Crib Conversion Kit Using Motor-Driven Crankshaft for Bouncing Motion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cribs lack the ability to provide a bouncing motion, which can be beneficial for helping infants fall asleep, as they do not have mechanisms to facilitate such movement.

Innovation Solution

A conversion kit is introduced that includes support members, a motor, a crankshaft, and attachment members to connect the crib's frame to the mattress support platform, enabling a bouncing motion by converting rotational motion into vertical motion when the motor is activated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cribs use rigid connecting members (metal brackets) to attach the mattress support platform to the frame, then structural stability is maintained, but bouncing motion cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebouncing motion capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid metal brackets with dynamic support members that can flex and bounce. The support members are configured to allow relative motion between the mattress support platform and the frame, enabling the platform to bounce up and down while remaining supported. This dynamic configuration allows the crib to achieve bouncing motion capability while maintaining structural stability through the controlled flexibility of the support members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connecting members from rigid (metal brackets) to flexible (support members with bouncing capability). By altering the stiffness and motion characteristics of the support members, the system transitions from a completely rigid structure to one that allows controlled vertical displacement and bouncing motion, thus achieving adaptability without sacrificing overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid metal brackets are used to connect the frame to the mattress support platform, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but bouncing motion is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebouncing motion capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are designed with specific geometric configurations that inherently provide bouncing capability through their shape and material properties. This allows the components to be manufactured using standard processes without requiring complex assembly mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired dynamic bouncing motion functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the crib structure is made rigid with fixed connecting members, then structural strength is ensured, but bouncing motion capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebouncing motion capabilityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are engineered to provide controlled flexibility that enables bouncing motion while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The design allows the support members to flex within safe limits during bouncing operation, yet remain strong enough to support the mattress and infant weight. This dynamic strength configuration ensures both bouncing capability and structural integrity are achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 conversion kit allows for a bouncing motion of the mattress support platform, potentially aiding in soothing infants and helping them fall asleep by mimicking a gentle rocking or bouncing action.

Implementation Method 1

The support members can include springs or elastic cords

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

each support member of the plurality of support members comprises a spring having a loop on one end and a hook on the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a motor, a crankshaft comprising an output shaft, wherein the crankshaft is powered by the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

a crankshaft comprising an output shaft, wherein the crankshaft is powered by the motor, and an attachment member that attaches to the output shaft of the crankshaft and connects the output shaft to the mattress support platform of the crib

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrankshaft mechanism: Crankshaft

Data Source

PatentUS11696651B2Crib conversion devices for enabling bouncing motion
Publication Date: 2023.07.11 MANWARING RYAN TAYLOR
  • US11696651B2 patent drawing
  • US11696651B2 patent drawing
  • US11696651B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for enabling bouncing motion using conversion devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a conversion kit comprises a plurality of support members, a motor, a crankshaft, and an attachment member, wherein the plurality of support members connects a frame of the crib to a mattress support platform of the crib, the crankshaft comprises an output shaft, and the crankshaft is powered by the motor, and the attachment member connects the output shaft of the crankshaft to the mattress support platform of the crib.