Neonatal Support Structure for In-Incubator Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neonatal care systems face challenges in safely and efficiently performing procedures like X-rays on premature babies without requiring them to be moved from their incubators, which can cause stress and logistical burdens.
Innovation Solution
A neonatal support system with an adjustable support structure that mates with the incubator, allowing the baby to be transferred to a higher or adjacent support surface with an opening for easy access, and accommodating diagnostic equipment like x-ray machines, featuring adjustable legs and a rotatable surface for flexible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the baby remains in the incubator bed for procedures, then the baby stays comfortable and secure, but diagnostic equipment cannot be properly positioned and access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure introduces a vertical dimension by raising the baby support surface above the incubator bed level, creating a elevated platform that allows diagnostic equipment to be positioned below while maintaining baby accessibility from above
2Productivity
If the baby is moved to a support surface for procedures, then diagnostic equipment can be positioned, but the baby experiences stress and separation from incubator
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary device that bridges the incubator and diagnostic equipment, allowing the baby to remain in the incubator while providing a stable platform for procedures through the opening mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is made adjustable, then versatility for different procedures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable legs with telescoping mechanisms that allow dynamic height adjustment, enabling adaptation to different procedure requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through mechanical telescoping rather than complex actuation systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include at least one baby support surface. A system may include a support structure configured to mate with the incubator and to support the at least one baby support surface at a support level. A system may include the support structure defining at least one opening adjacent the support level and proximate the at least one baby support surface, the at least one opening configured to be proximate the incubator bed when the support structure is mated with the incubator, the at least one opening sufficiently sized for passage of the baby therethrough, wherein the at least one baby support surface is configured to support the baby at a desired support level for procedures.