Seat structure for infant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baby seats do not adequately support an infant's pelvis in an anterior pelvic tilt, leading to improper spinal alignment and potential hip dysplasia due to hip adduction.

Innovation Solution

A seat structure with a forward-tilted seat, a pommel at the forward edge to splay the infant's legs, and side supports that diverge to allow hip abduction, promoting an anterior pelvic tilt and upright posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the seat level is lowered to equal or lower than the groove bottoms, then the infant can be supported in a sitting position, but the pelvis becomes posteriorly tilted causing improper spinal alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidspinal alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a longitudinal incline dimension to the seat surface, transforming it from a horizontal plane to an inclined plane. This dimensional change allows the seat to simultaneously provide support and promote anterior pelvic tilt, resolving the contradiction between support capability and spinal alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the seat surface by incorporating a longitudinal incline, which modifies the pelvic position from posterior tilt to anterior tilt. This parameter change directly addresses the spinal alignment issue while maintaining support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If side supports extend forward past the hip joints, then lateral support is provided, but hip adduction occurs leading to potential hip dysplasia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral supportVSAvoidhip dysplasia risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning side supports to extend only laterally from the backrest without extending forward past the hip joints. This localized support configuration provides necessary lateral stability while avoiding the harmful forward extension that causes hip adduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sitting wedges are used to promote anterior pelvic tilt, then spinal alignment improves, but sufficient support to keep infant upright is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespinal alignmentVSAvoidupright support
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of spinal alignment promotion and upright support into a single integrated seat structure. The inclined seat surface combines the wedge function for anterior pelvic tilt with the backrest and side supports that provide upright stability, eliminating the need for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3599946B1Seat structure for infant
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 NUVATE INC
  • EP3599946B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3599946B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3599946B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A seat structure for a baby or young infant that can facilitate an anterior pelvic tilt and hip abduction, while supporting the infant in an upright position. The infant seat structure described herein comprises a seat that is forward tilted. A pommel is provided at a forward edge of the seat that is wide enough to splay the infant's legs, provides support for the infant, and maintains their position in the seat structure. The infant seat structure also includes a back support and side supports to support the infant's/baby's upright position. The side supports do not extend substantially forward past the infant's hip joints, and therefore allow for substantial splaying of their legs. A infant's legs are able to project outwardly from the seat structure on either side of the pommel, through the two spaces that are each situated between the pommel and side supports.