Swing Cradle Latch Mechanism for Simple Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child care apparatuses, such as baby cribs, often have complex latching mechanisms for locking child support frames, which are not convenient to use and may not satisfy current needs for simplicity and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A child care apparatus with a standing frame and a child support frame connected via pivotally connected hanging bars, featuring a latching mechanism that includes a latch and a latch actuator, allowing for easy switching between locking and unlocking states to prevent or enable swinging of the child support frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used to lock the child support frame, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch member with engagement and disengagement positions, a biasing member (spring) providing automatic return force, and a simple actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining reliable locking while reducing overall complexity compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the latch member to the engagement position after disengagement, providing self-service functionality. This eliminates the need for complex reset mechanisms or additional actuators, maintaining reliable locking while simplifying the overall device structure and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used to lock the child support frame, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The complex locking logic is extracted from the mechanical structure and replaced with a simple actuator that moves the latch member between two positions. The biasing member handles the return function, extracting complexity from the user interaction and maintaining reliable locking through the simple binary engagement state.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides automatic return functionality, making the latching mechanism self-servicing. After the user releases the actuator, the spring automatically returns the latch to the engaged position, eliminating the need for complex reset procedures and greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hanging bar is made rotatable for swinging the child support frame, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability deteriorates when locking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging bar is designed with dynamic capability, allowing free rotation for swinging when the latch member is in the disengagement position. When locking is required, the latch member engages with the hanging bar, converting it to a stable fixed position. This dynamic design provides both swinging adaptability and position stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the hanging bar's functionality into two states: free rotation for swinging and locked position for stability. The latch member acts as a separator between these two functional states, allowing the hanging bar to provide adaptability when needed and stability when required, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A child care apparatus includes a standing frame including a mounting portion, a child support frame held on the standing frame via at least one hanging bar that is pivotally connected with the mounting portion, the hanging bar being rotatable for swinging the child support frame, and a latching mechanism for rotationally locking the hanging bar, the latching mechanism including a latch connected with the mounting portion, and a latch actuator movably linked to the latch, the latch actuator having an operating portion exposed for operation, the latch actuator being movable along with the latch between a locking state where the latch is engaged with the hanging bar and an unlocking state where the latch is disengaged from the hanging bar.