Reconfigurable Infant Tub Assembly With Removable Support Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infant tubs fail to accommodate the changing size and position needs of infants as they grow, leading to instability and risk of sliding out during bathing.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable infant tub assembly with a removable support member and insert that can be coupled and decoupled to adjust the tub's configuration, providing different seating positions and preventing infants from sliding out by using angled backrests and a flexible insert that securely engages with the tub body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional tub with a fixed receptacle is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate different sizes of infants or support infants in different positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different infant sizes and positionsVSAvoidtub structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tub is divided into a stationary tub body and a removable support member that can be inserted or removed. The support member includes a first portion with a first backrest and a second portion with a second backrest, allowing the tub to be reconfigured into different seating configurations (single large receptacle or two smaller receptacles) to accommodate infants of different sizes and positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tub has a fixed configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot be reconfigured as the infant grows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurability for growing infantsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tub transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The removable support member can be inserted or removed based on the infant's growth stage, allowing the tub to adapt its configuration over time. This dynamic approach enables a single tub to serve multiple developmental stages without requiring multiple different tubs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If no support member is used, then the tub structure is simple, but infants can slide along the bottom and slide out of the tub

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfant safety and stabilityVSAvoidtub component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable support member acts as an intermediary element between the infant and the tub body. It provides the necessary support and containment to prevent infants from sliding out, while being easily insertable and removable. The support member includes coupling portions that engage with mounting portions on the tub body, creating a secure but reversible connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8302218B2Reconfigurable tub assembly

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 MATTEL INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tub for bathing infants or children. The tub includes a receptacle for containing water and for receiving an infant. The tub also includes a selectively removable insert or positioning member that can be used to change the bathing area inside of the tub. When the positioning member is locked to the tub, the positioning member defines two separate infant seating positions within the tub. The positioning member is removable from the tub to allow the entire receptacle to be used.