Pacifier Shield with Segmented Double Frame for Adaptive Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pacifiers lack adaptability to the mouth or jaw of infants, requiring rigid designs for stability which increases material usage and manufacturing costs, while also compromising ventilation and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A pacifier shield with a connection-free configuration of outer and inner frames, allowing for a resilient double frame design where the braces can pivot, providing adaptability and flexibility, with webs connecting the frames in sections for stability and reduced material usage, and elliptical or circular cross-sectional profiles for comfort and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is made rigid to ensure stability and avoid breaking during use, then the stability and durability of the pacifier shield are improved, but the adaptability to the mouth or jaw of the infant deteriorates and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into an outer frame and an inner frame that are not rigidly connected but can move relative to each other. The outer frame has lip covering webs that are separable from the inner frame structure, allowing independent movement and adaptation while maintaining overall stability. This segmentation enables the shield to adapt to different mouth shapes without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the outer and inner frames is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The lip covering webs can pivot and move relative to the inner frame, allowing the shield to dynamically adapt to the infant's mouth and jaw movements. This dynamic connection maintains stability while enabling necessary adaptability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the frame is made rigid to ensure stability, then the durability is improved, but the material usage and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into outer and inner components with flexible connections, the design achieves durability through distributed structural support rather than uniform rigidity. This allows material to be concentrated where needed for durability while reducing overall material usage compared to a completely rigid design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the shield have different structural qualities - the outer frame provides rigid support for durability, while the inner frame and connecting webs provide flexible adaptation. This local differentiation of structural properties achieves durability without requiring excessive material throughout the entire structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mesh-shaped connecting element with small apertures is used to achieve ventilation, then the ventilation is improved, but the shield becomes substantially stiff and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is segmented into outer and inner frames with large open spaces between them, creating ventilation channels without requiring a mesh structure. This segmentation achieves effective ventilation while maintaining flexibility and reducing structural stiffness compared to mesh-based designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating ventilation through small apertures in a plane (2D mesh), the design creates three-dimensional ventilation channels between the outer and inner frames. This dimensional approach provides effective airflow paths while maintaining structural flexibility and reducing material usage.
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 design achieves a stable yet flexible pacifier shield with reduced material expenditure, enhanced ventilation, and increased comfort by allowing the shield to adapt to the infant's mouth, while maintaining structural integrity and pleasant aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the braces of the two frames can be pivoted under application of force from their common plane forming a contact surface for the mouth area
Implementation Method 2
The connection of the outer and inner frame provided only in sections provides a shield that is stable and at the same time has a certain flexibility. In addition, the web or the webs increase the stability of the shield
Data Source
AI summary
Pacifier having a shield having a brace forming a circumferential outer frame on both sides of a central fixing portion having a teat opening, so that on both sides respectively one or two large-area openings are provided between the fixing portion and the brace, and respectively one further brace forming an inner frame is provided in these openings, wherein regions of the brace of the outer frame and of the brace of the inner frame, which are adjacent to one another at least in sections are not connected to one another.