Bottle-Feeding Video Guidance for Correct Infant and Bottle Angle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Bottle-feeding infants is complicated due to the need for a precise bottle angle to prevent air intake and discomfort, which existing systems fail to address effectively, leading to issues like choking, colic, overfeeding, and underfeeding.

Innovation Solution

An image processor system that analyzes video images to determine the orientation of the infant and bottle, providing real-time reorientation instructions through visual and audio feedback to achieve the optimal feeding angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a baby monitor is used to observe the baby, then the parent can monitor the baby remotely, but it does not provide information about feeding adequacy or baby health status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation about feeding adequacyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (visual observation via camera, feeding detection via scale, and health monitoring via sensors) into a single integrated baby monitoring system. The control unit processes data from all sensors simultaneously, providing comprehensive information about the baby's status including feeding adequacy, weight changes, and health indicators through one unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions: visual monitoring through the camera, weight measurement through the scale, feeding detection through sensor data analysis, and health status monitoring. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate devices while providing comprehensive baby care information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used to monitor different aspects of baby care, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple monitoring devices (camera, scale, sensors) into a single coordinated system managed by a control unit. This consolidation maintains comprehensive monitoring capabilities while simplifying operation, as parents interact with one unified system rather than multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously collects data from various sensors and provides real-time feedback to the parent through the interface. The control unit processes sensor data, compares it against expected ranges, and immediately communicates the baby's status, feeding adequacy, and any concerns, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual tracking of feeding and diaper changes is done, then no additional devices are needed, but accurate information about baby needs and health status cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated sensors to detect and record feeding events, diaper changes, and weight changes without requiring parent intervention. The sensors self-monitor the baby's status, automatically processing and storing data, which eliminates manual tracking while providing precise measurement of feeding adequacy and health indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with electronic sensors and automated data processing. Sensors detect physical changes (weight, movement, moisture) and convert them into digital signals for analysis, providing precise automated measurement instead of manual observation and recording.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the parent stays with the baby constantly to ensure proper feeding, then feeding adequacy is ensured, but the parent cannot rest or attend to other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding adequacy assuranceVSAvoidparent availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors feeding events through sensors and provides immediate feedback to the parent about the baby's feeding status. The control unit analyzes sensor data to determine if the baby is feeding adequately and communicates this information, allowing the parent to rest or attend to other tasks while remaining informed about the baby's needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system autonomously tracks and evaluates feeding adequacy without requiring constant parent presence. Sensors automatically detect feeding events, the control unit processes the data to assess adequacy, and the system manages the monitoring function independently, freeing the parent from continuous supervision while ensuring feeding requirements are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4172849B1A system and method for providing assistance during bottle-feeding
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4172849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4172849B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A system provides assistance during bottle-feeding. Video images of a subject bottle-feeding an infant are captured and displayed. Using image analysis, a reorientation of the bottle and/or infant is determined that is required in order to reach a desired bottle orientation and/or infant orientation. Reorientation instructions are provided in combination with the video images to assist the subject in reorienting the bottle and/or the infant to achieve the desired bottle orientation.