Child Carrier Hood and Foot Loop Support for Infant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child carriers often compromise a child's comfort and safety by allowing legs to dangle, exposing the head to environmental elements, and providing inadequate support, which can lead to circulation issues and vulnerability during use, especially for nursing mothers who require discretion while breastfeeding.
Innovation Solution
A child carrier with adjustable foot loops to support the child's legs in a flexed position and a detachable hood that serves as both head support and nursing cover, allowing the child to face inwardly and be securely positioned on the user's torso, using supple materials and adjustable fasteners for comfort and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the child's legs are allowed to dangle from the device, then the device structure is simplified, but the child's comfort is compromised and blood circulation to the legs is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides leg support into separate adjustable loops that can be independently positioned around each child's leg, rather than requiring a complex integrated leg holder structure. This segmentation provides circulation support while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If the child's head is left exposed and unsupported, then the device structure is simplified, but the child's head becomes vulnerable to environmental elements and head or neck stress or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a pre-configured hood structure that automatically provides head coverage when the child is placed in the carrier, eliminating the need for additional head support mechanisms while protecting against environmental elements and providing neck support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a nursing cover is added to provide discretion during breastfeeding, then the device complexity increases, but the nursing mother's privacy is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The hood serves multiple functions: it protects the child's head from environmental elements, provides neck support, and acts as a nursing cover when pulled down over the nursing mother's chest. This multi-functionality provides nursing privacy without adding separate dedicated components.
4Ease of operation
If the child faces outwardly, then the child's mobility is increased, but the child is kept at greater distance from the person and arm support is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a waist belt and shoulder strap system that distributes the child's weight across the adult's torso and hips, counterbalancing the child's position and eliminating the need for arm support while maintaining close proximity and limited mobility.
Data Source
AI summary
A child carrier adapted to hold a child in front pack and backpack configurations is described. Embodiments of the child carrier include a support device implemented for persons weighing between 7-17 lbs. Generally, the support device can have a first position for persons weighing between 10-17 lbs. and a second position for persons weighing between 7-10 lbs. In the first position, a concave face of the support device can be contoured to interface with torso/buttocks of an infant. In the second position, the support device can be folded together providing an area suitable for an infant.