Motorized Rocking Chair and Trolley with Wheel-Driven Oscillation

The problem

Many baby products need to serve two distinct purposes: soothing a child through rocking and transporting them through movement. Standard solutions often involve separate mechanisms for each, leading to bulky frames and higher manufacturing costs. Additionally, traditional rocking chairs rely on curved runners that prevent mobility, while strollers lack built-in rocking features unless manually pushed back and forth. Parents and caregivers often struggle with devices that are difficult to convert between these modes or that require significant physical effort to operate the rocking function manually. There is a need for a simple, integrated mechanical solution that provides automated rocking while retaining the ability to move the unit freely.

The solution

The patent describes a support frame with a seat frame and wheels attached via mounting parts. The core innovation is an electric driving mechanism fixed to the support frame that powers the rocking action directly through the wheel assembly.

1. A drive motor group is mounted on the frame. Its output shaft connects to a rotating member.
2. A driving member (crank) is pivotally connected to the rotating member at an offset position.
3. The other end of the driving member connects to a swinging member, which is pivotally linked to the wheel mounting part.
4. As the motor turns the rotating member, the offset connection causes the swinging member to oscillate back and forth.
5. This oscillation moves the wheel mount, causing the entire chair or trolley to rock.
6. A clutch device is positioned between the swinging member and the wheel (or motor). When engaged, it locks the rocking mechanism; when disengaged, the wheels rotate freely for transport.

Who it is for

• Baby Gear Brands: Companies looking to differentiate their product lines with multi-functional furniture that doubles as transport equipment.
• Amazon Sellers: Merchants seeking lightweight, compact designs that reduce shipping volume by integrating motors into existing wheel structures rather than adding large external boxes.
• Wholesalers: Distributors needing versatile products that appeal to parents who want both a nursery rocker and a travel system component.
• Product Designers: Engineers exploring simple electromechanical linkages to replace complex gear trains or spring-loaded mechanisms.

How it works

The main parts

Operating Steps

1. Powered Mode: The user activates the switch. The clutch engages, locking the wheel’s rotational freedom relative to the rocking action. The motor turns the rotating member, which pushes and pulls the swinging member. This causes the wheel mount to oscillate, rocking the chair.
2. Transport Mode: The user disengages the clutch. The swinging member decouples from the wheel’s locking mechanism. The wheels can now roll freely on the ground, allowing the unit to be pushed like a standard trolley.
3. Stopping: Turning off the motor stops the oscillation. If the clutch remains engaged, the chair stays still but cannot roll easily; if disengaged, it remains stationary but ready for movement.

Applications

Nursery Rocking Chairs

Parents use this in bedrooms to soothe infants. The motor handles the repetitive motion, freeing hands for feeding or bonding, while the sturdy frame ensures stability during rocking.

Travel Systems

Families transition from car to home without changing seats. In “trolley” mode, the unit rolls smoothly over floors. In “chair” mode, it rocks gently in hotel rooms or living areas, reducing the need for portable cribs.

Senior Care Facilities

Caregivers utilize the dual function for patients with limited mobility. It provides therapeutic rocking for comfort and easy transport between rooms, simplifying daily care routines.

Retail Display Units

Stores use these as interactive demo stations. The automatic rocking attracts customer attention to baby products, while the wheels allow staff to reposition displays quickly during floor changes.

Where it is less suitable

• Heavy Industrial Use: The housings and small wheels described are not designed for high-load industrial carts or rough outdoor terrain.
• Silent Operation Requirements: The gear and motor noise may be unsuitable for environments requiring absolute silence, such as libraries or recording studios.
• Complex Terrain: Standard small wheels with this oscillating mount are best suited for smooth indoor floors; uneven surfaces may hinder the rocking mechanism.