Infant Swing Pivot Lock for Stable Non-Oscillating Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infant swings lack the ability to rest stationary stably when the swinging motion is not desired, due to the pivot links between the swing arms and the support frame.
Innovation Solution
An infant swing apparatus with a pivot assembly and swing lock mechanism that allows the swing arms to be locked with the support frame, using a latch bolt with a key that engages with either of two engaging portions to block the oscillating motion, enabling the seat portion to remain stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pivot links are used between swing arms and support frame to enable swinging motion, then the swing can provide comforting motion for the child, but the seat portion cannot rest stationary in a stable manner when swinging is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly allows the swing arm to dynamically transition between two states: unlocked (swinging mode) and locked (stationary mode). The latch bolt can be moved between positions to engage or disengage from the engaging portion, enabling the system to adapt between motion and stability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The latch bolt acts as an intermediary element between the swing arm and support frame. When engaged, it mediates the connection to prevent relative movement; when disengaged, it allows the pivot link to function. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing conditional constraint
2Ease of operation
If pivot links are used to allow swinging motion, then the swing can comfort a crying child or help child sleep, but the device lacks the ability to lock stationary when swinging motion is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bolt is pre-positioned to engage with the engaging portion on the swing arm, automatically providing locking capability before use. The spring maintains the latch in the engaged position, ensuring reliable stationary positioning is ready in advance when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch bolt automatically engages with the swing arm's engaging portion without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by using spring force to maintain the locked position, providing reliable stationary positioning through self-acting mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An infant swing is provided with a swing lock that can desirably block oscillating motion of the seat portion. The infant swing comprises a support frame and that has front and rear leg frames defining two lateral sides and respectively coupled with at least a hinge structure. At least one of the two lateral sides includes a swing arm pivotally coupled with the support frame via a pivot assembly. The swing lock is movably mounted with the pivot assembly, which includes a coupling hub provided with first and second engaging portions. The swing lock includes a latch bolt having a key movable relative to the coupling hub. When the key of the latch bolt engages with the second engaging portion, a distal end of the latch bolt is engaged through the hinge structure for locking rotation of the swing arm relative to the support frame.