Adjustable Framework Lactation Shield for Privacy and Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing privacy devices for nursing infants are cumbersome, blocking airflow, obstructing eye contact, and causing discomfort for both mothers and infants.

Innovation Solution

A framework with telescoping sections and adjustable fasteners supports a piece of fabric to create a concealed space for infant lactation, allowing for comfortable nursing without obstructing airflow or eye contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fabric cover is used to provide privacy for nursing, then privacy is improved, but airflow is blocked causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoidairflow blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The privacy shield is divided into multiple vertical slats or panels that can be adjusted independently. This segmentation allows air to pass through the gaps between slats while maintaining visual privacy, resolving the contradiction between privacy and airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield incorporates adjustable components that allow the user to change the configuration of the slats or panels dynamically. This enables optimization of both privacy and airflow based on environmental conditions and user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a fabric cover is used to provide privacy for nursing, then privacy is improved, but eye contact is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoideye contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the shield have different optical properties. The slats are designed to provide privacy from side views while allowing frontal visibility, enabling eye contact between mother and infant while maintaining privacy from surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid framework is used to support the fabric, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different body sizes and chair configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to body sizes and chair configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The framework incorporates telescoping sections and adjustable joints that allow the structure to be resized and reconfigured. This enables the shield to adapt to different body sizes and chair types while maintaining structural stability through rigid connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The framework is divided into modular sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each part to be customized for different configurations while the overall structure maintains stability through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12239171B1Lactation shield

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 BARBOSA III LOUIS

AI summary

A framework for supporting a piece of fabric forming a concealed space within which a mother may sit for infant lactation. The framework has side arms mounted on a horizontal cross member with fasteners that permit vertical movement and horizontal movement of the side arms with respect the horizontal cross member. The framework having elongated flat feet attached to vertical support members with fasteners that permit rotation of the flat feet on the vertical support members and movement of the vertical support members along the flat feet. Swivel fasteners are positioned along the side arms and horizontal cross member for attachment of the fabric.