Adjustable Child Carrier Panels for Ergonomic Movement Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Soft structured child carriers often limit leg and arm movement, restrict the child to a single position, and fail to accommodate a range of child ages and sizes, leading to potential developmental issues and increased complexity in configuration and use.

Innovation Solution

A soft-structured child carrier with adjustable shoulder strap attachment panels and a body panel that can be configured to change width and height, reducing tension on the body panel edges and allowing for ergonomic support across various child sizes and positions, including inward and outward facing orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If soft structured carriers use stitching and fabrics to provide structure, then the wearer gains freedom of hand and arm movement, but the child's leg and arm movement is unduly limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearer freedom of hand and arm movementVSAvoidchild leg and arm movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid frame structure provides overall support while flexible fabric panels in key areas (leg openings, arm holes, seat portion) allow child movement. The frame is segmented into vertical and horizontal members creating zones of different flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the carrier have different structural properties: rigid frame members provide structural integrity while flexible fabric portions allow movement. The seat portion uses elastic material for stretch, while the back support uses rigid vertical members for posture support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If soft structured carriers are designed for a limited age and size range, then the carrier can be optimized for specific children, but the carrier cannot accommodate children as they grow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic support for specific age groupVSAvoidaccommodation of growing child

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier incorporates adjustable elements including removable inserts for different sizes, adjustable shoulder straps with multiple attachment points, and flexible fabric panels that can be configured differently. This allows the same carrier to adapt to children from infancy through toddlerhood.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is designed as a universal child carrier that can accommodate multiple age groups and sizes through interchangeable components. The rigid frame provides consistent structural support while flexible inserts and adjustable straps allow customization for different child sizes and developmental stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If infant inserts are added to accommodate smaller infants, then the carrier can support younger children, but the complexity of configuration and use increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of infant sizesVSAvoidconfiguration complexity with inserts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible fabric panels are integrated directly into the rigid frame structure, eliminating the need for separate removable inserts. The fabric panels serve multiple functions: providing structural support, allowing movement, and adapting to different child sizes through their inherent flexibility and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the carrier supports child weight on the sacrum, then the carrier structure is simplified, but the child's pelvis tilts backward limiting leg and hip movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier structure simplicityVSAvoidpelvic and leg movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The weight support function is segmented between the rigid frame structure and the elastic seat material. The frame's vertical and horizontal members provide structural support and positioning, while the elastic seat material distributes weight evenly across the child's bottom and thighs, preventing sacral concentration and pelvic tilting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11219317B2Adjustable child carrier with enhanced freedom of movement

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 THE ERGO BABY CARRIER INC

AI summary

A soft-structured child carrier that includes a body panel having a bottom end attached to a bottom portion of the waistband, a first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap, a first shoulder strap attachment panel attached to the interior side of the body panel away from the side edges of the body panel and a second shoulder strap attachment panel attached to the interior side of the body panel and away from the side edges of the body panel. The first shoulder strap attachment panel provides a first flap that is movable away from the interior surface of the body panel and includes a first lower attachment point for the first shoulder strap. The second shoulder strap attachment panel provides a second flap that is movable away from the interior surface of the body panel and includes a second lower attachment point for the second shoulder strap.