Baby bouncer actuator and related systems

Abstract

The invention provides a novel microprocessor-controlled actuator which bounces a baby bouncer system at soothing frequencies that are optimized for the weight of a baby supported in the baby bouncer system bed. The invention also provides a novel baby bouncer system which includes the novel microprocessor-controlled actuator. In one embodiment, the microprocessor based control system which controls the bouncing motion of the actuator also emits soothing sounds.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a novel microprocessor-controlled actuator which bounces a baby bouncer system at soothing frequencies that are optimized for the weight of a baby supported in the baby bouncer system bed. The invention also provides a novel baby bouncer system which includes the novel microprocessor-controlled actuator.

In one embodiment, the microprocessor based control system which controls the bouncing motion of the actuator also emits soothing sounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A baby bouncer system comprises a cradle-like seat that supports and rocks a baby in a seated or prone position and a resilient metal frame that includes a base adaptable for support by a relatively uniform surface and an angled segment which extends upwardly to support the seat. The angled segment may be bent downwardly toward the base portion of the frame to provide a gentle rocking movement. The general configuration and design of baby bouncer frames and seats are well known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6.594,840 and 5,269,591.

Bouncer support frames are spring resilient systems. Thus, the frame will bounce effectively and naturally if subjected to a bouncing rhythm which approximates the baby bouncer's natural frequency. The natural bouncing frequency of a baby bouncer varies depending on the weight of the baby supported in the bouncer seat. (The average weight of a baby varies from around six to around twenty-four pounds).

The most effective rhythm to soothe a baby is believed to be a rhythm close to the human heart beat rate (a rhythm the baby becomes accustomed to in the womb). Consequently, a baby bouncer would preferably bounce at a frequency of from about 70 to about 100 times per minute. Ideally, a properly designed spring-resilient bouncer support frame system would bounce at a natural frequency from 60 to 100 times per minute (approximately 1 Hz to about 1.7 Hz) for baby weight ranges of from about 6 to about 24 pounds.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,727 ('727 Patent) discloses an infant carrier having a bouncer mode of operation in which the bouncer mechanism establishes harmonic vibration. The carrier of the '727 Patent vibrates at a high frequency and the bouncer mechanism generates a low-level force.

Currently available fixed speed actuators (e.g., motorized swing actuators) have not been employed effectively with baby bouncers to either affect a natural bouncing motion or achieve optimum bouncer frequencies.

Therefore, the need exists for baby bouncers and related actuators that automatically support and bounce a baby at an optimum soothing frequency. Such a bouncer would ideally require minimal manual intervention to ensure continuous and soothing bouncing and would have the ability to automatically search and set the actuator's speed to match the naturally bouncing frequency within a range of 60 to 100 times per minute to resemble a natural, gentle harmonic bouncing motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a novel microprocessor-controlled actuator which bounces a baby bouncer system at soothing frequencies that are optimized for the weight of a baby supported in the baby bouncer system bed. The invention also provides a novel baby bouncer system which includes the novel microprocessor-controlled actuator.

A microprocessor-controlled actuator of the invention comprises: (a) a housing adapted to engage and bounce a baby bouncer system; (b) a motion sensor which can generate signals corresponding to baby bouncer system forces and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing; (c) a microprocessor based control system which can detect and store the motion sensor signals and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing; (d) a DC electric motor which (i) is connectable to a power source, (ii) is in electrical communication with the microprocessor based control system, (iii) during operation receives a supply voltage at a level which is regulated by the microprocessor based control system, and (iv) is enclosed within and supported by the housing; (e) a speed reduction mechanism which comprises an axial shaft connected for rotation to and driven by the DC electric motor and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing; (f) a rotatable eccentric weight which is mounted coaxially on the speed reduction mechanism axial shaft for rotational motion to generate centrifugal force and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing; wherein the microprocessor based control system is calibrated to maintain the DC electric motor supply voltage level at a value which is optimized to maintain baby bouncer system bouncing at a soothing frequency, e.g., about 1 to 2 Hz.

The speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is preferably set such that the rotational speed of the actuator's eccentric weight is from about 50 to about 100 times per minute at a microprocessor-controlled DC electric motor supply voltage range of about 40% to about 90% of the maximum motor supply voltage.

When DC power is supplied to the DC electric motor, the motor engages the rotating speed reduction mechanism and rotates the speed reduction axial shaft, causing the eccentric weight to move in a rotational manner to generate the centrifugal force which causes the actuator to bounce the baby bouncer system.

In accordance with the laws of physics, if the actuator speed approximates or matches the natural bouncing frequency of the baby bouncer system supporting a baby, the bouncer system will bounce effectively at the baby bouncer system's natural frequency (resonance). If the actuator speed does not match the natural bouncing frequency, irrespective of whether it is faster or slower than such frequency, the baby bouncer system supporting a baby will not resonate and will either exhibit a low frequency, intermittent bouncing motion or no bouncing motion at all.

As described in detail hereinafter, the microprocessor based control system is calibrated by a method comprising: (1) identifying and storing motion sensor signal frequency values (Fn) over a range of DC electric motor voltage supply levels (Vn); (2) comparing stored Fn values and identifying the maximum motion sensor signal frequency value (Fmax) and the DC electric motor voltage supply level at Fmax (V of Fmax); storing V of Fmax.

A baby bouncer system of the invention comprises: (a) a resilient support frame adapted for positioning on a relatively level surface; (b) a cradle-like bed attached to and supported by the frame in an elevated position suitable for stable support of a baby; and (c) a microprocessor-controlled actuator of the invention, wherein the actuator housing can be mounted for transmission of bouncing forces on the resilient support frame.

In one embodiment, the microprocessor based control system which controls the actuator also contains a voice and melody-recording and playback microprocessor which generate signals translatable to soothing sounds which, through a transducer or other appropriate device, are emitted synchronously with baby bouncer system bouncing.

These and other features of the invention are described in detail in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a side-view of one embodiment of a baby bouncer system of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an actuator of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart used to program a microprocessor based control system used to control an actuator of the instant invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a force diagram for one embodiment of an actuator of the instant invention which includes two coaxially-mounted rotatable eccentric weights.

FIG. 5 illustartes a block diagram of one embodiment of a microprocessor based control system used in the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts one purely illustrative embodiment of a baby bouncer system of the instant invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, resilient support frame 1 is adapted for positioning on a relatively level surface. Cradle-like bed 2 is attached to and supported by resilient support frame 1 in an elevated position suitable for stable support of a baby. Microprocessor-controlled actuator 3 can be affixed to resilient support frame 1 through any number of known means including but not limited to snaps, clamps, straps, detents, locks, and pins and is engaged for the transmission of bouncing force to bounce bed 2. In one embodiment, microprocessor-controlled actuator 3 hangs from resilient support frame 1 and transmits bouncing forces to the frame. Preferably, actuator 3 is attached only to the bouncing portion of bed 2 and detects and matches the natural bouncing frequency of resilient support frame 1. Most preferably, actuator 3 generates a gentle pull and push force at a rhythm matched to the natural vibrating frequency of resilient support frame 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a single eccentric weight embodiment of an actuator of the instant invention which includes and is enclosed and supported within housing 4. Referring to FIG. 2, DC electric motor 5 is in electrical communication through wires 33 to microprocessor based control system 11. DC electric motors used in the instant invention are preferably powered by an actuator battery pack system, a remote battery pack system, or a wall outlet electric power-source. The power supply voltage is around twelve volts or less, and is preferably from about 6.0 to about 7.2 volts with an alkaline or rechargeable battery power supply.

