Diaper changing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face challenges in changing diapers due to the lack of suitable surfaces in public restrooms and the difficulty in accessing and securing diaper fasteners, especially when the surface is small, irregular, or unclean, posing risks of contamination and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A diaper changing device with a base and retainer tabs that securely holds the diaper in place, allowing easy access to fasteners and preventing movement, while providing a stable and clean surface for changing, adaptable to various sizes and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a countertop is used for diaper changing, then a flat surface is available, but the infant may fall off the edge and the countertop may become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the changing surface from the support structure by using a removable base that can be detached from the carrier. This allows the base to provide a dedicated changing surface while the carrier provides support, and the base can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, preventing contamination spread.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable base acts as an intermediary between the infant and the carrier surface. It provides a clean, dedicated changing surface that can be easily removed and cleaned, preventing contamination of both the carrier and the infant. The base mediates the interaction between the infant's weight and the carrier structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cribs or bassinets are used, then a suitable changing surface is provided, but they require substantial space and are difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the diaper changing function with the infant carrier by integrating a removable base into the carrier structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate changing tables or bassinets, providing changing capability within the carrier itself while maintaining portability and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a transport device and as a changing station. The removable base enables the carrier to perform the changing function, making the device universal for both transportation and diaper changing purposes, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.
3Volume of moving object
If the base is small or irregular, then the device is compact and portable, but it becomes difficult to retrieve diaper fasteners and position the diaper
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed to extend beyond the boundaries of the diaper in at least one dimension, providing additional surface area for caregiver access. This dimensional extension allows caregivers to reach fasteners and manipulate the diaper without requiring a larger overall device volume, as the extended portions are only needed during the changing operation.
4Ease of operation
If the diaper is not secured on the base, then the base can be easily removed, but the diaper may shift or move during changing
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer tabs are pre-positioned on the base to engage with the diaper before the changing process begins. This preliminary securing action holds the diaper in the correct position during the changing operation, and the tabs are designed to be easily released when the base needs to be removed, providing both stability during use and ease of removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A diaper changing device which can assist parents or other caregivers in changing an infant or other subject's diaper may include a base. The base may be flat. At least one diaper retainer tab may be provided on the base. The at least one diaper retainer tab may be configured to engage and secure a diaper in place on the base. The base and the at least one diaper retainer tab may be used by a caregiver to maintain the diaper in an easily reachable, strategically placed position as the diaper on an infant or adult is changed, allowing a caregiver to operate a front end of the diaper and wrap the front end over the subject. The caregiver may easily and rapidly pull the base frontward from the diaper to disconnect the diaper changing device from the diaper and finalize the diapering process.