Infant Activity Arch With Pivoting Coupling Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant activity apparatuses lack versatility and adaptability in configuring the activity space, as they often require complex assembly or limited adjustment to accommodate different positions and sensory stimulation for infants.
Innovation Solution
An infant activity apparatus comprising two arches with independent pivoting ends connected via coupling elements that allow for adjustable angles and positions, along with decorative elements to stimulate sensory faculties and motor skills, and mounting arrangements for secure attachment to various objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If arches are articulated to coupling elements that allow independent pivoting, then adaptability and versatility of activity space configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arch structure is divided into multiple segments that can independently pivot at coupling elements. Each arch is segmented into portions that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the activity space to be configured in various shapes (straight, angled, curved) without requiring a completely different structure for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements incorporate stop-arrest arrangements that allow the arches to be dynamically adjusted to different angular positions and then held steady. The pivoting portions enable the arches to transition between fixed positions, providing both adaptability during setup and stability during use.
2Ease of operation
If stop-arrest arrangements are added to facilitate incremental pivotal displacement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop-arrest arrangements are designed to automatically engage and disengage as the arches are pivoted into position. The coupling elements self-regulate the movement, providing incremental positioning without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The structure itself provides the stopping function through its geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arches of different lengths are used to create versatile configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed as universal connectors that can accommodate arches of different lengths and configurations. The same coupling mechanism works for straight arches, angled arches, and curved arches, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce multiple arch types that all interface with the same coupling elements.
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 apparatus provides a versatile and adjustable activity space that can be configured to various angles and positions, effectively stimulating infants' motor skills and sensory development while being easily attachable to different infant equipment.
Implementation Method 1
each of the coupling elements facilitates independent pivoting of the ends articulated thereto
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an infant activity apparatus including a first arch extending between first and second ends thereof, and a second arch extending between first and second ends thereof, where the first ends are articulated to a first coupling element, and the second ends are articulated to a second coupling element, and where each of the coupling elements facilitates independent pivoting of the ends articulated thereto.