Pacifier Plug-Shield Assembly Without Nipple Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pacifiers with a ring-formed element at the plug side of the shield face challenges when using materials like silicone for the nipple, as they require heavy compression, which can lead to material breakage.
Innovation Solution
The nipple is fixed in a ring-formed cavity between the shield and plug without substantial compression by rigidly connecting the plug to the shield through a central opening of a ring-formed element, allowing the nipple to be made of materials like silicone without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nipple is heavily compressed between the plug and the opening in the shield to fix the plug securely, then the plug is securely fixed in the shield, but the nipple material (especially silicone) may break as a result of compression
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the fixation function into two separate mechanisms: (1) The thickened edge of the nipple is trapped in a ring-formed cavity between the plug and shield opening, providing initial positioning; (2) The plug is rigidly connected to the shield through the central opening of the ring-formed element, providing secure fixation without compressing the nipple wall. This segmentation allows each mechanism to perform its specific function without compromising the nipple material.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-formed element with central opening acts as an intermediary component between the plug and the shield. It allows the plug to be rigidly connected to the shield while passing through the nipple, thereby securing the plug without requiring compression of the nipple wall. The intermediary structure transfers the connection force away from the nipple material.
2Shape
If a ring-formed element is formed by a bead of the open end of the nipple to provide iconic design and support for pacifier holders, then the design quality and holder attachment are improved, but the nipple wall must be heavily compressed which may cause breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-formed element is separated from the nipple structure. Instead of being formed by the nipple bead, it is a distinct component with a central opening that the plug passes through. This segmentation allows the ring-formed element to provide its design and support functions independently without requiring compression of the nipple wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-formed element serves as an intermediary structure that provides both the iconic design appearance and the mechanical support for pacifier holders. Its central opening allows the plug to pass through and connect to the shield, eliminating the need to compress the nipple material to form the ring structure.
3Device complexity
If the plug is supported only through the elastic wall part of the nipple, then the structure is simpler, but the wall part must be heavily compressed to securely fix the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the nipple (providing initial positioning via thickened edge in ring-formed cavity) and the plug-ring-formed element-shield assembly (providing rigid support and secure fixation). This segmentation allows the plug to be securely fixed without relying solely on compression of the nipple wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-formed element with central opening acts as an intermediary that enables rigid support of the plug. The plug extends through this element and is rigidly connected to the shield, providing stable support without requiring the nipple material to bear the fixation load through compression.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The pacifier (1) has a nipple (2) and a shield (3) with an opening (4) in which the nipple is fixed by means of a plug (5). The plug has an insertion part (10) inserted into an open end (6) of the nipple and an end part (11) extending from a plug side (9) of the shield. A ring-formed element (12) has a central opening (13) being arranged at the plug side of the shield, and the plug extends through the central opening of the ring-formed element so that the end part of the plug extends from the ring-formed element. The plug is rigidly connected to the shield through the central opening (13) of the ring-formed element (12), and the nipple (2) is provided with a thickened edge (14) being trapped in a ring-formed cavity (15) formed between the opening (4) of the shield (3) and the plug (5).