Swivel Infant Support for 360-Degree Viewing While Prone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant support devices do not allow infants to safely position themselves on their stomachs while enabling a 360-degree view of their environment, limiting their ability to explore their surroundings effectively.
Innovation Solution
An infant support device comprising a base, a swivel assembly, and a support element that allows the support element to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the base, enabling infants to freely view their environment by positioning the swivel assembly to face any direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the infant support device uses a fixed position design, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the infant cannot achieve a 360-degree view of the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed support structure into a rotatable one. The swivel assembly enables the support element to rotate 360 degrees horizontally while maintaining vertical stability. This dynamic feature allows the infant to view the environment from all directions without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through a single integrated rotating mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the swivel assembly allows full 360-degree rotation, then the infant can explore the environment freely, but the stability and safety of the device may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel assembly implements controlled dynamics by allowing 360-degree rotation while incorporating friction or mechanical stops that maintain stability during use. The bearing system enables smooth rotation when needed but provides sufficient resistance to prevent unintended movement, thus balancing rotation freedom with device stability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing acts as an intermediary element between the rotating support element and the fixed base. It mediates between the need for free rotation and the requirement for stability by providing a controlled interface that allows rotational motion while maintaining secure connection and preventing excessive movement or detachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows stomach positioning with 360-degree rotation, then infant exploration capability is enhanced, but the risk of rolling off or unsafe positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with differentiated local qualities - the stomach support area provides firm, stable support with appropriate firmness and contouring to prevent rolling, while the swivel assembly provides rotation freedom at the base. This localized differentiation allows stomach positioning with exploration capability while mitigating safety risks through targeted support in critical areas.
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 allows infants to safely explore their surroundings by providing a full 360-degree view, enhancing their interaction and engagement with their environment while maintaining safety and comfort through rotatable support.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing disposed within the cavity defined by the base
Data Source
AI summary
An infant support device is disclosed. The infant support device comprises a base, a swivel assembly and an support element. The infant support device supports an infant and allows the infant to rotate 360 degrees around a generally vertical axis normal to the device.