Torsioned Lamina Cradle Frame for Controlled Oscillation Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cradle frames made of flexible laminae suffer from excessive flexibility, leading to elongated oscillations and lamina fatigue, which can result in breakage under dynamic loads, and are not suitable for supporting heavier loads without additional padding.
Innovation Solution
A frame comprising two longitudinal flexible laminae with torsion applied to create a differential radius of curvature, reducing flexibility and enhancing rigidity, joined by crosswise laminae to form an upwardly inclined section for supporting a containing structure, which can be used in cradles, high chairs, and other applications requiring dynamic load support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flexible laminae are used to support the containing structure, then the cradle can absorb shocks and provide comfort, but the laminae become too flexible causing elongated oscillations and fatigue under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies torsion to the longitudinal laminae to fundamentally change their structural parameters. This torsion creates a differential radius of curvature where the inner radius (r1) is smaller than the outer radius (r2), transforming the laminae from overly flexible to having controlled flexibility. This parameter change allows the laminae to maintain shock absorption while reducing elongated oscillations and fatigue under dynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the differential radius of curvature in the torsioned laminae. The inner radius (r1) differs from the outer radius (r2), creating an asymmetric cross-sectional geometry. This asymmetry is crucial for achieving the desired balance between flexibility and rigidity, allowing the structure to absorb shocks while resisting excessive oscillations.
2Reliability
If the laminae are made more rigid to reduce oscillations, then stability improves, but the shock absorption capability and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than simply increasing rigidity, the patent changes the structural parameters by applying torsion to create a differential radius of curvature. This transforms the laminae from being too flexible to having controlled flexibility, maintaining shock absorption while reducing oscillations. The inner radius (r1) and outer radius (r2) relationship creates optimal mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different geometric properties at different locations of the laminae. The torsion creates a differential radius where the inner portion has a smaller radius (r1) and the outer portion has a larger radius (r2). This local variation in geometry allows different parts of the same lamina to have different mechanical characteristics, balancing rigidity and flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If heavy padding is added to compensate for frame flexibility, then comfort increases, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shock absorption function from the padding and transfers it to the frame structure itself. By applying torsion to the longitudinal laminae and creating a differential radius of curvature, the frame becomes inherently capable of absorbing shocks and providing comfort. This eliminates or reduces the need for heavy padding, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsioned laminae with differential radius act as an intermediary between the rigid frame and the containing structure. They provide a intermediate level of flexibility that allows the frame to absorb shocks without requiring heavy padding, thus mediating between structural rigidity and comfort requirements.
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 torsion-induced frame design reduces elongated oscillations, minimizes lamina fatigue, and provides adequate support without the need for heavy padding, ensuring stability and safety while maintaining flexibility for comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least in the curved part, each longitudinal lamina is subjected to either clockwise or anticlockwise torsion, whereby the radius of curvature at the side of the lamina in the direction of torsion is less than the radius of curvature at the opposite side of the same lamina
Implementation Method 2
The torsion-induced frame design reduces elongated oscillations, minimizes lamina fatigue, and provides adequate support without the need for heavy padding
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame suitable for use in a cradle for small children, or in similar devices, where a structure for containing a dynamic load requires support, consists of two flexible longitudinal laminae, parallel one to another and joined by one or more crosswise laminae. The longitudinal laminae are curved in a more or less central part of their length so forming a first section that rests on the ground and a second section inclined at an angle determined in relation to the first section to sustain the containing structure. In the curved part and along the whole of the second section the longitudinal laminae are subjected to torsion opposite in sign such as to incline them towards the inside of the frame; this lessens their flexibility sufficiently to limit elongation of the flexor oscillations.