Devices and systems for transporting infants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infants, especially micro-preemies, are vulnerable to injuries from shock, vibrations, and noise during transportation, which can lead to conditions like intraventricular hemorrhage and persistent pulmonary hypertension.
Innovation Solution
A head gear assembly with sound-absorbing and cushioning materials, support rolls, and a mattress system designed to secure and stabilize infants, reducing noise exposure and motion-related injuries by immobilizing the head and elevating specific body parts, and using a mattress with variable compressive modulus and integrated light sources for medical purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the infant is transported without specialized equipment, then the transport process is simple and quick, but the infant is exposed to shock, vibrations, and noise that can cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into distinct functional components: a head gear assembly with ear protectors and stabilizing elements, a mattress with variable compressive modulus, and support rolls. Each component addresses specific hazards (noise, shock, vibration) independently, allowing the system to provide comprehensive protection without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates cushioning and protection elements before transport begins. The head gear assembly with cushioning material, the mattress with variable compressive modulus, and support rolls are all positioned in advance to prevent shock, vibration, and noise exposure during transport, rather than attempting to mitigate these hazards after they occur
2Stability of the object's composition
If the head is immobilized using rigid restraints, then the head is securely stabilized, but the infant may experience discomfort or injury from excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The head gear assembly distributes pressure across different regions of the infant's head using stabilizing elements positioned laterally and a securing element that applies gentle compressive pressure. The ear protectors with cushioning material provide localized protection while the overall structure maintains head stability without concentrating excessive pressure on any single point
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed to exert a slight compressive pressure rather than rigid immobilization. This parameter change from high force to low force compression provides sufficient stabilization to prevent head movement while avoiding the harmful effects of excessive pressure on the infant's delicate head structures
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise exposure is reduced using sound-absorbing materials, then the infant is protected from noise-induced harm, but the ear protectors may increase head rotation or instability
Solution Approach 1:
The ear protectors are integrated with the head gear assembly's stabilizing elements into a unified structure. This merging ensures that the noise-reducing ear protectors cannot independently rotate or shift, as they are structurally connected to the stabilizing elements that prevent head rotation, thereby maintaining both noise protection and head stability simultaneously
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and persistent pulmonary hypertension by minimizing shock, vibration, and noise exposure, while providing a stable and comfortable transport environment for infants, enhancing their safety and medical care during relocation.
Implementation Method 1
the inside recess of the housing includes a sound-absorbing material
Implementation Method 2
the perimeter of the housing includes a cushioning material to contact the infant's head
Implementation Method 3
a securing element configured to exert a pressure (e.g., a slight compressive pressure, e.g., compressive force) against the head to secure the ear protectors and the support structure to the head
Implementation Method 4
a support structure having two stabilizing elements lateral to the ear protectors, the support structure configured to resist rotation of the head
Implementation Method 5
a mattress system designed to secure and stabilize infants, reducing noise exposure and motion-related injuries
Implementation Method 6
the mattress with variable compressive modulus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices and system useful for transporting infants, minimizing vibrations, noise, and associated with transport. Devices of the invention include a head gear assembly, one or more body support rolls for elevating portions of the infant's body, and a mattress system with a removable insert. The invention further provides methods of use associated with such devices, including methods of stabilizing a position of an infant, reducing shock or vibration to an infant during transportation, reducing shock, vibration, or noise exposure to an infant during transportation, reducing shock or vibration while providing elevation to specific portions of an infant during transportation, and reducing the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension to an infant during transportation.