Leg-Mounted Diaper Changing Surface for Secure Portable Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Parents face challenges in changing diapers in locations without a changing table, as existing portable solutions are not sanitary, uncomfortable for the changer, and fail to securely hold a squirming baby, and are bulky for storage.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight diaper changing device with a baby supporting member and flaps to secure the diaper, and straps to attach to the changer's leg, allowing the baby to be positioned on the changer's leg for secure and sanitary diaper changing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable pad and cushion diaper changing products are used, then diaper changing can be performed in locations without a changing table, but the surface must be the ground or floor which is not sanitary and causes physical discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution - a portable changing device that attaches to the caregiver's body (via straps to clothing or belt), creating a raised changing surface that elevates the baby above the ground/floor. This mediator eliminates direct contact with unsanitary surfaces while maintaining portability and location flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from ground-level pad/cushion changing to a raised, elevated changing surface attached to the caregiver's body. This dimensional change (from floor level to waist/chest level) simultaneously improves sanitation by elevating above contaminants and comfort by providing proper ergonomic height for the caregiver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable pad and cushion diaper changing products are used, then diaper changing can be performed away from home, but they lack adequate means to secure a squirming baby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the changing surface, baby securing system (sides and fasteners), and caregiver attachment (straps) are merged into one unit. This integration ensures that baby security features are inherently part of the portable changing solution, not separate add-ons.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a raised changing surface, secures the baby through sides and fasteners, attaches to the caregiver's clothing or belt, and enables portability. This multi-functionality ensures reliable baby security while maintaining the portable, location-independent changing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable pad and cushion diaper changing products are designed to be folded or rolled for transport, then they are more portable, but they remain bulky and do not easily fit into diaper bags
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into collapsible or rollable components that can be compacted into a small package. The changing surface, sides, and straps can be folded or rolled together, reducing the volume from an extended usable size to a compact storage size that fits in diaper bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic, flexible elements that allow the device to transition between two states: an extended, rigid configuration for use (providing structural support for the baby), and a compact, flexible configuration for storage (fitting into small spaces like diaper bags).
Data Source
AI summary
A diaper changing device utilizes a baby supporting member having a supporting surface on which a diaper is to be positioned, naps extend outward from the supporting member and are configured to be foldable over the diaper placed on the supporting surface to maintain the diaper in position on the device. Straps are provided to circumscribe the leg of the user, i.e. the diaper changer, and to maintain the device on the changer's leg. Once the device is secured on the user's leg, the baby is placed on the diaper. The diaper is then wrapped around the baby and secured, all while the baby is positioned upon the device.