Device, system and method for encouraging sleep of a child

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for encouraging sleep in babies and toddlers are complex, require active caregiver involvement, and pose safety concerns, making it difficult for children to rest without a caregiver nearby.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a lifting unit and pliable skirt, featuring at least one plank and bladder system, simulates a heartbeat and calming noise, allowing the child to experience a soothing motion without caregiver intervention, while ensuring safety through a pliable skirt and sensor-activated control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a device simulating adult breathing is used to encourage child sleep, then the child can fall asleep without caregiver presence, but the device becomes complex and requires active caregiver involvement to activate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sleep encouragementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects when a child is crying through integrated sensors and activates the breathing simulation and soothing functions without requiring caregiver intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring child status and initiating appropriate responses autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-configured with sensor systems and control algorithms that enable it to proactively detect crying and initiate sleep encouragement functions before the caregiver can respond, eliminating the need for manual activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a complex device is used to simulate breathing patterns, then sleep encouragement is effective, but safety concerns arise and the device requires special mattresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep encouragement effectivenessVSAvoidsafety concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to work with standard mattresses and bedding rather than requiring special customized mattresses. It integrates multiple functions including breathing simulation, crying detection, and soothing noise generation into a single universal unit that adapts to different child beds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates safety features and protective measures in advance, including soft materials, rounded edges, and controlled air pressure systems that prevent harm to the child while maintaining effective sleep encouragement functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If a caregiver holds the child to simulate breathing, then the child experiences soothing motion, but the caregiver cannot undertake other activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoothing effect on childVSAvoidcaregiver availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces the mechanical action of a caregiver holding and moving the child with an automated mechanical system that uses bladders to create gentle rocking and breathing-like motions, freeing the caregiver from this task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary between the caregiver and the child, providing the physical soothing contact and motion that would normally require direct caregiver involvement, thereby enabling the caregiver to pursue other activities while the child receives appropriate attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively encourages sleep by simulating a womb-like environment, reducing the need for caregiver presence, enhancing safety, and adapting to various bed types, with sensor-activated features for optimal operation.

Implementation Method 1

A lifting unit is provided which comprises at least one bladder, preferably at least two bladders, positioned between the at least one plank and the at least one support. The lifting unit further comprises a control unit which is configured to inflate and/or deflate the at least one bladder via a pomp of a pump system for providing an alternating upward and downward motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20250387590A1Device, system and method for encouraging sleep of a child

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SPYLO BV

AI summary

A device for a cot or child's bed to encourage sleep, comprising a support device to be placed in or under a mattress, comprising at least at least one plank, and at least one support, a lifting unit, wherein the lifting unit comprises at least one bladder, preferably at least two bladders, positioned between the at least one plank and the at least one support.The lifting unit further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to inflate and/or deflate the at least one bladder via a pump of a pump system for providing an alternating upward and downward motion of the at least one plank, a pliable skirt extending at least outward from a circumference of the at least one plank.