Breathable Crib Shield Mesh for Ventilation and Limb Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crib apparatuses, such as bumper pads, obstruct airflow and can lead to suffocation risks due to trapped CO2 and other gases, and fail to prevent infants from extending limbs between crib slats, posing a risk of cold exposure and injury.

Innovation Solution

A breathable crib shield system using mesh-type materials with small openings to prevent finger or toe insertion, integrated with fastening apparatuses for secure attachment to crib rails and boards, ensuring adequate ventilation and preventing limb extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional crib bumper pads are used to protect infants from injury, then protection from bodily impact is improved, but ventilation is blocked and CO2 accumulates leading to suffocation risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from bodily impactVSAvoidCO2 accumulation and suffocation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous breathable mesh material to replace conventional solid bumper pads. The mesh structure allows air circulation and CO2 escape while maintaining the protective function against bodily impact. The material provides both safety from injury and ventilation to prevent suffocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If spaced-apart crib slats are used to allow air flow, then ventilation is improved, but infants can extend limbs between slats causing cold exposure and injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow and ventilationVSAvoidlimb extension and cold exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible mesh material that can be attached to crib slats to create a continuous protective barrier. The mesh fills the gaps between spaced slats, preventing limb extension while maintaining breathability and air flow through its porous structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If solid crib bumper pads are used to prevent limb extension, then protection from injury is improved, but air flow is obstructed leading to CO2 accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from injuryVSAvoidair flow obstruction and CO2 trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces solid bumper pads with porous mesh material that provides continuous protection against injury while allowing air to pass through. The mesh structure enables both safety functions: preventing limb extension and allowing ventilation to avoid CO2 accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS10004342B2Breathable toy

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 HALO DREAM INC

AI summary

A breathable toy may be made for people or animals. The toy may include a breathable mesh fabric integrated as part of a multi-layer fabric structure. The breathable mesh fabric increases air flow during rest or other activities with the breathable toy. The toy may include ornamental or aesthetic additions without interfering with the breathable mesh fabric. Attachments to the toys may also include the breathable mesh fabric.