Removable Pacifier Tip Front-Face Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pacifiers pose safety and hygiene issues due to complex assembly requirements and the need for frequent replacement of the teat, which can lead to assembly complications and potential ingestion of parts.
Innovation Solution
A childcare article with a base and a removably mounted end piece, featuring a locking device with a movable locking member and abutment member that allows for simple and intuitive assembly and replacement of the end piece through the front face, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base is dismantled to allow end piece replacement, then the end piece can be mounted on the base, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accessing the end piece through the rear face by dismantling the base, the mounting opening is provided on the front face of the base. This inversion of the mounting access location allows direct insertion of the end piece base into the housing through the front face, eliminating the need to dismantle the base and reducing the number of assembly steps and parts.
2Ease of operation
If the base is dismantled for end piece assembly, then the end piece can be installed, but safety problems arise due to potential part loss
Solution Approach 1:
By providing the mounting opening on the front face instead of requiring rear face access through base dismantling, the invention eliminates the safety risks associated with part loss during assembly. The end piece base is directly inserted into the housing through the front face mounting opening, ensuring all parts remain accounted for and reducing safety hazards.
3Ease of operation
If the end piece is made deformable with shape memory, then the child can experience natural sensations, but the end piece wears quickly and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is designed with deformable material having shape memory, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape during use to provide natural sensations for the child. The locking device enables easy replacement when the end piece wears out, maintaining the beneficial dynamic properties while addressing the limited lifespan through simplified maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable end piece design allows the worn end piece to be easily discarded and replaced through the front face mounting opening. The base and housing remain reusable, and the simple replacement mechanism makes frequent end piece changes convenient for hygiene and comfort maintenance.
4Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the end piece, then retention is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be automatically actuated by the relative movement between the end piece base and housing during assembly. When the end piece base is inserted into the housing through the front face mounting opening, the locking member engages automatically without requiring manual operation, providing secure retention while keeping the assembly process simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a child care item (1) which includes: a seat (2) comprising on the inside a recess (4) opening onto a front surface (2a) of the seat (2) via an assembly opening (26); a tip (35) comprising a base (40) and a body (36) intended for being placed in the mouth of a child, the tip (35) being removably assembled on the seat (2) by inserting the base (40) into the recess (4) of the seat (2) through the assembly opening (26) by the front surface (2a) of the seat (2); and a device for locking the base (40) of the tip (35) in the recess (4) of the seat (2).