Infant Swing Structure With Inclined Column and Wheeled Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infant swing apparatuses are bulky and difficult to move from one room to another due to their large size, lacking convenience and portability.

Innovation Solution

A compact infant swing apparatus design featuring a rearwardly inclined support column and a pivotally connected swing arm with a tapered shape, incorporating a motorized driving mechanism and adjustable seat support, along with wheel assemblies for easy transportation and a carry handle for portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a large base and traditional swing arm structure are used, then the swing apparatus provides stable pendulum motion, but the apparatus occupies significant space and is difficult to move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of pendulum motionVSAvoidsize of swing apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is designed with an inclined configuration rather than a vertical orientation, changing the spatial dimension of the structure. This inclination allows the swing arm to pivot in a compact footprint while maintaining the pendulum motion arc, effectively reducing the horizontal space occupied without compromising motion stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The swing arm is designed with a tapered shape that is thicker at the pivot end and thinner at the seat end. This dynamic geometric variation optimizes the moment of inertia distribution, providing stable pendulum motion while minimizing the material volume and overall size of the swing arm component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a large base frame is used, then the swing apparatus remains stable during operation, but it is not convenient to move from one room to another

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during operationVSAvoidconvenience of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support column inclination redirects the swing motion arc to utilize vertical space more efficiently rather than requiring large horizontal clearance. This dimensional change allows the apparatus to maintain stable operation with a smaller base footprint, improving portability while preserving operational stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The base frame is designed with wheel assemblies that segment the overall structure into movable components. This segmentation allows the stable base frame to be easily transported by rolling, resolving the contradiction between maintaining a stable operational base and enabling convenient movement between locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a traditional vertical support column is used, then the structure is simple and straightforward, but the apparatus occupies more space and is less portable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is configured with a rearward inclination rather than a vertical orientation. This dimensional change in the column's orientation allows the swing arm to pivot in a compact horizontal footprint while maintaining structural simplicity. The inclined column effectively reduces the forward projection of the apparatus, decreasing space occupation without introducing complex mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design results in a more compact, portable, and user-friendly infant swing apparatus that maintains the calming and entertaining pendulum motion while reducing the overall size and facilitating easy movement within a house.

Implementation Method 1

a swing arm that can travel in a pendulum motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPendulum motion: Pendulum

Implementation Method 2

The support column has an upper portion that leans toward the rear of the support column... pivotally connected with the upper portion of the support column about a pivot axis that is located above the seat support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9173503B2Infant swing apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
  • US9173503B2 patent drawing
  • US9173503B2 patent drawing
  • US9173503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An infant swing apparatus includes a base frame, a rigid support column rising from the base frame and having a front and a rear, and a swing arm arranged at the front of the support column and having a first end portion and a second end portion. The support column has an upper portion that leans toward the rear of the support column. The first end portion of the swing arm is connected with a seat support, and the second end portion is pivotally connected with the upper portion of the support column about a pivot axis that is located above the seat support.