Child Carrier Height Adjustment for Infant-to-Toddler Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child carriers often compromise on the height of the carrying section, making them unsuitable for both small infants and larger toddlers, requiring multiple carriers for different age groups and compromising on ergonomics and comfort, especially in varying weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A multistepped or stepless height adjustment mechanism using webbings and various adjustment means like buckles, snap fasteners, and Velcro, allowing the carrying section to be easily adjusted as the child grows, suitable for different carrier models and positions, including forward-facing and reclining positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the carrying section height is fixed at a compromise level, then the carrier can be used for children aged approximately six to eighteen months, but it becomes too high for small babies and too low for larger children

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for different child sizesVSAvoidergonomic support quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying section height is made adjustable through a height adjustment mechanism that allows the carrying section to be positioned at different heights relative to the support elements. This enables the carrier to adapt to children of different sizes and ages, providing ergonomic support for small babies, toddlers, and larger children by adjusting the carrying section height to match each child's specific needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height of the carrying section is changed as a variable parameter rather than being fixed. The height adjustment mechanism allows the carrying section height to be modified according to the child's age and size, transforming the carrier from a static design to one that can accommodate growing children and different carrying positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate inner part is added for smaller babies, then small babies can be carried ergonomically, but the fabric layers increase which is undesirable in hot weather and warm climates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for small babiesVSAvoidnumber of fabric layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a permanent separate inner part, the invention uses a dynamic height adjustment mechanism that allows the existing carrying section to be repositioned to different heights. This provides ergonomic support for small babies without adding permanent fabric layers, allowing the carrier to remain breathable and comfortable in hot weather while still accommodating infants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If carriers are sold in various sizes, then ergonomic suitability for different children is achieved, but a family has to buy several carriers for a same child or an own carrier for each child

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic suitability for different agesVSAvoidnumber of carriers needed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is designed with universal applicability through the height adjustment mechanism, allowing a single carrier to serve multiple functions across different child ages and sizes. The carrying section can be adjusted to accommodate infants, toddlers, and larger children, making one carrier replace what would traditionally require multiple carriers of different sizes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier transitions from a static single-size design to a dynamic multi-size solution through the height adjustment mechanism. This allows the same physical carrier to adapt to growing children over time, eliminating the need for families to purchase multiple carriers as children grow from infancy through preschool years

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2194818B1Arrangement for adjusting the height of a carrier
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 BABYIDEA
  • EP2194818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2194818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2194818B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to an arrangement for adjusting the height of a carrier (1), which carrier (1) includes at least a carrying section (2) intended for carrying a child, upper support elements (5, 6) attached to the carrying section and placed over the wearer's shoulders, and lower support elements (7-9) to be placed around the wearer's body. The carrying section (2) is equipped at least with essentially webbing like adjustment elements (10, 11, 14), with which the multistepped or stepless height adjustment is designed to be carried out.