Child Swing Audio Modulation With Angle Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional child motion devices lack operational adjustability and customization options, leading to inefficacy in soothing or entertaining children due to inaccurate and inefficient control techniques, which result in bumpy motion and rapid battery depletion.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of capacitive sensing technologies for absolute swing angle sensing and automated self-calibration routines, combined with user-defined modes and efficient motor voltage optimization, to provide a customizable and efficient motion control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional control techniques are used in child motion devices, then the device structure is simple, but the motion accuracy deteriorates resulting in bumpy motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual motion of the child motion device and comparing it with the desired motion trajectory. The controller adjusts motor commands in real-time based on the error between actual and desired positions, achieving smooth and accurate motion without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical motion control mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages and gears to achieve precise motion, the invention uses microcontrollers and motor control algorithms to achieve the same effect with simpler mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional control techniques are used in child motion devices, then the device is easy to manufacture, but energy efficiency deteriorates leading to rapid battery depletion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by controlling the motor to operate in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The system activates the motor only when motion correction is needed, then allows the mechanical system to coast or decelerate naturally, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service through automated sensor-based detection and control algorithms that independently adjust motion parameters without manual intervention. The system automatically optimizes energy usage by detecting when motion adjustments are needed and executing them efficiently, reducing battery consumption while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional control techniques are used in child motion devices, then the device structure is simple, but operational reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor motion parameters and automatically correct deviations from the desired trajectory. This ensures reliable and consistent operation across varying conditions without requiring complex mechanical redundancy or oversizing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If child motion devices lack operational adjustability, then the device structure is simple, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustability complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the control parameters adjustable and adaptable to different operating conditions. The system can modify motion characteristics such as speed, amplitude, and frequency in real-time based on sensor feedback and user preferences, providing high adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the control system to dynamically adjust operational parameters such as motor voltage, oscillation frequency, and swing amplitude. This enables the device to adapt to different children and conditions while maintaining a simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures a secure, comfortable, and soothing environment for children across a wide range of conditions, reducing setup challenges for caregivers and minimizing battery consumption while maintaining effective motion control.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect the swing angle of the motion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7884710B2Audio modulation for a child motion device
Publication Date: 2011.02.08 GRACO CHILDRENS PROD INC
  • US7884710B2 patent drawing
  • US7884710B2 patent drawing
  • US7884710B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling a child motion device includes the steps of determining data indicative of motion of the child motion device, and controlling an audio output of the child motion device in accordance with the data. In some cases, the controlling step includes the step of modulating the audio output in accordance with the data. For example, the modulating step may involve applying a modulation effect to an audio track available to the child motion device.