Circular Swing Body with Symmetric Tethers for Multi-Directional Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swings are limited in entertainment value, ease of use, and safety, particularly for children who cannot maintain the proper position or control the swing's motion, and are deficient in manufacturing, installation, durability, and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A swing design featuring a circular body with symmetrically arranged tether openings, a recessed seat with a drain, and a one-piece or multi-piece molded polymeric construction, incorporating flexible tethers and optional ballast chambers for enhanced movement and stability, allowing for directional swinging and improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rectangular rigid swing seats or flexible strap-like swing seats are used, then the swing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the entertainment value and ease of use are limited for children who cannot maintain proper position or control the swing's motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using a circular disk-shaped swing body instead of conventional rectangular or strap-like seats. This circular configuration allows children to swing in multiple directions (diagonal, circular, back-and-forth) without requiring them to maintain a specific sitting position, thereby enhancing entertainment value and ease of use while keeping the structure relatively simple
2Adaptability or versatility
If tire swings that can twist and swing in any direction are used, then the entertainment value and versatility are improved, but the durability and safety are compromised due to twisting motions and structural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the swing body into a rigid circular disk structure with multiple separate tether attachment points arranged symmetrically around the perimeter. This segmentation allows the swing to move in multiple directions while distributing structural stress across multiple attachment points, enhancing both versatility and durability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the advantages of rigid structures (durability) with multi-directional swinging capability by combining a rigid circular disk body with flexible tethers attached at multiple symmetric points, creating a structure that is both durable and versatile
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple tether openings are arranged symmetrically about the peripheral edge, then the swing's stability and controlled motion are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent actually uses symmetry (opposite of asymmetry principle) by arranging tether openings at symmetric positions around the circular perimeter, specifically at 90-degree intervals. This symmetric arrangement provides stable, predictable swinging motion while the circular geometry and standardized spacing simplify the manufacturing process compared to asymmetric configurations
4Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece molded polymeric construction is used, then the manufacturing simplicity and durability are improved, but the adaptability for different installation configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the swing body with multiple symmetrically arranged tether openings that can accommodate various tether configurations and attachment methods. This universal design allows the same one-piece molded polymeric swing body to be installed and used in multiple different configurations, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and installation flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A swing includes a body including a concave central portion defining a recessed seat and a peripheral edge surrounding the concave central portion. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of tether openings, and each of the tether openings is adapted to receive a tether. The peripheral edge of the body is circular such that the body defines a circular disk. The seat includes a drain opening defined therein. The body can be defined as a one-piece molded polymeric construction or from multiple body sections. In another embodiment, the concave central portion defining the recessed seat comprises a flexible material connected to the peripheral edge.