Expandable Infant Walker-Jumper Frame for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infant support structures for developing motor skills, such as walkers and jumpers, are costly, space-consuming, and serve single functions, requiring multiple devices for various activities, which is inconvenient and expensive for parents.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional infant support structure with a frame that expands between compact and extended configurations, featuring sliding members and resilient components that allow for both walking and jumping motions, providing a single device that serves multiple purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple infant support structures are purchased for different activities, then the infant can perform various motor skills activities, but the space required for storage and use increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The infant support structure is designed to perform multiple functions including walker mode, jumper mode, and glider mode within a single device. The frame can be reconfigured between extended and compact states, and the seat support can be positioned at different heights and orientations, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized infant support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame members are designed to nest within each other when transitioning between extended and compact configurations. The parallel members can be telescoped into one another, creating a compact storage form factor that minimizes space requirements while maintaining full functionality when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple infant support structures are purchased for different activities, then the infant can perform various motor skills activities, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate infant support functions (walker, jumper, glider) into a single integrated device. By merging these functions and providing mechanisms for reconfiguration, the design eliminates the need for parents to purchase and store multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frame is made expandable between compact and extended configurations, then the device becomes more versatile and space-saving, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into separate parallel members that can independently move between extended and compact configurations. Each member is a distinct component that can be telescoped or nested, allowing the overall structure to be segmented for easier reconfiguration and storage while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame members are designed with movable joints and connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration between extended and compact states. The sliding members and resilient components enable smooth transitions between configurations, making the complex structural changes manageable and user-friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 for efficient development of motor skills by combining walking and jumping functions in a single, space-saving, and cost-effective unit that is easy to set up and maintain, while ensuring safety and fun for infants.

Implementation Method 1

at least one resilient member coupling the seat support to the sliding or translating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9204733B2Child's walking and jumping device

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 MATTEL INC

AI summary

An infant support structure includes a frame, at least one sliding or translating member movably coupled to the frame, a seat support, and at least one resilient member coupling the seat support and at least one translating member together. The frame contains at least two substantially parallel members that are reconfigurable in a compact configuration and an extended configuration. When the frame is configured in the extended configuration, the translating members are able to move from one end of the frame to the other, simulating an infant walker. The resilient members coupling the sliding members and seat support together enable the infant support structure to serve as an infant jumper/bouncer.