Automated Infant Burping Device with Collapsible Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby burping devices do not adequately support an infant's entire torso and head, require caregiver assistance, and lack features for easy transport and cleanliness, making them inefficient and uncomfortable for the baby.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, automated baby burping device with a mechanical arm that securely supports the infant's front and rear torso and head, providing a repetitive patting motion to expel trapped air, while being adjustable and equipped with a tray to collect spit-up or vomit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a baby is held manually for burping, then the baby receives direct caregiver attention and comfort, but the caregiver burden increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burping device enables self-service by automatically performing the burping function without requiring continuous caregiver intervention. The mechanical arm with patting head autonomously delivers patting motions to the baby's back, while the positioning structure maintains the baby in the correct prone position throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of caregiver patting with an automated mechanical arm system. The mechanical arm delivers controlled patting motions through a patting head, substituting the caregiver's hand movements with a programmable mechanical system that can operate independently.
2Ease of operation
If existing burping devices support only part of the torso, then the device structure is simpler, but the baby comfort and support adequacy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure is segmented into multiple support components that collectively provide comprehensive baby support. These include a head support portion, a torso support portion, and a leg support portion, each independently designed to support specific body regions while working together to provide full-body support in the prone position.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the baby in the correct prone angle, supports the head and neck, supports the torso, and restrains the legs. This multi-functional design provides comprehensive baby support without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Productivity
If a burping device requires caregiver assistance during use, then the device operation is simpler, but the hands-free capability and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The burping device operates autonomously without requiring caregiver assistance during the burping process. The mechanical arm automatically delivers patting motions, and the positioning structure maintains baby positioning throughout, enabling the device to serve itself and the baby without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the caregiver's hands from the burping process by implementing a fully automated mechanical arm system. The mechanical arm with its patting head takes over the patting function completely, removing the need for caregiver hand movements and enabling hands-free operation.
4Ease of operation
If the burping device is not collapsible, then the structural integrity and stability are maintained, but the portability and storage ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates collapsible legs that can transition between extended and retracted positions. When extended, the legs provide stable support for the device during burping operations. When retracted, the legs enable compact storage and portability. This dynamic structure adapts its configuration based on operational versus storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible leg structure allows the device to be nested into a compact form when not in use. The legs fold inward and can be stored within or alongside the main device body, enabling the entire burping device to be collapsed into a space-efficient configuration for transport and storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to support an infant in a prone position to automatically burp the infant while retained within the device. The device having a base portion, a resting portion, and a movable arm portion. A pair of legs are positioned on opposed ends of the base portion extending perpendicular to a width of the base portion for supporting the device. The movable arm portion coupled to a motor to move the arm towards and away from the resting portion in a back and forth motion. The movable arm portion and the resting portion are movable along their length to an extended position to fit several lengths and sizes of infants placed within the device.