Wall-Mounted Baby Changing Station With Damped Rotating Platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby changing stations in public restrooms often lack space efficiency and safety features, particularly in terms of supporting the baby during changes and maintaining cleanliness, and they do not effectively manage the transition between storage and use positions.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted baby changing station with a rotatable platform that transitions from a vertical storage position to a horizontal use position, featuring a steel support structure, damper system for controlled rotation, and hanging members for diaper bags, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a rotatable platform design is used to save space, then the device occupies less space when stored, but the platform may drop suddenly during rotation causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a damper system that provides controlled resistance during platform rotation. The damper is pre-configured to slow the platform's descent, preventing sudden drops and ensuring safe, controlled movement from vertical storage position to horizontal use position.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper acts as an intermediary element between the rotating platform and the support structure. It mediates the rotation process by providing controlled resistance, allowing the platform to move smoothly from vertical to horizontal position without sudden movements or drops.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used for the platform, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the structural strength and load-bearing capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining steel support members with plastic platform components. The steel rotatable support member and extending member provide the necessary structural strength and load-bearing capacity, while the plastic platform maintains ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness. This composite approach allows the structure to bear the weight of a baby and associated items while remaining economical to produce.
3Volume of moving object
If the platform is mounted close to the wall, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a rotatable platform that transitions between vertical storage position (close to wall for space efficiency) and horizontal use position (extended for accessibility). The platform dynamically changes its position and orientation, allowing it to be compact when not in use and easily accessible when needed.
4Strength
If steel support members are used, then structural strength is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using steel materials specifically for the rotatable support member and extending member where high strength is required to bear loads, while other components can use lighter materials. This localized application of strong materials ensures structural integrity at critical points without unnecessarily increasing the overall weight of the entire device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a safe, efficient, and hygienic changing experience by minimizing the load on plastic components, using steel for structural support, and incorporating anti-microbial materials, while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one damper system configured to slow the rotation of the platform when the platform moves from the vertical position to the horizontal position
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed changing station may support a small person, such as a baby. The station may comprise a platform, a support structure, and a mounting structure. The platform may be rotatable from a vertical storage position to a horizontal use position along a rotational axis. The support structure may have a rotatable support member that rotates along the rotational axis. The mounting structure may be used for mounting the support structure to a vertical wall.