple sections (inner column and outer column) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the column to achieve multiple height positions through the relative movement of its segments, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a completely reconfigurable structure while still providing the needed height adjustability.
2Ease of operation
If the seat is made rotatable about the axis of rotation, then ease of access for caregivers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column serves multiple functions: it supports the seat vertically, provides height adjustment through extension, and enables rotational movement of the seat about its axis. By integrating these multiple functions into a single column structure, the design avoids adding separate mechanisms for each function, thereby improving ease of access for caregivers while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic drive is used for automated motion, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic drive system replaces traditional mechanical drive mechanisms (such as gears, belts, or linkages) with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets are positioned to interact with magnetic actuators on the column, providing automated motion control for height adjustment and seat rotation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmissions while achieving the desired automated operation, though it introduces magnetic component manufacturing considerations.
4Measurement precision
If sensors and optical encoders are incorporated for precise control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors and optical encoders are integrated into the column structure to provide feedback on the column's position, extension state, and rotational angle. This feedback enables precise control of the seat's height and orientation by allowing the control system to monitor and adjust the magnetic drive actuators accordingly. The sensors are strategically positioned to measure key parameters without requiring additional complex measurement systems.
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 child swing provides adjustable height and recline positions for enhanced accessibility and comfort, automated motion for convenience, and easy assembly and storage, addressing the limitations of traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet are configured to apply magnetic forces to one another so as to cause relative rotation between the at least one magnet and the at least one other magnet that drives the at least a portion of the column to rotate about the axis of rotation relative to the base
Implementation Method 2
The at least one magnet and the hall effect sensor are rotatable relative to one another such that the hall effect sensor is configured to sense a strength of each magnetic field generated by the north and south poles and generate a signal that is indicative of a rotational movement of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a child swing has a base, a column, and a seat. The base supports the child swing on a floor. The column extends upwards from the base and defines an axis of rotation. The seat is supported by the column above the base. In some examples, the column transitions the seat between a lowered position in which the seat is positioned at a first height above the floor, and a raised position in which the seat is positioned at a second height above the floor. The seat rotates about the axis of rotation relative to the base in both the lowered position and the raised position. In some examples, the swing has a magnetic drive. In some examples, the swing has a swing motion sensor that detects motion of the seat relative to the base. In some examples, the swing has a recline mechanism.