Infant Float with Nested Inflatable Cradle to Prevent Submersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational flotation devices are not suitable for younger infants as they require sufficient muscular control to remain upright and submerge more of the body in water than desired, necessitating a flotation device that supports the infant partially above the water and retains them securely.
Innovation Solution
A flotation device with a cradle and wall portion that allows the infant to be positioned between upright and supine, with a support member and inflatable bladder configuration to maintain the infant above water, featuring adjustable heights and a stabilizing member to prevent tipping, and a safety harness for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known recreational flotation devices are used for infants, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the infant cannot be supported above water and requires sufficient muscular control to remain upright
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation device is divided into multiple functional segments: a cradle portion for supporting the infant's body, a headrest portion for head support, and a flotation portion for providing buoyancy. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively solving the problem of supporting infants above water.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is disposed within the cradle portion, and the headrest portion is integrated into the cradle structure. The flotation portion is coupled to the cradle, creating a nested arrangement where smaller functional elements are contained within or attached to larger structural components, optimizing space utilization and structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If known flotation devices submerge the lower body, then the device design is simpler, but more of the user's body is submerged into the water than desirable for younger infants
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle portion is configured with specific local characteristics: it has a first depth at the headrest portion and a second depth at the opposite end, with the first depth being greater than the second depth. This graduated depth configuration provides maximum support where needed (head and upper body) while gradually reducing support toward the lower body, keeping the infant above water without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the flotation device supports the infant in an upright position, then the infant can be retained securely, but the device requires the infant to have sufficient muscular control which younger infants lack
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is configured to adaptively support the infant in various positions between upright and supine. The member can be positioned at different locations within the cradle portion, allowing the device to accommodate infants with varying levels of muscular control and developmental stages, providing both security and flexibility.
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 supports and retains infants partially above water, preventing submersion of the lower body and ensuring safety through secure positioning and stability, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The flotation device includes an inflatable bladder configured to be inflated with gas or liquid to provide flotation for the user when the user is disposed on the support member
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to inflatable flotation devices that support an infant, and having first, second and third inflatable members. The first member has an outer and an inner perimeter and a first and second diameters at first and second end portions. The second member is at least partially within the inner perimeter of the first member. At least a portion of the upper surface of the second member is recessed with respect to an upper surface of the first member. The third member has an inner perimeter disposed about at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the first member. The third member has a maximum height, when inflated, that is less than the maximum height of the first member, at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the third member being spaced apart from the outer perimeter of the first member.