Infant care apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant care devices lack a motorized support system capable of simultaneous or independent movement in multiple directions with a simplified and cost-effective drive mechanism, limiting their motion profiles and increasing manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
An infant care apparatus featuring a hemispherical base with an electromechanical drive mechanism using two or three independently controllable actuators, providing an inverted pendulum motion path and allowing for two-degree-of-freedom motion, which can be combined with other motion paths to create multi-axis movement, with the drive mechanism distributed between the base and the infant support for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized motion system is added to provide multi-directional movement, then the motion profile capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into multiple independent actuators (first actuator for lateral movement, second actuator for rotational movement) that can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows each actuator to handle a specific degree of freedom, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling complex multi-directional motion profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the drive mechanism, and acts as the rotation axis for the infant support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile motion capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized motion system is added to provide multi-directional movement, then the motion profile capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the motion system into independent actuators, each component can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, reducing tooling costs and assembly complexity. The segmented design allows for modular manufacturing where each actuator can be produced independently and then integrated into the base.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex actuator to provide all movements, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple simple actuators that each provide a single degree of freedom. This inversion simplifies manufacturing by allowing the use of off-the-shelf motor components rather than custom-engineered complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive mechanism is distributed between the base and infant support, then the flexibility and motion capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented and distributed: the first actuator is mounted on the base to provide lateral movement, while the second actuator is mounted on the infant support to provide rotational movement. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the control system by assigning each degree of freedom to a dedicated actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed drive mechanism enables movement in multiple dimensions: the first actuator provides lateral movement along one axis, while the second actuator provides rotational movement around a vertical axis. This dimensional separation allows for independent control of each motion degree of freedom, enhancing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.
Data Source
AI summary
An infant care apparatus including a base, a drive, an infant support, and a controller. The a drive is coupled to the base and has a first electromechanical driver defining a first degree of freedom forming a first axis of motion of a movable infant load seat surface dependent from and movable relative to the base. The infant support is removably coupled to the movable infant load seat surface. The drive is a distributed drive distributed to the base and the infant support, and includes a second electromechanical driver integral with the infant support that defines a second degree of freedom forming a second axis of motion of the infant support. The controller is communicably coupled to the distributed drive and is configured so as to move, via the first and second electromechanical drivers, the infant support relative to the base.