Infant Crib with Automatic Frame Return for Structural Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cribs for infants with movement mechanisms require manual user intervention for frame translation, leading to potential structural instability and tilting if not properly repositioned.
Innovation Solution
A crib with an automatic movement system that allows the frame to return to a resting configuration, ensuring stability and safety by using a mechanism that includes a pushing element and an activation system to translate the frame horizontally and automatically reset to a centered position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual movement system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and reliability worsens due to potential structural instability
Solution Approach 1:
The crib frame automatically returns to its centered position using a spring mechanism without requiring user intervention. The spring-loaded pushing element self-activates when the frame deviates from center, providing self-service functionality that improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during normal crib assembly, storing potential energy in advance. When the frame needs to return to center, the pre-loaded spring automatically activates, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and improving operational ease
2Reliability
If manual movement system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to structural instability and tilting risks
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic return mechanism continuously monitors and corrects frame position through the spring pushing element, ensuring the frame remains properly centered without user intervention. This self-correcting capability significantly improves reliability by preventing structural instability and tilting
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides continuous mechanical feedback about frame position. When the frame deviates from the centered position, the spring compression or extension state changes, automatically triggering a corrective force that pushes the frame back to the proper position, thereby maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If automatic movement system is added, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pushing element provides automatic return functionality using passive mechanical energy storage, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control systems. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential automatic return function using a simple spring mechanism, separating this specific automation need from other potential complex systems. This selective extraction improves ease of operation for the critical function while keeping overall device complexity low
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
Enhances user convenience and safety by eliminating the need for manual repositioning, ensuring the crib's stability and safety through automatic resetting.
Implementation Method 1
said movement system comprises a spring pushing said frame horizontally from a first position to a second position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a crib (1) for infants, comprising a plurality of walls (2) defining a cavity (21) adapted to accommodate an infant, a frame (3) adapted to support the plurality of walls (2), a plurality of support elements (4), connected to the frame (3) and adapted to support said frame (3) in elevation with respect to a rest plane (P). The crib (1) comprises a movement system (5) adapted to allow the translation of the frame (3) with respect to the plurality of support elements (4) along a movement direction (X-X) parallel to the rest plane, the frame (3) being switchable between a resting configuration and an active configuration, in which the frame (3) is translated along the movement direction (X-X) with respect to the resting configuration. The movement system (5) comprises at least one pushing element (51) which is active on the frame (3) so as to automatically return the frame (3) from the active configuration to the resting configuration by translating the frame (3) along said movement direction (X-X).