Highchair Access Attachment for Stable Child Self-Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional highchairs are unstable and pose safety risks due to their design, which can lead to tipping and require restraining straps to prevent children from climbing in and out safely.

Innovation Solution

A child's highchair with an attached access device, such as a set of steps or a sliding board, that provides stability and allows children to independently climb in and out while being detachable for parental control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional highchair design is used, then the structure is simple, but the stability is poor and tipping risk is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehighchair stabilityVSAvoidhighchair structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The highchair is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit and a detachable access device (ladder or sliding board). The access device can be attached or removed independently, allowing the highchair to be simplified when access assistance is not needed, while providing stability and access support when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access device extends the highchair structure vertically by adding a ladder or sliding board that reaches from the floor to the seat level. This dimensional extension provides both access pathways and additional stability points without complicating the base highchair structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If restraining straps are used to prevent climbing, then safety is improved, but the child's independence and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild independenceVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access device serves as an intermediary structure between the floor and the highchair seat. It provides a controlled, safe pathway for children to climb independently, mediating between the child's desire for independence and the safety concerns of unassisted climbing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable access device enables children to service themselves by providing independent access to the highchair seat without requiring adult assistance or restraint mechanisms. Parents can attach or remove the device based on the child's developmental needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the access device is permanently attached, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and parental control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparental controlVSAvoidaccess convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access device is designed with dynamic attachment capabilities, allowing it to be easily connected to or detached from the highchair base. This dynamic configuration enables parents to adapt the setup to different situations, such as attaching it when the child needs independent access and removing it when safety concerns arise or the child outgrows the need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7644988B2Child's highchair with access attachment

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 KOLENKO RAPHAEL JOHN

AI summary

A highchair assembly includes a seat supported by a plurality of legs with an upstanding back wall and opposite first and second side walls. An access device is mounted to one of the side walls. The access device has an upper end located generally at the one side wall and the lower end for placement on a support surface. A child can enter and exit the highchair through use of the access device.