Concave Swing Seat Structure for Multi-Directional Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swings are limited in entertainment value, ease of use, and safety, as they require users to maintain a specific position and pump their legs to control motion, and they lack durability and versatility in operation.
Innovation Solution
A swing design featuring a concave central seat with a peripheral edge having tether openings, a tether system for suspension, and optional features like a drain opening, radial ribs, and ballast chambers, allowing for flexible motion and improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rectangular rigid swing seats or flexible strap-like swing seats are used, then the swing can move on an arc in a back-and-forth motion, but the user must maintain a sitting position and pump legs to control motion, limiting entertainment and enjoyment
Solution Approach 1:
The swing body is designed with a concave central portion and peripheral edge structure that allows dynamic movement in multiple directions (back-and-forth, side-to-side, circular, diagonal) rather than being constrained to a single arc motion. The tether openings positioned at the peripheral edge enable the swing to pivot and rotate freely, providing adaptive versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing body is segmented into a concave central portion for seating and a peripheral edge with multiple tether openings. This segmentation allows the swing to be suspended from multiple points arranged in various configurations (e.g., square pattern with four openings), enabling diverse motion patterns and enhancing both ease of operation and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tire swings that can twist and swing in any direction are used, then entertainment value increases, but the user must still maintain a sitting position and hold onto the swing or ropes
Solution Approach 1:
The swing body incorporates a concave central portion that can be formed from flexible or semi-flexible materials, allowing the seat to conform to user positions and movements. This flexibility enables users to move freely without maintaining a rigid sitting position, while the peripheral edge with tether openings provides structural integrity for multi-directional swinging.
3Reliability
If prior swings are designed for durability and safety, then reliability improves, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral edge with multiple tether openings serves multiple functions: it provides structural strength for durable suspension, enables various installation configurations (different numbers and arrangements of tethers), and allows the swing to be suspended from different support structures. This universal design enhances reliability while simplifying manufacture and installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional swing seats are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but durability and safety features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The swing body combines a concave central portion (which can be made from flexible or cushioning materials) with a peripheral edge structure (providing structural strength). This composite construction allows the use of different materials optimized for their specific functions, enhancing durability and safety while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated molding or assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A swing includes a body with a recessed seat and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes tether openings. The body can be defined as a one-piece molded polymeric construction. A lower surface of the seat comprises ribs that extend radially outward from an inner end toward the peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes a top wall, an outer wall projecting downwardly from the top wall, and an inner circular wall located radially inward from and arranged concentrically with the outer wall. A peripheral groove is defined between the inner and outer circular walls. The tether openings are defined in the top wall and open through the top wall into the peripheral groove. A plurality of peripheral edge support ribs each extend between and interconnect the inner and outer circular walls. A tether system is engaged with the tether openings.