Adjustable Support Pad for Leveling on Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaper changing pads are ineffective on uneven, sloped, or uncomfortable surfaces, making it difficult for caregivers to provide a comfortable and stable environment for diaper changes, especially in public or outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pad system comprising a flexible sheet coupled with deformable support members that can adjust between expanded and contracted positions, using filler material and contraction mechanisms to conform to various surfaces, ensuring a level and cushioned platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flat diaper changing pad is used, then it provides a stable surface on level ground, but it becomes ineffective and uncomfortable on uneven, sloped, or hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing the pad to dynamically adapt to different surface conditions. The support members can be positioned at various locations underneath the sheet and adjusted to compensate for surface irregularities, transforming a static pad into a dynamic system that responds to environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad is divided into a flexible sheet and separate support members that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the support members to be strategically placed to address specific surface irregularities while keeping the main sheet flexible and adaptable to different configurations.
2Weight of moving object
If existing diaper changing pads are used on uneven surfaces, then portability is maintained, but the pad fails to provide adequate cushioning and level support
Solution Approach 1:
The pad uses a flexible sheet as the main body, which can be easily folded, rolled, or configured for portable storage and transport. This flexible sheet maintains lightweight portability while working in conjunction with support members to provide reliable support when deployed on uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines a flexible sheet with deformable support members to create a composite structure that integrates the portability benefits of flexible materials with the support reliability of adjustable structural elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pad structure is made more complex to handle various surfaces, then surface adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be manually adjustable by the user, allowing the pad to self-adapt to surface conditions without requiring complex automated mechanisms. The user can position and adjust the support members as needed, enabling the system to achieve surface conformity through simple, intuitive operations rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable pad that can have a substantially level top regardless of the slope or configuration of the surface it is placed upon. The adjustable pad can have a sheet coupled with one or more support members. The support members can be formed or adjusted to account for the slope of the surface. The adjustable pad can be used to change a child's diaper, as a sleeping pad, or for other desired reasons, regardless of the configuration of the surface.