Pacifier with Vertical Annular Handle for Ergonomic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pacifiers with annular handles are inconvenient and awkward for caregivers and infants to handle, and they do not contribute to the beneficial orthodontic functions, potentially disrupting the natural sucking motion and promoting malocclusions.
Innovation Solution
A pacifier design featuring a vertically arranged annular handle that allows finger insertion for easier handling, combined with a shield and teat profile that mimics breastfeeding, promoting ergonomic sucking and orthodontic benefits by stimulating anteroposterior mandibular movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional annular handle is used in a pacifier, then the pacifier can be held, but it is inconvenient and awkward for caregivers and infants to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is repositioned from a lateral extension to a vertical arrangement above the shield. This dimensional change allows the caregiver's finger to naturally rest on top of the shield and handle assembly, providing intuitive control and easier handling compared to conventional lateral handles that require gripping from the side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional annular handle is used in a pacifier, then the pacifier structure is complete, but it does not contribute to orthodontic functions and may disrupt natural sucking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed with an asymmetric profile featuring a convex portion and a concave portion. The convex portion corresponds to the infant's tongue position while the concave portion corresponds to the palate, promoting proper tongue positioning and jaw movement. This asymmetric design encourages anteroposterior mandibular movement that supports orthodontic development and prevents malocclusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield serves multiple functions: it prevents swallowing of the teat, provides a surface for the caregiver's finger to rest on for easy handling, and incorporates orthodontic features through its asymmetric profile that promotes proper oral development. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handling mechanisms while adding orthodontic benefits.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is vertically arranged above the shield, then handling comfort is improved, but the structural complexity of the shield-handle integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and shield are merged into a single integrated structure where the handle extends vertically from the top surface of the shield. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms and simplifies manufacturing, as the handle and shield can be produced as one piece or firmly attached components, reducing overall structural complexity despite the improved vertical arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pacifier (12), comprising an elongated anatomical profile adapted to sucking which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinally extended vertical plane (P1) and is asymmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane (P2). A handle (14) is connected to the teat (12) with the interposition of a shield (16). The teat (12) has a contoured terminal portion (12a) which has an anatomical profile which is symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane (P1) and asymmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane (P2) and extends along a longitudinal axis (20) which is substantially equidistant, in a vertical direction, from two opposite extreme points (H1, H2) of the terminal portion (12a). The handle (14) comprises an annular body which, in a configuration for use, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (20). The handle (14) internally defines a passageway (14a) configured to allow the insertion of at least one little finger of an infant's hand, and extends along a horizontal axis (22) which, in the configuration for use, is perpendicular to the vertical plane (P1).