Motor-Driven Rocking Mechanism for Quiet Continuous Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for rocking chairs, cradles, and wheelchairs often produce excessive noise and require caregiver assistance, leading to fatigue and non-continuous motion, which hinders the therapeutic benefits of smooth rocking motions.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating rocking device with a frame, rollers, and a motor-driven eccentric mechanism that provides a continuous, smooth rocking or gliding motion without the need for a caregiver, using a pair of tracks and drawbars to support the wheelchair wheels or a base with a tension member and motor to drive the rocking motion of chairs or cradles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an extensive gear train is used to transfer rotational movement from a motor, then the rocking motion can be achieved, but excessive noise occurs from the rotating gears meshing with one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extensive gear train from the system and replaces it with a direct-drive mechanism where the motor's rotational movement is transferred directly to the rocking motion through a simplified coupling mechanism, eliminating the noise-generating gear meshing while maintaining the rocking function
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical gear train is replaced with a simpler mechanical coupling system that directly transfers motor rotation to rocking motion, substituting the multi-stage gear mechanism with a more efficient direct-drive approach that reduces noise and complexity
2Ease of operation
If a power source is mounted to the cradle or chair to automate rocking motion, then caregiver fatigue is reduced, but excessive noise results from the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The noisy gear train component is extracted and removed from the powered rocking system, replacing it with a direct-drive mechanism that maintains automation benefits while eliminating the primary noise source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor-driven system by using a direct-drive configuration instead of gear multiplication, operating the motor at lower speeds with higher torque to achieve the same rocking effect with minimal noise
3Ease of operation
If the front wheels of a wheelchair pivot to steer when moving forward, then the wheelchair can be steered, but an abrupt change in direction occurs that disrupts the rocking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the steering function from the rocking function by independently controlling the front wheel orientation and the rocking motion, allowing the wheelchair to maintain stable rocking motion while steering is achieved through controlled wheel rotation rather than abrupt pivoting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the front wheels are gradually rotated to the desired steering angle during the rocking cycle rather than abruptly pivoting, maintaining smooth continuous motion while achieving directional change when needed
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 device enables a quiet, continuous rocking or gliding motion, reducing caregiver fatigue and noise, while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of smooth repetitive motion for users, including those with dementia, arthritis, and children with ADD, by automating the rocking process.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric connected to the linkage and arranged to move the bracket in a linear, reciprocating manner within the tracks and, a motor secured to the frame, the motor having a drive shaft operatively arranged to drive the eccentric
Implementation Method 2
a bracket comprising two pairs of rollers, each of the two pairs of rollers arranged for rolling engagement within one of the channels
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating rocking device for the rocking of a chair or cradle, the chair or cradle having rockers and a seat member, the reciprocating rocking device comprising a base secured to the rockers, the base comprising a first bracket, a second bracket secured to the seat member of the chair or cradle, a tension member connected to the second bracket, an eccentric, the eccentric constantly engaged with the second bracket and, a motor secured to the first bracket, the motor having a drive shaft operatively arranged to drive the eccentric, wherein the motor is coaxially arranged with the eccentric.