Suitable DC electric motors which can be used in the invention are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. DC electric motors which can be used in the instant invention include, but are not limited to, belt driven, coupled inline, and single shaft DC electric motors. Preferably, the DC electric motor is designed to operate within a range of from about 4.5 to about 7.2 volts. Specific examples of some of the DC electric motors which can be used in actuators of the invention include but are not limited to Mabuchi carbon brush or precision metal brush direct current motors such as models RC260RA-18139, RC 280RA-20120 and other equivalents.

In FIG. 2, microprocessor based control system 11: (1) is in electrical communication with a DC power source through voltage regulators 13; and (2) is in electrical communication through wires 35 to motion sensor 19 comprising magnetized weights 17 connected by spring wire 15 and reed switch 21. Microprocessor based control system 11 comprises circuitry which generates signals representative of soothing sounds and is also in electrical communication through wires 37 to transducer 9 for transmission of such soothing sounds. DC electric motor 5 is connected by mechanical linkage 7 to speed-reducing mechanism 23. Eccentric weight 29 is mounted on rotating member 31, which is coaxially mounted on axial shaft 27 of speed-reducing mechanism 23.

When voltage is supplied to DC electric motor 5, DC electric motor 5 engages and rotates axial shaft 27 of speed-reducing mechanism 23 through mechanical linkage 7, thereby causing rotating member 31 and eccentric weight 29 to rotate and swing in a pendulum-like rotational movement within eccentricity radius 25 and agitate actuator housing 4.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) circuits comprising a power transistor motor drive circuit or linear voltage regulator circuits are preferably used to regulate the voltage supply to the DC electric motor. Power transistor motor drive circuits which can be used to regulate motor voltage supply include but are not limited to Sony transistor 2SD882. Linear voltage regulator circuits which can also be used to regulate motor voltage supply include but are not limited to the National Semiconductor LM 317 adjustable regulator.

Motion sensors used in actuators of the invention include the magnet and reed switch system illustrated in FIG. 2, as well as other motion switch systems, including but not limited to a momentary contact motion switch, a mercury switch, and an infra-red motion sensor.

Speed-reducing mechanisms which can be used in actuators of the invention include but are not limited to the pulley and belt system as illustrated in FIG. 2, as well as gear trains, frictional wheels, chain and sprocket systems, and other known mechanical linkage systems.

In an actuator of the invention, the DC electric motor can engage and rotate the axial shaft of speed-reducing mechanism through a mechanical linkage including but not limited to a belt pulley system, a gear train, or a clutch system. The DC electric motor can engage and rotate the axial shaft of speed-reducing mechanism through other devices well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These alternative devices include, but are not limited to frictional wheels, etc.

Microprocessor based control system is programmed to maintain the actuator bouncing forces at optimum values by regulating the DC electric motor voltage supply level. The optimum frequency for a baby bouncer system of the invention is from about 60 to about 100 times per minute (about 1 to about 1.7 Hz).

As illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 3, the microprocessor based control system is calibrated and regulates DC electric motor voltage supply as follows. A microprocessor based control system calibration switch is activated 100, tested 102, and the microprocessor based control system sets 104 the voltage supply Vn to the motor at a defined value (initially Vmax in this example) and the actuator is run 106 for a period of time “t”. Detected motion sensor signal values Fn are recorded 108 during the period of time t. Voltage is tested 110 and if voltage does not equal minimum voltage Vmin (e.g., 40% of Vmax), Vn is adjusted 112 to Vn+1, where Vn+1 equals Vn−“v”, where “v” is a small voltage increment which in preferred embodiments ranges from 0.1 volt to 0.5 volt, most preferably about 0.2 volts, and the actuator is again run 106 for time period t and motion sensor signal values Fn are again recorded 108 during the period of time t. This procedure is repeated until Vmax is determined, within an acceptable tolerance, to equal Vmin.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, Vn starts from a “high” voltage supply level (for example, about 90% of the maximum power supply voltage) and decreases incrementally to a “low” voltage supply level (for example, about 40% of maximum power supply voltage), wherein each increment of decreasing voltage level is about −v. Alternatively, Vn starts from a “low” voltage supply level (for example, about 40% of maximum power supply voltage) and is increased incrementally to a “high” voltage supply level (for example, about 90% of the maximum power supply voltage), wherein each increment of increasing voltage level is about +v.

