Wind up swing assembly and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windup child swings have short run times, large footprints, and inefficiencies in transferring forces between components, with a need for a more compact and energy-efficient design that minimizes friction losses.
Innovation Solution
The windup child swing assembly features a drive spring axis oriented at an angle relative to the vertical and horizontal planes, with a swing arm axis and escapement axis also angled, allowing for a lateral arrangement of the drive spring, a crank mechanism, and a torque limiting clutch to prevent overwinding, enhancing energy transfer and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a conventional horizontal drive spring is used overhead, then the swing can be powered, but the run time is short (20 minutes) and the footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The drive spring axis is reoriented from a horizontal overhead position to a vertical or near-vertical position at the rear of the swing assembly. This dimensional change allows the drive spring to be positioned within the existing structure rather than requiring overhead space, reducing footprint while enabling longer run times through more efficient energy storage and transfer geometry
2Loss of energy
If conventional force transfer mechanisms are used between drive spring, escapement assembly, and swing arm, then the components can be connected, but friction losses are high and energy transfer is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
A vertical drive shaft serves as an intermediary component that efficiently transfers rotational energy from the vertically oriented drive spring through the escapement assembly to the swing arm mechanism. This intermediate shaft with proper alignment and bearing support minimizes friction losses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the drive spring axis is changed from horizontal to vertical, which fundamentally alters the force transfer geometry. This parameter change enables more direct and efficient energy transfer pathways through the escapement assembly and drive shaft, reducing frictional losses at critical interfaces
3Ease of operation
If the drive spring is positioned overhead horizontally, then the swing mechanism can operate, but accessibility to the seat frame is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Repositioning the drive spring from an overhead horizontal location to a vertical position at the rear of the assembly opens up the overhead space and improves accessibility to the seat frame from the front and sides. The vertical drive shaft and rear-mounted configuration maintain structural stability while eliminating the accessibility constraints of the overhead horizontal arrangement
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 design achieves a longer run time of up to 60 minutes with minimal energy loss, reduced footprint, and improved accessibility to the seat frame, while maintaining stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A drive spring can be provided that has a drive spring axis (X3) that can be oriented in a non-vertical direction and can be angled relative to the swing arm axis (X1)
Implementation Method 2
An escapement assembly is also included that has an escapement axis (X2) that can be angled relative to the swing arm axis (X1)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a windup swing assembly. The windup swing assembly comprises a swing arm assembly, a drive spring, and an escapement assembly. Each of the axes of the swing arm assembly, the drive spring, and the escapement assembly can be angled relative to each other. The axis of the drive spring can be angled in a non-vertical direction relative to a vertical plane. The axis of the swing arm assembly can be angled in a non-horizontal direction relative to a horizontal plane or support surface.