Child Seat Harness Stop Member to Prevent Strap Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child support restraint systems are prone to accidental decoupling from the support structure and sudden tightening of straps, which can lead to injuries, especially when children are left unattended.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system with a stop member that selectively passes through apertures in the child support, allowing passage in one direction but preventing it in the other, ensuring the straps remain securely attached and preventing unintended separation or sudden tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If straps are made detachable for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system employs asymmetric coupling mechanisms where the strap connectors have a specific orientation that allows easy attachment in one direction but prevents accidental detachment in the opposite direction. The connectors are designed with asymmetric geometries that engage with corresponding asymmetric receptacles on the child support structure, ensuring that proper attachment requires a specific orientation while preventing unintended separation.
2Reliability
If straps are made secure to prevent decoupling, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system incorporates dynamic coupling elements that transition between engaged and disengaged states through simple user actions. The connectors include movable components such as release buttons, latches, or snap-fit mechanisms that allow easy transition from a secure attached state to a detached state, while maintaining reliability during normal use through automatic engagement features.
3Reliability
If restraining members are prevented from passing through apertures in wrong direction, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to stop members
Solution Approach 1:
The stop members utilize asymmetric geometries that naturally guide the restraining members through apertures in the correct direction while blocking passage in the wrong direction. The asymmetric design of the stop members and corresponding apertures creates a one-way passage mechanism that prevents reverse movement without requiring complex locking or actuating mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If child support is elevated for parental access, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to increased fall injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system implements preliminary anti-action by providing pre-attached restraining members that are already positioned and oriented correctly before the child is placed in the support structure. The system includes pre-configured five-point harness arrangements with adjustable straps and connectors that are ready to secure the child, preventing the harmful effect of falls before they can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a restraint system for an infant support such as a highchair. The restraint system includes a restraining member adapted to pass through an aperture formed into the infant support. The restraining member includes a stop member selectively operable to pass through the aperture. Specifically, the stop member is configured to pass through the aperture when in a first orientation relative to the slot, but cannot pass through aperture when positioned in a second (e.g., opposite) orientation relative to the slot. With this configuration, the unintended separation of the restraint system from the infant support may be prevented. Additionally, with this configuration, the accidental tightening of the shoulder straps on a restrained child by a sibling pulling on the straps from behind the seat is also prevented.