A method for making a support for supporting a neonate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neonate positioning systems in incubators and carriers are inadequate as they fail to provide consistent comfort and proper positioning, leading to discomfort and respiratory issues due to lack of stiffness and adjustability, while also requiring sufficient space for lung development.
Innovation Solution
A neonate positioning device with a backbone made of a stiff yet pliable material, such as an aliphatic compound or a combination of elastomers and silicone, that can be shaped and adjusted to conform to the neonate's needs, providing support and encouraging healthy bone and muscle growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stiff support structure is used to maintain positioning and resist neonate movement, then positioning stability is improved, but the support becomes difficult to adjust and conform to specific neonate needs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes in the aliphatic compound material. At room temperature, the material maintains high stiffness for stable positioning. When heated to near body temperature, the material becomes soft and pliable, allowing easy adjustment and conforming to the neonate's body shape. This temperature-based parameter change resolves the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate positioning components are used to provide comprehensive support, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple positioning functions into a single integrated support structure. The contoured design combines head support, back support, limb positioning, and chest support into one unified component made of temperature-responsive material. This single structure provides comprehensive positioning precision that would otherwise require multiple separate components, thereby resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and device complexity.
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
The solution offers a customizable support that maintains neonate comfort and proper positioning, resisting movement while allowing for easy adjustment and promoting healthy growth, while ensuring adequate space for respiration.
Implementation Method 1
A heated aliphatic layer is poured over the body portion. The aliphatic layer is cooled.
Implementation Method 2
A bottom portion of a silicone layer is molded into a container-like shape.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A support (10) for supporting a neonate is provided. The support (10) includes a body portion (12) including a shapeable material (16). The body portion (12) is configured for adjustment during use. A silicone layer (14) surrounds the body portion (12). The body portion (12) is(i) sufficiently pliable to enable adjustment thereof to conform to a shape of the neonate upon application of a stimulus (24) to the body portion (12),and (ii) sufficiently stiff to provide support for, and resist movements of, the neonate in the absence of the stimulus (24).