Apparatuses, systems and methods for temporary placement of a living object on a seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a versatile and convenient apparatus that allows for temporary placement of a living object, such as a child, on a seat, particularly in vehicles, to facilitate diaper changing without the challenges of uneven seat angles and hygiene issues associated with public restrooms.
Innovation Solution
A foldable apparatus comprising a pad layer and a back layer with straps for attachment to the seat, which can be easily unfolded and secured with one-hand operation, providing a horizontal surface for the child and optional storage for diapers and entertainment items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a car seat is used for diaper changing, then the parent can change the child's diaper in the car, but the seat angle causes the child to roll over and the parent's hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the car seat into functional zones: a pad layer for the child's body, a barrier layer to prevent rolling, and a parent's hands remain free for diaper changing. This segmentation allows the child to be safely positioned on the angled seat while the parent can operate without distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary between the child and the car seat, providing a horizontal working surface that mediates the unsafe angled seat surface. The barrier layer specifically mediates the rolling hazard by creating a physical stop that prevents the child from rolling over during diaper changing.
2Ease of manufacture
If public restroom diaper changing stations are used, then a permanent changing surface is available, but hygiene issues and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is prepared in advance and can be quickly deployed in the car seat. The pre-assembled structure with integrated pad and barrier layers allows immediate use without the time-consuming process of finding a restroom, unloading the car seat, and setting up a changing station.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transforms the car seat itself into a functional diaper changing station, eliminating the need to travel to external facilities. The self-contained design with removable washable layers provides hygiene comparable to permanent stations while maintaining the convenience of in-car changing.
3Reliability
If a horizontal surface is provided for diaper changing, then the child can be changed safely, but the apparatus becomes cumbersome to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from a static cumbersome structure to a dynamic, adaptable system that conforms to the car seat contours. The flexible pad layer and removable barrier layer allow the apparatus to be easily installed and removed while maintaining the horizontal safe surface for diaper changing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad layer is made of flexible, thin material that can be easily positioned and secured on the car seat. This flexibility allows quick installation and removal without the complexity of rigid structures, while still providing the necessary horizontal surface and safety barrier functions.
4Ease of operation
If the pad layer is positioned horizontally on the seat surface, then the child can be safely placed, but the seat angle must be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the seat surface into a horizontal pad layer for child placement and allows the rest of the seat to maintain its original angled configuration. This segmentation creates a localized horizontal working area without requiring modification of the entire seat structure, simplifying the angle compensation process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses apparatuses, systems and methods for temporary placement of a living object on a seat comprising a surface and a back. The foldable apparatus comprises a pad layer comprising a first panel defining a perimeter and including a first edge, wherein the living object is placed on the first panel of the pad layer when the foldable apparatus is unfolded and the pad layer is positioned substantially horizontally on the surface of the seat; and a back layer foldably connected to the pad layer along the first edge, wherein one or both of the pad layer and the back layer comprise a first connector configured to secure the pad layer and the back layer to each other, thereby keeping the foldable apparatus in a folded configuration, and to allow unfolding of the foldable apparatus with one-hand operation.