Retractable Pacifier With Inverting Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pacifier systems face challenges in providing a sanitary, simple, and cost-effective solution due to complex designs with high part counts, difficult cleaning mechanisms, and potential for microplastic ingestion, as well as contamination risks from compressible necks and sliding actions.
Innovation Solution
A pacifier system featuring a shield, a shaft, and a membrane that inverts to create a storage cavity for the nipple, allowing for easy cleaning and reducing part count by eliminating the need for stopper members and sliding mechanisms, with the membrane providing a retracted and extended configuration through a step-style movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded portion and cup area are used for the retractable nipple mechanism, then the nipple can be retracted to maintain cleanliness, but the threaded portion and interior of the cup area become highly difficult to clean and require disassembly or special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded portion and cup area from the design, extracting the problematic elements that made cleaning difficult. The retractable nipple mechanism is redesigned to eliminate these components while maintaining the retraction function through an alternative mechanism that does not require threading or cup areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a threaded connection that requires disassembly for cleaning, the patent inverts the approach by using a friction-fit or snap-fit mechanism where the nipple can be easily inserted and removed without threading. This inversion of the connection method allows the cup area to be easily accessible and simple to clean.
2Reliability
If a threaded portion, nipple, shaft, and cup area are used, then the retractable function is achieved, but the part count increases which increases manufacturing complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shaft and cup area into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate threaded portions and reducing the overall part count. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the retractable nipple function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the nipple movement, and integrates with the cup area to form a complete assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing part count and manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding action of the nipple and shaft within the cup housing is used, then the retractable mechanism functions, but it could potentially wear the shaft and nipple creating micro plastics that might be ingested by a child
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the nipple and shaft with materials and structures that minimize wear and prevent microplastic generation. The retractable mechanism is designed to reduce friction and contact wear, potentially making the pacifier a disposable product that eliminates the risk of microplastic ingestion from wear particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible materials for the nipple and shaft that reduce mechanical wear through elastic deformation rather than rigid sliding contact. This flexibility minimizes the generation of microplastics while maintaining the retractable function, as the materials can deform and return without creating wear particles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus can include: a shield; a shaft coupled to the shield; a nipple coupled to the shaft; and a membrane coupled between the shield and the shaft, the membrane providing a retracted configuration creating a storage cavity for the nipple based on the shaft being pulled away from the shield, and the membrane providing an extended configuration with the nipple exposed and extended past the shield based on the shaft being pressed toward the shield and the membrane inverting from the retracted configuration.