Infant stabilization and immobilization apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diaper changing is challenging due to infants' movement, which poses safety hazards and requires caregivers to use both hands, especially for single caregivers or those with limited strength and dexterity, necessitating a means to stabilize and immobilize infants during the process.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization and immobilization apparatus featuring a cushioned base with restraints, including torso and extremity straps with hook-and-loop or snap fasteners, designed to secure the infant in a supine position, preventing squirming and movement, and optionally including a base with an impression and fabric covering for comfort and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If no restraint apparatus is used, then the infant can move freely, but the caregiver cannot safely change the diaper due to safety hazards and inability to stabilize the infant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of diaper changingVSAvoidsafety hazards from infant movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is divided into multiple independent straps (first strap for torso, second strap for extremities) that can be adjusted and applied separately, allowing the caregiver to secure different body parts independently for comprehensive stabilization during diaper changing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the infant and the caregiver, providing mechanical stabilization that enables the caregiver to perform diaper changing tasks safely without direct physical restraint of the infant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the caregiver uses one hand to stabilize the infant, then safety is improved, but the other hand cannot be used to change the diaper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfant stabilityVSAvoiddiaper changing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint apparatus is designed to be easily applied and adjusted by the caregiver, with self-retaining fastening mechanisms that maintain infant stabilization automatically once applied, freeing both hands for diaper changing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If simple restraints are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the infant may still be able to squirm or roll over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint system simplicityVSAvoidimmobilization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system combines multiple restraining functions (torso stabilization, extremity control, and positioning) into a single integrated apparatus with coordinated straps and fastening mechanisms, achieving comprehensive immobilization through unified design rather than separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10786091B2Infant stabilization and immobilization apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 NO MORE SQUIRMY BABY

AI summary

An immobilization apparatus that includes a base configured to support an infant laying the supine position; one or more straps affixed to the base; a locking mechanism for connecting the one or more straps across an infant's torso; and a fastener means for connecting strap segments to releasably secure an infant's extremities.