Birthing Compartment with Foldable Knee Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for supporting women during labor, such as birthing chairs and tables, fail to provide comfortable resting positions, leading to physical strain and increased risk of vaginal tears, while not facilitating skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding postpartum.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hollow spherical cap structure offering adjustable support elements for the head, arms, and knees, a V-shaped folding knee support for squatting, and a warm retreat area for immediate postpartum skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, using roto-moulded plastic, aluminum, and synthetic plastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a birthing chair is used, then the structure provides support during labor, but the future mother cannot rest comfortably as her trunk remains without support
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support function into multiple independent elements: a head support structure with a head support pad, forearm support structures, and knee support elements. Each segment provides targeted support to different body parts, allowing the mother to rest comfortably while maintaining structural feasibility.
2Ease of operation
If a horizontal birthing bed position is used, then the mother is comfortable for healthcare personnel, but it hinders natural birth from a physiological point of view
Solution Approach 1:
The knee support element is designed to be foldable, allowing dynamic adjustment between an extended position that creates a horizontal platform for squatting (physiologically beneficial) and a folded position that provides kneeling support. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to serve both healthcare personnel comfort and natural birth requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the knee support element is extended to create a horizontal platform, then the mother can squat for pushing, but the structure loses its compact resting configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable knee support element enables the structure to dynamically transition between configurations: when extended, it creates a horizontal platform for squatting during pushing; when folded, it provides kneeling support during dilation. This single dynamic component provides multiple positional adaptabilities without requiring multiple separate structures.
4Ease of operation
If traditional labor devices are used, then support is provided during labor, but no shelter area is available for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding postpartum
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it provides support during labor through various support elements, enables squatting position for pushing via the extendable knee support, and creates a shelter area within the hollow spherical cap for postpartum skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for different stages.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a compartment, with a support and shelter function, for childbirth and immediate postpartum, which comprises a structure defining a body in the shape of a hollow spherical cap, at the upper end of which said body has a structure with a head support pad (5) in the shape of a circle and with a centre hole, in which under said pad (5) it has a vertical chest support structure (4), with two L-shaped forearm support structures (2a) and (2b), wherein the left lateral side of the compartment constitutes a padded wall (3), wherein the lower portion of said body has a folding padded knee support element (1) that has a V-shape in the folded position, and wherein the intermediate area of the spherical body has an inner concavity that constitutes an inner cavity, suitable for accommodating the reclining mother.