Portable Rebounding Device with Spring Mechanism for Reduced Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rocking devices are limited in their portability, versatility, and flexibility, requiring significant space and being unsuitable for small rooms or travel, and they cannot be easily combined with other furniture, making them impractical for continuous use, especially for nursing or calming infants while seated.
Innovation Solution
A portable rebounding device with a spring mechanism between a front and rear member, allowing the user to position it against a stationary surface, providing a gentle rocking motion with minimal effort and strain, and can be used with various existing furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rocking devices are used, then rocking function is provided, but portability and storage flexibility deteriorate due to large size and inability to move easily
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking device is divided into a base portion and a rocking portion that can be separated from each other. The rocking portion can be detached and stored independently, allowing the base to remain in place while providing portability for the rocking component. This segmentation enables the device to occupy minimal floor space when not in use while maintaining full rocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic configuration where the rocking portion can be adjusted between different positions and orientations. The rocking portion can be positioned at various angles relative to the base, allowing adaptation to different user needs and space constraints. This dynamic adjustability enhances portability and versatility without requiring significant floor space.
2Ease of operation
If conventional rocking furniture is used, then rocking support is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to muscle and joint strain during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a spring mechanism that provides a counterbalancing force to support the user's weight during rocking motion. The spring element stores and releases mechanical energy to assist the rocking movement, reducing the effort required from the user's muscles and joints. This counterweight mechanism enables comfortable prolonged rocking by eliminating the need for continuous manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically provides the necessary force for rocking motion without requiring continuous user input. Once initiated, the spring-loaded system sustains the rocking motion through its own stored energy, allowing the device to serve itself rather than requiring constant user effort. This self-service capability enables duration of use without muscle fatigue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rocking devices are used, then rocking function is provided, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to combine with other furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking device is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of furniture and surfaces. The base portion can be positioned against various stationary surfaces including walls, furniture backs, and other stable structures. The detached rocking portion can be used independently or in combination with different bases, allowing the same rocking component to serve multiple functions and adapt to different environments without increasing structural complexity.
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 device offers a comfortable, repeatable bouncing motion that reduces physical strain, is easily portable and storable, and can be used in various settings, including with infants, while being more cost-effective than conventional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the spring mechanism includes first and second elongate spring elements
Implementation Method 2
The rebounding device exerts a biasing force when compressed that gently propels the user's upper body forward
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a rebounding motion between a person and a surface includes the steps of providing a rebounding device, positioning the rear member against the surface and the front member adjacent to an upper body of the person and the surface, and applying pressure to the rebounding device through the upper body. The rebounding device includes front and rear members having front and rear widths spanning right front and rear side edges and left front and rear side edges and first and second spring mechanisms positioned between the front and rear members. The first and second spring mechanisms are positioned between the right front side edge of the front member and the right rear side edge of the rear member and between the left front side edge of the front member and the left rear side edge of the rear member, respectively.