Collapsible Canopy Frame Design for Portable Diaper Changing Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face challenges in changing infants' or toddlers' diapers in public settings due to the lack of private and clean facilities, with existing solutions often being inadequate or inconvenient, particularly for men and in locations without dedicated changing stations.
Innovation Solution
A portable collapsible infant changing pad canopy that unfolds into a tent-like structure providing privacy, featuring a removable and washable changing pad, mesh ventilation, and a compact design for easy storage and transport, suitable for both infants and toddlers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable collapsible canopy structure is used, then privacy and portability are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into multiple panels that can be collapsed and stored together, allowing the structure to be segmented for portability while maintaining privacy when assembled. The panels can be separated for storage but work together to provide enclosed privacy space during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy employs dynamic elements such as telescopic poles and collapsible frames that can transition between extended and retracted states. This allows the structure to provide privacy when needed while being compact for transport, resolving the contradiction between privacy provision and structural simplicity.
2Ease of repair
If a removable changing pad is included, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The changing pad is designed as a removable component that can be easily detached from the canopy structure. This extraction of the cleaning-intensive element allows for simple washing and maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire canopy, maintaining ease of cleaning while minimizing added complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mesh ventilation is added, then air circulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy incorporates mesh panels with porous or perforated structures that provide ventilation while maintaining privacy. These mesh elements are integrated into the existing panel design, allowing air circulation to reduce humidity and improve comfort during diaper changes without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, collapsible canopy for use with a diaper changing pad, wherein the canopy comprises a frame structure having a plurality of rigid members adjoined by a plurality of pivotable joints, with at least one of the pivotable joints being spring-biased. The canopy further comprises a plurality of wall portions coupled to the frame structure, wherein the wall portions are formed of a lightweight, flexible material. The canopy also comprises a bottom section in which the changing pad is placed upon. The frame structure is configured to be held normally open by the spring-biased joints, and the frame structure and wall portions are manually collapsible so as to enable the canopy to be folded into a compact state suitable for storage in a diaper bag. A combination diaper bag and diaper changing canopy are also disclosed.