Universal Pacifier Retainer for Button and Ring Handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pacifier retaining devices are specific to a particular handle type, requiring multiple devices for different handle types, making them impractical and inflexible for family use.

Innovation Solution

A universal pacifier retaining device with an annular retaining element made of flexible, elastically deformable material that can adapt to both button and ring handles, featuring two coupling configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specific retaining device is designed for a specific handle type, then the device can securely retain that handle type, but multiple devices are required for different handle types, increasing device complexity and reducing adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure retentionVSAvoidadaptability to different handle types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is designed with dual functionality to work with both button handles and ring handles through two distinct coupling configurations. The first configuration surrounds a button handle, while the second configuration engages with a ring handle, allowing a single device to securely retain multiple pacifier types without requiring separate devices for each handle type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining element incorporates elastic deformability that allows it to dynamically adapt its shape and configuration. The element can elastically deform to transition between the first coupling configuration (for button handles) and the second coupling configuration (for ring handles), enabling secure retention of different handle types through controlled deformation and recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple specific retaining devices are manufactured for different handle types, then each device can be optimized for its specific handle type, but the quantity of devices required increases, making the system impractical for family use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimized retention for specific handle typeVSAvoidnumber of retaining devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is designed with dual functionality to work with both button handles and ring handles through two distinct coupling configurations. The first configuration surrounds a button handle, while the second configuration engages with a ring handle, allowing a single device to securely retain multiple pacifier types without requiring separate devices for each handle type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device merges the functionality of multiple specific retaining devices into a single universal device. By integrating both the button handle retention capability and the ring handle retention capability into one retaining element, the invention eliminates the need for families to maintain multiple separate devices, reducing the quantity from two or more devices to just one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid retaining structure is used, then the device provides stable retention, but it cannot adapt to different handle types, reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable retentionVSAvoidadaptability to different handle types
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element incorporates elastic deformability that allows it to dynamically adapt its shape and configuration. The element can elastically deform to transition between the first coupling configuration (for button handles) and the second coupling configuration (for ring handles), enabling secure retention of different handle types through controlled deformation and recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining element is constructed from elastomeric material that provides flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible yet resilient material allows the element to conform to different handle geometries (both button and ring types) while providing stable retention through elastic recovery, combining the benefits of flexibility and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables a single device to securely retain both button and ring handle pacifiers, providing convenience and adaptability for caregivers.

Implementation Method 1

the annular retaining element can be elastically deformed in the radial direction to surround and retain the button of a pacifier having a button handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

allow a deformation of the annular retaining element according to one of the two coupling configurations for retaining a pacifier having a ring handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4450047B1Device for retaining a pacifier
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 ARTSANA SPA
  • EP4450047B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4450047B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4450047B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device (1) for retaining a pacifier (5), comprising a central body (2) extending at least along a main direction (X-X) between a first end (21) and a second end (22), an annular retaining element (3) constrained at the first end (21) of the central body (2), made of elastically deformable material and couplable to a handle of the pacifier (6), wherein the central body (2) has a coupling portion (4) in proximity of the second end (22), the annular retaining element (3) has a first coupling configuration (3a) in which the annular retaining element (3) is adapted to internally receive and surround at least part of the handle (6) of the pacifier (5) when the pacifier (5) is of the type with button handle (6a), and a second coupling configuration (3b) in which the annular retaining element (3) is configured to reversibly couple with the coupling portion (4) of the central body (2) retaining the handle (6) of the pacifier (5) when the pacifier (5) is of the type with ring handle (6b).