Reconfigurable infant support structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infant support structures typically offer only a single play pattern, requiring parents to purchase multiple devices to promote various motor skills, leading to both financial and spatial burdens.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable infant support structure that includes a frame, a first portion with a seat, and a second portion, which can be removably coupled to facilitate different play patterns by suspending or placing the second portion above or on a support surface, incorporating a latch mechanism for safe and easy conversion between configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple infant play/support structures are purchased to facilitate different play patterns, then the infant can develop multiple skills, but the cost and space burden on parents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplay pattern versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The infant support structure is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. The structure can be configured as a jumping device when the second portion is coupled to the first portion, and as a walker when the second portion is uncoupled and disposed on the support surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for parents to purchase separate jumping devices and walkers, thereby reducing both cost and space burden while maintaining adaptability for different play patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The infant support structure is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be removably coupled or uncoupled. This segmentation allows the structure to be reconfigured between different play patterns. The second portion can be detached and placed on the support surface to convert the structure from a jumping device to a walker, enabling a single device to serve multiple purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple infant play/support structures are purchased to facilitate different play patterns, then the infant can develop multiple skills, but the financial burden on parents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplay pattern versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The infant support structure is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. The structure can be configured as a jumping device when the second portion is coupled to the first portion, and as a walker when the second portion is uncoupled and disposed on the support surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for parents to purchase separate jumping devices and walkers, thereby reducing both cost and space burden while maintaining adaptability for different play patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of a jumping device and a walker into a single infant support structure. By integrating the second portion that can be coupled to the first portion, the design merges what would traditionally require two separate devices into one unified structure, reducing manufacturing costs and making the product more economically accessible to parents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the infant support structure is made reconfigurable to enable different play patterns, then the versatility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplay pattern versatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infant support structure is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be removably coupled or uncoupled. This segmentation allows the structure to be reconfigured between different play patterns. The second portion can be detached and placed on the support surface to convert the structure from a jumping device to a walker, enabling a single device to serve multiple purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The infant support structure incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through a latch mechanism that allows easy coupling and uncoupling of the second portion to the first portion. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt between different configurations (jumping device and walker) without requiring complex permanent modifications, maintaining ease of use while providing versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the infant support structure allows easy conversion between configurations, then the ease of operation improves, but the safety risk may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion easeVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The infant support structure incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through a latch mechanism that allows easy coupling and uncoupling of the second portion to the first portion. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt between different configurations (jumping device and walker) without requiring complex permanent modifications, maintaining ease of use while providing versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the second portion from the first portion during infant use. This preliminary anti-action feature ensures that the structure remains securely configured while the infant is playing, addressing safety concerns by preventing accidental changes in configuration that could compromise infant safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables multiple play patterns with a single device, reducing the need for multiple purchases and minimizing space usage while ensuring safety through easy and secure configuration changes.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one resilient member may be configured to suspend the first portion above a support surface and facilitate movement of the first portion with respect to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11470984B1Reconfigurable infant support structure

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 MATTEL INC

AI summary

An infant support structure may include a frame, a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion may contain a seat configured to receive an infant. The first portion may be movably coupled to the frame via a resilient member. The resilient member may suspend the first portion above a support surface and facilitate movement of the first portion with respect to the frame. The second portion may be removably coupled to the first portion. When coupled to the first portion, the second portion may also be suspended above a support surface, and the infant support structure may provide a first play pattern to the infant. When uncoupled from the first portion, the second portion may be disposed on the support surface while the first portion remains suspended above the support surface, and the second portion may provide a second play pattern.