System and method for consolidating child care activities through a childcare station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional childcare methods and products, such as bathtubs and changing tables, are often fixed and require users to move around the house for different activities, causing strain and inefficiency due to the need to kneel and the use of multiple, expensive items.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible childcare station with a raised platform, integrated basin, storages, and a seat, featuring collapsible legs for portability and convenience, allowing for multiple childcare activities to be performed in one location without the need for multiple products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bathtubs and changing tables are used separately, then each activity can be performed effectively, but multiple products are required which increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of childcare activitiesVSAvoidnumber of products required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a bathtub, changing table, and storage units into a single integrated childcare station. The bathtub is mounted on a frame that also supports changing tables at different heights and positions, allowing multiple childcare activities to be performed in one location rather than requiring separate products scattered throughout the house.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The childcare station is designed to perform multiple functions: the bathtub provides bathing capability, the changing tables (at different heights and positions) enable diaper changing, and the integrated storage units hold necessary supplies. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional ground-level bathtubs are used, then bathing can be performed, but users must kneel causing strain and pressure on the lower back

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of bathing methodVSAvoiduser comfort during bathing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent elevates the bathtub from ground level to a raised position by mounting it on a frame structure. This vertical dimension change allows users to stand or sit at a comfortable height while bathing the child, eliminating the need to kneel and reducing lower back strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to provide stable support at an ergonomically appropriate height, creating an equipotential working surface that reduces the effort and strain required by users. The height is optimized so that users can perform bathing activities without excessive bending or kneeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate childcare products are used in different locations, then each activity has its dedicated space, but users must move around the house which is time consuming and tiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated space for each activityVSAvoidtime spent moving between activities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates the bathtub, changing tables, and storage units into a single integrated station located in one place. This allows users to perform bathing, diaper changing, and supply access sequentially without leaving the station, eliminating the time and effort spent moving between separate locations throughout the house.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated station provides all necessary childcare functions in one location, making the station universal for multiple activities. Users can transition between bathing and diaper changing without movement, as both functions are available at the same location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixed bathtubs are used, then stable bathing can be provided, but the user cannot easily move or reposition the bathing area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during bathingVSAvoidportability of bathing area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs collapsible legs with locking mechanisms that allow the bathtub to be easily assembled and disassembled. When assembled, the legs provide stable support; when collapsed, the entire structure becomes portable and can be relocated or stored as needed, combining stability during use with portability when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11596241B2System and method for consolidating child care activities through a childcare station

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 VIGERS VACQUES A

AI summary

A childcare station is disclosed. The childcare station can comprise at least two or more pairs of collapsible legs and a body mounted on top of said legs. The body can comprise a depressed portion at the top surface of said body, a basin, a top cover, a plurality of storages at one side of the body, and a seat placed on the other side of the body. A bottom surface of the basin is compatible with the depressed portion. The top cover can attach at a top edge portion of the body such that the top cover serves as a barrier device in providing access to the basin. A method of use is also disclosed that comprises the step of mounting into a childcare station as described above.