Children's swing device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible infant swing frames lack structural rigidity and stability when unfolded for use and are difficult to transport due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible swing frame with a cross-brace pivotally coupled between first and second supports, providing stability and a locking mechanism for the expanded configuration, along with wheeled base hubs for improved portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a collapsible support frame is used for compact storage and transport, then portability is improved, but structural rigidity and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections with pivot joints, allowing the frame to be segmented into foldable units. This enables the frame to collapse into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining structural integrity when expanded for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates dynamic elements including pivot joints and locking mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between static collapsed and expanded states. The cross-brace with locking mechanism provides dynamic stability, locking into position to maintain rigidity during use while allowing collapse for storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a collapsible support frame is used for compact storage, then storage space is reduced, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collapsible frame sections are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with the cross-brace and support members folding into a compact nested configuration. This minimizes storage volume while the locking mechanism ensures structural stability is restored when the frame is expanded for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism provides dynamic stability by transitioning from an unlocked collapsed state to a locked expanded state. When locked, the cross-brace maintains rigid connection between support members, ensuring structural stability and reliability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection is provided between support members, then structural stability is improved, but ease of folding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of folding
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between support members transitions from rigid when locked to flexible when unlocked. The locking mechanism enables the cross-brace to provide rigid stable connection during use, while allowing easy folding when unlocked by collapsing the cross-brace and releasing the lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rigid cross-brace connection and the folding motion. It mediates between the need for rigid stable connection during use and the need for flexible folding for storage, allowing the structure to transition between these states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3085576B1Children's swing device
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 KIDS2 INC
  • EP3085576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3085576B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3085576B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A frame is configured to rest on a support surface and an infant-receiving receptacle (104) is supported above the support surface by the frame. The infant-receiving receptacle (104) includes a bottom/floor panel (112) forming a bed (180) for the child to sleep upon and a peripheral sidewall surrounding the bottom panel and extending between the bottom panel and the frame. The bassinet (100,200,300,500) includes a depth-adjustment mechanism that enables a caregiver to selectively adjust the depth of the infant-receiving receptacle (104) by raising or lowering the bottom panel of the infant-receiving receptacle (104). Various embodiments can also include wheels, rollers, or other mechanisms for rolling, sliding, or gliding the bassinet (100,200,300,500) across the support surface. Some embodiments include a height-adjustment mechanism, downward-recessed front wall, longitudinal-axis folding canopy (352), inverted-eggcrate bed pad (460), and/or base-positioned foot rest (250).