In preferred embodiments, the maximum power supply voltage ranges from about 4.5 volts to about 9 volts, most preferably from about 6 volts to about 7.2 volts for battery operation.

In preferred embodiments, the calibration running time t for each Vn ranges from about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds, preferably from about 10 to about 15 seconds.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, after Vn is tested 110 and determined 114 to equal Vmin, the microprocessor based control system: (1) compares recorded Fn values and determines the maximum F max value; and (2) selects and stores 116 the voltage (V of F max) which generated the Fmax value. The microprocessor based control system sets 118 the voltage supply level of the DC electric motor to V of F max value and if testing 102 of the microprocessor based control system calibration switch indicates that the switch is not activated, the DC motor continues to run 120 at V of F max until the microprocessor based control system is switched off or a pre-set operation time has expired.

Microprocessor based control system 11 of FIG. 2 includes a microprocessor which comprises at least one conventional analog-to-digital card, at least one conventional input-output card, and a predetermined voltage supply, which may be set at a convenient voltage such as 6 volts. FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a microprocessor-based electrical control system which can be used in the instant invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment of a microprocessor-based electrical control system used in the invention comprises the following components connected through system bus circuitry 74: batteries 50, AC/DC adaptor 52, switch 72, motion sensor 54, microprocessor 56, voice and recording integrated circuit (IC) 58, motor drive power transistor amplification circuit 60 connected to DC motor 68 or voltage regulator 62 connected to DC motor 68, microphone 64, and speaker 66. It will be understood that FIG. 5 is quite simplified. For example, the details of each of circuit portions of microprocessor 56 and voice and recording IC 58 are not shown because they are individually well known to those skilled in the art. Further, although not shown separately in FIG. 5, input/output (I/O) pins can be included in the microprocessor-based electrical control system for use in making connections to external circuitry. For example, such I/O pins may be connected more or less directly to system bus 74, or I/O pins may be provided as part of external signaling circuitry.

Microprocessor based control systems used in actuators of the invention may also contain voice recording and playback IC which create, through known designs, various soothing sounds (including music, sea wave sound, or a parent's voice message recording). The voice recording and playback IC based control system may be programmed to record sound through a microphone and to emit such sounds through a transducer (such as transducer 9 of FIG. 2) at time intervals which are coordinated with the bouncing of the actuator. This embodiment of the invention provides a complementary combination of soothing bouncing movement and sound.

For example, a voice recording and playback IC such as the Winbond ISD5108 ChipCorder could be included in a microprocessor based control system and could be programmed with soothing sounds such as a melody or sea wave sound; the microprocessor based control system could also allow parents to record their own voices messages through the microphone as well.

A wide range of microprocessors can be used in actuators of the invention; these include but are not limited to the 8051 microprocessor made by Texas Instruments.

Referring again to FIG. 2, when eccentric weight 29 rotates and swings in a pendulum-like rotational movement, it generates a centrifugal force in a direction away from the center of its rotating axis. This force will pull down or push up a bouncer seat (not shown) when eccentric weight 29 rotates to its lowest and highest positions, respectively. Since the centrifugal force is always directed in a radial outward direction, when eccentric weight 29 swings to positions other than a vertical position, a horizontal force component is generated. When the actuator is mounted on a baby bouncer frame, the friction between the bouncer frame foot pads and supporting surface will balance the horizontal component of the centrifugal force.

