SensiMo Disc for Infant Sensorimotor Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Premature and atypically developing infants often lack the necessary sensorimotor stimulation, leading to potential motor and cognitive challenges, with existing products failing to adequately provide the required multi-planar and dynamic movement experiences.
Innovation Solution
The SensiMo Disc system, which gently shifts in response to an infant's movements, stimulating their tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, providing sensorimotor feedback to support brain development and muscle growth, especially for those with limited mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing static positioning products are used for infants, then safety and basic support are provided, but sensorimotor stimulation and multi-planar movement experiences are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static positioning products into dynamic ones by introducing a movable disc element that responds to infant movement. The disc can rotate and shift position, providing dynamic multi-planar movement experiences that stimulate sensorimotor development while maintaining safety and support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational and lateral movement dimensions to traditional linear positioning. The disc mechanism enables movement across multiple planes (rotational, lateral, longitudinal), transforming the single-axis positioning into multi-dimensional sensorimotor stimulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic movement experiences are added to infant positioning, then sensorimotor development is enhanced, but device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disc mechanism is designed to move automatically in response to infant weight shifts and movements. The system uses the infant's own movements to drive the disc's rotation and positioning changes, eliminating the need for external motors or complex control systems while still providing dynamic multi-planar stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc acts as an intermediary element between the infant and the positioning surface. It translates infant movements into rotational and lateral adjustments, providing a mechanical mediation that enhances sensorimotor stimulation without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If minimal active movement is required from the infant, then accessibility for premature or atypical developing infants is improved, but the stimulation intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The disc mechanism provides immediate tactile and proprioceptive feedback as it moves in response to infant weight shifts. This feedback loop enhances stimulation effectiveness by reinforcing even minimal infant movements, making the system both accessible to premature infants and reliably stimulating for developmental purposes.
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
Enhances sensorimotor development by offering a dynamic and stimulating environment that encourages movement and learning, potentially reducing long-term developmental delays and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
The purpose of the SensiMo Disc is to facilitate the shifting of the center of gravity for an infant
Implementation Method 2
Gentle rhythmic shifts in weight for supporting the infant is a solution to this problem
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, we describe a method and system for infant's development, which is a disc system, with various combinations and extensions. The brain is the only organ that constantly reorganizes itself based on experiences or lack thereof. Babies are born with millions of neurons. Through a process called “pruning”, certain ‘circuits’ are fine-tuned through repeated practice and stimulation. This occurs from birth, throughout early childhood. The purpose of the SensiMo Disc is to provide an infant, e.g., typically, up to the 25 lbs. and/or 29 inches long, sensorimotor stimulation, while lying in a prone or supine position, with minimal active movement of the head or extremities. As the child lays supine or proneon, on the SensiMo disc, the child's tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems are stimulated. This helps develop the child's sensorimotor system. Many other variations and combinations, plus advantages, are discussed.