Contoured Infant Carrier Shell with Waisted Design for Carer Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional baby carriers are uncomfortable for both the child and the caregiver due to their lack of support and adaptability, leading to discomfort over time, and are often expensive due to complex designs and safety requirements.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic infant carrier with a contoured shell featuring a non-planar base and side walls, a waisted design for accommodating the caregiver, and customizable components such as removable liners and outer covers, along with adjustable and flexible carrying straps, to provide better support and comfort for both the child and the caregiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional boxed-sided container design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but comfort and support for child and carer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional flat boxed-sided container with a contoured shell featuring a curved base and upstanding side walls that follow the natural contours of a child's body. The base includes a recessed portion that cradles the child's bottom, and the side walls curve inward to provide lateral support, thereby improving comfort and support while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molded construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-functionality is incorporated, then versatility improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamics by providing adjustable carrying straps with length adjustment mechanisms, allowing the carrier to adapt to different carer sizes and carrying positions. The contoured shell design also allows flexibility in how the carrier is positioned and worn, enabling multiple carrying configurations without requiring additional complex mechanisms or components.
3Ease of operation
If contoured shell with waisted portion is used, then comfort for carer improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses carer comfort by incorporating a waisted portion in the contoured shell where the side walls curve inward to define a recessed area that accommodates the carer's waist or hip. This curved geometry provides ergonomic support and distributes weight more effectively, improving carer comfort while being manufacturable through standard molding processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic infant carrier comprises a contoured shell having a non-planar base and contiguous perimeter side wall upstanding from the base. At least one carrying strap which is attached or attachable to the contoured shell is also provided. The base includes a bottom portion, a head portion extending from a first end of the bottom portion, and a foot portion extending from a second end of the bottom portion opposite the first end. The head and foot portions extend upwardly from the bottom portion to meet the side wall, and the bottom portion has a width which is less than that of the head and foot portions. The reduced width enables the side wall to define a waisted portion partway along the longitudinal extent of the infant carrier to accommodate a side of a carer. A method of preparing an ergonomic infant carrier is also provided.