More than one eccentric weight can be used in actuators of the instant invention. For example, in the twin eccentric weight force diagram illustrated in FIG. 4, two identical eccentric weights rotate and swing in pendulum-like rotational movements in opposite directions and are linked by a synchronized speed reduction mechanism. The twin eccentric weights illustrated in FIG. 4 are “mirror images” of one another along their center vertical axis. Thus, the horizontal components of their centrifugal forces will be balanced and result in a zero horizontal resultant force, while the vertical force components, which actuate the vertical bouncing motion, are not affected.

More specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of the forces associated with the movement of rotatable eccentric weights A and B axially-mounted through rotational linkage 45 to a speed reduction mechanism (such as speed reduction mechanism 23 of FIG. 2) in one embodiment of an actuator of the instant invention. The synchronized, opposite rotations of weights A and B illustrated in FIG. 4 generate additive downward forces A1 and B1 and additive upward forces A3 and B3. The synchronized, opposite rotations of weights A and B illustrated in FIG. 4 also generate canceling horizontal forces A2 and B2. As shown in FIG. 4, the synchronized, opposite rotations of weights A and B also generate centrifugal forces that contribute to baby bouncer system bouncing.

A preferred embodiments of a baby bouncer system of the invention supports a baby that weighs from about 6 to about 24 pounds, bounces the baby at a baby bouncer system frequency of about 1 to 2 Hz, and comprises a baby bouncer seat which is connected to an actuator of the invention wherein: the actuator is comprised of two eccentric weights which each weigh about 50 grams to about 300 grams; and (2) the eccentric weights each have an eccentricity radius “Recc” which ranges from about 10 millimeters to about 60 millimeters as the weights swing in a pendulum-like movement when coaxially mounted on the shaft of a speed-reducing mechanism which rotates at a speed of from about 50 to about 100 revolutions per minute.

Claims

1. An actuator comprising:

(a) a housing adapted to engage a baby bouncer system for transmission of bouncing forces;

(b) a motion sensor which can generate signals corresponding to baby bouncer system bouncing force and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing;

(c) a microprocessor based control system which can detect and store the motion sensor signals and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing;

(d) a DC electric motor which (i) is connectable to a power source, (ii) is in electrical communication with the microprocessor based control system, (iii) during operation receives a supply voltage at a level which is regulated by the microprocessor based control system, and (iv) is enclosed within and supported by the housing;

(e) a speed reduction mechanism which comprises an axial shaft connected for rotation to and driven by the DC electric motor and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing;

(f) a rotatable eccentric weight which is mounted coaxially on the speed reduction mechanism axial shaft for rotational and pendulum-like motion and which is enclosed within and supported by the housing; wherein

the microprocessor based control system is calibrated to maintain the DC electric motor supply voltage level at a value which is optimized to maintain baby bouncer system bouncing at soothing frequencies.

2. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is set such that the rotational speed of the actuator's eccentric weight is from about 50 to about 100 times per minute at a microprocessor-controlled DC motor supply voltage range of about 40% to about 90% of the maximum DC motor supply voltage, and the soothing frequency is the baby bouncer system resonant frequency when supporting a baby.

3. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor based control system is calibrated and regulates DC electric motor voltage supply by a method comprising:

(a) retrieving a value corresponding to the maximum DC electric motor supply voltage level (Vmax) and setting DC electric motor supply voltage level Vn initially at Vmax;

(b) selecting an actuator operation time interval t;

(c) operating the actuator for time interval t at Vn and detecting and recording motion sensor signal values Fn during time interval t;

(d) retrieving a value corresponding to the minimum DC electric motor supply voltage level (Vmin), detecting Vn, and, if Vn does not equal Vmin within an acceptable tolerance, adjusting Vn by subtracting voltage increment v;

(e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until Vn equals Vmin within an acceptable tolerance;

(f) comparing Fn values recorded at each Vn and determining the maximum Fn value (Fmax) and the Vn corresponding to Fmax (V of Fmax); and

(g) setting DC electric motor voltage supply at V of F max.

4. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor based control system is calibrated and regulates DC electric motor voltage supply by a method comprising:

(a) retrieving a value corresponding to the maximum DC electric motor supply voltage level (Vmin) and setting DC electric motor supply voltage level Vn initially at Vmin;

(b) selecting an actuator operation time interval t;

(c) operating the actuator for time interval t at Vn and detecting and recording motion sensor signal values Fn during time interval t;

(d) retrieving a value corresponding to the maximum DC electric motor supply voltage level (Vmax), detecting Vn, and, if Vn does not equal Vmax within an acceptable tolerance, adjusting Vn by adding voltage increment v;

(e) repeating steps (c) and (d) until Vn equals Vmax within an acceptable tolerance;

(f) comparing Fn values recorded at each Vn and determining the maximum Fn value (Fmax) and the Vn corresponding to Fmax (V of Fmax); and

(g) setting DC electric motor voltage supply at V of F max.

5. An actuator of claim 3, wherein Vmax is about 90% of the maximum power supply voltage and Vmin is about 40% of the maximum power supply voltage.

6. An actuator of claim 4, wherein Vmax is about 90% of the maximum power supply voltage and Vmin is about 40% of the maximum power supply voltage.

7. An actuator of claim 3, wherein v is ranges from about 0.1 volts to about 0.5 volts.

8. An actuator of claim 4, wherein v is ranges from about 0.1 volts to about 0.5 volts.

9. An actuator of claim 3, wherein the maximum power supply voltage ranges from about 4.5 volts to about 9 volts.

10. An actuator of claim 4, wherein the maximum power supply voltage ranges from about 4.5 volts to about 9 volts.

11. An actuator of claim 3, wherein t ranges from about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds.

12. An actuator of claim 4, wherein t ranges from about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds.

13. An actuator of claim 1, wherein during operation the actuator bounces the baby bouncer system at a frequency of around 60 to around 100 times per minute.

14. An actuator of claim 3, wherein during operation the actuator bounces the baby bouncer system at a frequency of around 60 to around 100 times per minute.

15. An actuator of claim 4, wherein during operation the actuator bounces the baby bouncer system at a frequency of around 60 to around 100 times per minute.

16. An actuator of claim 3, wherein during operation the actuator bounces the baby bouncer system at the system resonant frequency.

17. An actuator of claim 4, wherein during operation the actuator bounces the baby bouncer system at the system resonant frequency.

18. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the eccentric weight rotates from about 50 to about 100 times per minute at DC electric motor supply voltage levels of about 40% to about 90% of the maximum DC electric motor supply voltage.

19. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor based control system is programmed to broadcast soothing sounds.

20. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor based control system is programmed to broadcast a prerecorded message.

21. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the actuator further comprises a battery pack which powers the DC electric motor.

22. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the voltage-regulated DC electric motor is powered by electrical connection to an electrical wall outlet.

23. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the voltage-regulated DC electric motor is powered by electrical connection to a remote battery pack or generator.

24. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the DC electric motor voltage supply is regulated by either a pulse-width modulator (PWM) or linear voltage regulator under the control of the microprocessor based control system.

25. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises two rotatable eccentric weights which:

(a) are mounted on the speed reduction mechanism coaxially with the speed reduction mechanism shaft for rotational, pendulum-like motion, and

(b) are enclosed within and supported by the housing.

26. An actuator of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the actuator is comprised of two eccentric weights which each weigh about 25 grams to about 500 grams; and

(b) the eccentric weights each have an eccentricity radius which ranges from about 10 millimeters to about 100 millimeters when the speed-reducing mechanism shaft rotates at a speed of from about 25 to about 150 revolutions per minute.

27. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the maximum voltage supplied to the DC electric motor ranges from about 3 volts to about 30 volts.

28. An actuator of claim 1, wherein the DC electric motor engages and rotates the axial shaft of speed-reducing mechanism through a mechanical linkage.

29. An actuator of claim 12, wherein the mechanical linkage is a belt pulley system, a gear train, a clutch system, or frictional wheels.

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)