Collapsible Infant Swing Handle Layout for Hidden Base Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible infant support devices often have locking mechanisms that are accessible to children, leading to accidental collapse and wear, and are awkward to transport, posing safety and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and portable infant support device with a foldable base and a multi-function handle that houses and operates the lock mechanism, positioning it beneath the infant seat to prevent access and includes retractable bolts for secure folding and carrying, with the handle positioned above the center of gravity for stable transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is located on the upright portion of the frame for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the infant can accidentally access and interact with the locking mechanism causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from its traditional location on the upright frame portion and repositioned to the bottom crossbar of the support device, specifically within the enclosed space formed by the leg members. This extraction removes the locking mechanism from the infant's reach while maintaining caregiver accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is relocated from a vertical position on the upright frame to a horizontal position on the bottom crossbar, changing its spatial dimension and location relative to the infant seat. This dimensional change places the mechanism in an enclosed space at the base of the device that is inaccessible to the infant.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is positioned on the upright frame, then it is easily accessible for operation, but the mechanism is subjected to tension and wears down over time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the tension-prone upright frame location and repositioned to the bottom crossbar area, removing it from the high-stress region where tension and wear occur during device operation and folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates the locking mechanism within the enclosed space of the leg members at the bottom crossbar, providing a protected environment that shields the mechanism from external forces and wear, thereby extending its service life.
3Volume of moving object
If the support device is designed to collapse for portability, then the ease of storage and transport is improved, but the device becomes awkward to manually transport without a convenient carrying method
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the unfolded device, serves as the locking mechanism interface, and becomes the carrying handle when the device is collapsed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate carrying handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism and carrying handle functions are merged into a single integrated assembly located on the bottom crossbar. When the device is collapsed, the handle naturally positions itself as the carrying point, combining structural and portability functions in one element.
4Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism requires minimal effort to release, then the ease of operation is improved, but a child can easily access and accidentally collapse the support device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the infant's reach area and repositioned to the bottom crossbar within the enclosed space of the leg members. This location makes it physically inaccessible to the infant while remaining easily accessible to the caregiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is moved from a vertical position on the upright frame to a horizontal position on the bottom crossbar, placing it in a dimension and location that is naturally protected by the device's own structure (the leg members), preventing infant access.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible, portable infant swing having a foldable base movable between an unfolded, extended position and a folded, collapsed position, a lock mechanism for selectively locking/unlocking the foldable base, and support arms supported by the foldable base. Swing arms are pivotally coupled to the support arms for pivotal, back and forth motion and an infant support seat coupled to the swing arms for supporting and swinging an infant. A multi-function handle is provided for housing the lock mechanism for locking/unlocking the foldable base, for grasping the foldable base to fold the foldable base, and for carrying the swing when the foldable base is folded. The multi-function handle is positioned substantially centrally below the seat to make it generally inaccessible by the infant.