Infant Insert Structure for Spread-Squat Carrier Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child carriers, especially front carriers, often position infants in an upright manner that can limit the natural curvature of their spine and put stress on the sacrum, potentially impeding healthy pelvic development due to uneven weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
An infant insert with a flexible, curved panel and cushion designed to support the infant's spine and neck, allowing the infant to be positioned with knees at 90-120 degrees from the coronal plane and 45-60 degrees from the median plane, promoting a spread-squat position that reduces sacral weight-bearing and maintains a naturally curved spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an infant is positioned in an upright position in a front carrier, then the parent has freedom of movement and hands-free operation, but the infant's spine curvature is limited and stress is placed on the sacrum
Solution Approach 1:
The insert changes the carrying parameters by introducing a reclined position (45-60 degrees from vertical) instead of upright, and positions the infant's knees at 90-120 degrees from the coronal plane to achieve proper spinal alignment and weight distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary device between the infant and the carrier, providing structural support through its curved panel and cushion to maintain proper positioning and distribute weight away from the sacrum
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an infant is wrapped in a blanket and laid at an angle across the parent's torso, then the infant's spine curvature is preserved, but the positioning is difficult and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed to self-adjust to the infant's body through its curved panel shape that naturally conforms to the infant's spine and body contours, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The insert uses a flexible curved panel that adapts to the infant's body shape while maintaining the necessary angular positioning, making insertion and adjustment straightforward for parents
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an infant is carried in a sling, then the infant's spine curvature is maintained, but the weight is unevenly distributed across the parent's shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The insert changes the weight distribution parameters by positioning the infant's bottom and thighs to rest on the parent's front, transferring weight from the shoulders to the parent's torso and hip area
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide infant carrying devices. In particular, embodiments described herein provide infant inserts to carry an infant in a child carrier. Inserts according to various embodiments can comprise a flexible panel having a curved shape that narrows toward one end of the panel. The panel can define a front opening to an area to hold the infant. A cushion can be disposed at the bottom of the area to hold the infant. The infant insert can be adapted to support an infant in a wearer facing position with the infant's knees raised. In particular, embodiments of infant inserts can be adapted to promote a spread-squat-position.