Infant swing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant swing apparatuses are bulky and inconvenient to move from one room to another due to their large size, lacking compactness and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact infant swing apparatus design featuring a rearward-tilted support column and a pivotally connected swing arm with a motorized driving mechanism, allowing for a reduced base frame size and enhanced portability through integrated wheel assemblies and a carry handle, while maintaining a stable and adjustable seating arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large base frame is used to ensure stability, then the swing apparatus remains stable, but the apparatus occupies significant space and becomes inconvenient to move
Solution Approach 1:
The support column is tilted rearward at a specific angle, causing its projection to extend past the rear edge of the base frame. This spatial reconfiguration allows the swing arm to achieve a larger effective swing radius without proportionally increasing the base frame dimensions, thus improving swing comfort while controlling overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm and seat assembly can be positioned within the footprint defined by the base frame when not in use, with the tilted support column allowing the swing components to nest efficiently over the base structure, minimizing the space the apparatus occupies when stationary
2Volume of moving object
If the base frame size is reduced for portability, then the apparatus becomes easier to move, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By tilting the support column rearward, the design extends the swing arc in the horizontal plane without increasing the vertical height or base footprint. This allows a compact base frame to support a functional swing range that would otherwise require a larger structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support column is asymmetrically positioned and tilted, with its projection extending past the rear edge of the base frame while the front remains compact. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the distribution of weight and swing motion to maintain stability with a reduced overall footprint
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, easily operable, and portable infant swing apparatus that maintains stability and comfort for the child, facilitating effortless relocation and use.
Implementation Method 1
a swing arm that can travel in a pendulum motion
Data Source
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AI summary
An infant swing apparatus (100) includes a base frame (110), a rigid support column (112) rising from the base frame and having a front (112F) and a rear (112R), and a swing arm (104) arranged at the front of the support column and having a first end portion (104A) and a second end portion (104B). The support column has an upper portion (112B) 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 (R) that is located above the seat support.