Flexible Vibrating Mat Design for Non-Planar Infant Soothing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soothing devices for infants are too rigid to adapt to non-planar surfaces, such as car seats or medical equipment, and cannot be used without direct handling, which limits their applicability in soothing children in various scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A flexible vibrating mat with eccentric rotating mass vibratory motors, a controller, and a water-resistant cover, allowing for selective speed control and integration with audio and heating elements, enabling it to be easily rolled or folded and used on non-planar surfaces without direct handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid frames or large flat plates are used in soothing devices, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to non-planar surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible mat as the base structure instead of rigid frames or flat plates. The flexible mat can conform to various surfaces including car seats and medical equipment, while still providing the necessary structural support for the vibratory motors and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by making the mat flexible and adaptable rather than rigid and fixed. The dynamic nature of the flexible mat allows it to adjust to different shapes and surfaces, enabling use on non-planar surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed motor housings and flexible core construction.
2Power
If large flat plates or housings containing vibratory devices are used, then vibration effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by dividing the vibratory system into multiple smaller motor housings distributed across the mat rather than using a single large housing. Each motor housing contains its own vibratory motor, allowing the system to maintain effective vibration output while being divided into smaller, more manageable segments that are easier to handle and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mat construction allows the entire device to be rolled or folded for portability while maintaining the effectiveness of the distributed vibratory motors. The flexible core and cover system enables compact storage without compromising the vibration capability when deployed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components (motors, audio, heating) are integrated into the mat, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by integrating multiple functional components including vibratory motors, audio speakers, and heating elements into a single mat system. The controller can selectively activate different functions based on user input, providing a multi-functional device that addresses various infant soothing needs while maintaining a unified, manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by combining multiple independent functional systems (vibration, audio, heating) into a single integrated mat with a common power supply and controller. This merging of functions into one device reduces the need for multiple separate products while the flexible mat structure and modular component design keep the overall system manageable.
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 mat provides a portable, lightweight, and adaptable solution for soothing infants, capable of fitting into car seats or medical equipment, ensuring effective vibration and audio stimulation without excessive handling, enhancing its usability in diverse scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible vibrating mat for soothing a child according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of electric vibratory motors
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible vibrating mat for soothing a child includes a plurality of electric vibratory motors and a plurality of cylindrical motor casings. Each motor casing is associated with a single electric vibratory motor and is generally the same size as the associated electric vibratory motor. The mat additionally includes a controller. The controller is configured to selectively electrically couple the plurality of electric vibratory motors to an electric power supply. The mat further includes a flexible core coupled with the plurality of motor casings and a water-resistant cover covering the core, the plurality of motor casings, and the controller.