Inflatable Infant Nest Structure for Faster Inflation and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant accommodation apparatus, particularly those with inflatable annular bodies, face issues such as high production costs, lengthy inflation times, inadequate lateral support, and weak frame structures that can collapse, along with limited stimulation options.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a resilient, inflatable support device with a non-circular, curved enclosure wall and a self-supporting frame that includes a removable fabric cover and a tripod framework for easy assembly and stability, allowing for adjustable stimulation means like toys and electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an inflatable annular body is used to accommodate an infant, then the apparatus provides a simple structure, but it has a large volume which is costly to produce and takes a relatively long time to inflate
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure wall is divided into multiple regions with different radii of curvature (first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth regions), creating a non-circular segmented structure that reduces overall volume while maintaining infant accommodation functionality. This segmentation allows faster inflation compared to a large annular body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the enclosure from a uniform large annular shape to a non-circular configuration with varying radii of curvature in different regions. This parameter change reduces the volume requiring inflation while preserving the essential accommodation function.
2Device complexity
If an inflatable annular body is used, then the structure is simple, but it provides little lateral support for the infant
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the enclosure wall are designed with different radii of curvature to provide localized functionality. Specifically, certain regions have smaller radii of curvature to provide enhanced lateral support at key positions, while other regions maintain larger radii for comfort and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure transitions from a symmetric annular shape to an asymmetric non-circular configuration with varying curvature radii across different regions, enabling differentiated support characteristics in various方位 to better accommodate infant positioning and movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a frame means is added to provide support and stimulation, then the infant accommodation is enhanced, but the frame is difficult to assemble and relatively weak with risk of collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The frame means is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main enclosure structure. This allows the frame to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the stimulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame means is designed to be pre-assembled or pre-configured with stimulation elements before being attached to the enclosure, reducing assembly complexity during final installation and ensuring proper configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a frame means is added for stimulation, then the infant engagement is improved, but the frame structure is relatively weak and may collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The frame means is merged with the enclosure wall through secure attachment at multiple positions, combining the structural integrity of the enclosure with the stimulation functionality of the frame. This integration ensures that the frame benefits from the enclosure's structural support while maintaining its stimulation capability.
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 solution reduces material costs, simplifies inflation, provides enhanced lateral support for infants, ensures structural stability, and allows for versatile stimulation options, creating a safe and engaging environment.
Implementation Method 1
said inner enclosure wall is defined by means of an inflated member which inflated member can preferably be deflated
Data Source
AI summary
Infant accommodation apparatus supported in normal use on a flat horizontal surface. The apparatus includes a support device having, in a vertical plane, a constant circular or oval-shaped cross-section along its extent. The support device has an inner enclosure wall which is an inwardly facing upstanding enclosure wall which defines an infant accommodation region in which an infant may be positioned in use. The inner enclosure wall is endless and defines an endless non-circular enclosure around the infant accommodation region. The maximum diameter of the infant accommodation region is in the range 20 to 50cm, and the inner enclosure wall includes, when viewed from above, three curved apex regions separated by curved side regions. The support device further includes an outer enclosure wall which is an outwardly facing upstanding enclosure wall. The outer enclosure wall, when viewed from above, is non-circular and symmetrical about each of three vertical planes angled at 120° to each other.