Infant Bouncer Flexible Support for Multi-Directional Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional infant bouncers require sophisticated structural designs and precise manufacturing to achieve bouncing motion, which is time-consuming and limited to upward and downward movements, making it challenging to create a simple and versatile bouncing structure.
Innovation Solution
An infant bouncer design featuring a seat supported by a flexible part on a support frame, with a positioning structure that allows the seat to be positioned relative to the frame, enabling bouncing in multiple directions using silicone or urethane materials and a flexible part that can be biased from the support point for varied motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elastic wire frames or springs are used to achieve bouncing function, then the bouncing motion is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes strenuous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid springs and elastic wire frames with flexible materials such as silicone rubber or urethane foam. These flexible parts are molded into shapes that inherently provide bouncing functionality through their material properties rather than complex mechanical structures. The flexible part is disposed between the support frame and the seat, utilizing the material's elasticity to achieve the bouncing motion while dramatically simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the bouncing mechanism from rigid mechanical components to flexible material properties. By selecting materials with appropriate durometer values (hardness) and elastic moduli, the bouncing characteristics are achieved through material selection rather than intricate structural design. This parameter change from mechanical structure to material property simplifies both design and manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional support frame mechanisms are used, then upward and downward bouncing movement is achieved, but the structure cannot provide multi-directional bouncing
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible part made of silicone rubber or urethane foam can deform in multiple directions when force is applied from different angles. Unlike rigid springs that are constrained to specific motion paths, the flexible material naturally accommodates multi-directional compression and rebound forces, enabling the seat to bounce forward, backward, sideways, and vertically without additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flexible part serves multiple functions: it provides bouncing in all directions, acts as a cushioning element, and supports the seat weight. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized mechanisms (vertical springs, lateral dampers, rotational joints) to achieve the same multi-directional functionality.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process and allows for more versatile bouncing patterns, including back and forth, upward, and downward movements, enhancing comfort and usability while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Each flexible part is respectively disposed on a lateral surface of the support frame for providing elastic force to the seat so as to cause bouncing motion of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
An infant bouncer includes a seat, a support frame, a flexible part, and a positioning structure. The support frame is used for supporting the seat. The flexible part is disposed on the support frame. The positioning structure connects the seat and the flexible part so as to position the seat relative to the support frame.