Underwater Birthing Stool With Curved Ergonomic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing birthing stools lack stability, fail to accommodate individual anatomical differences, and are not suitable for water births due to material limitations, leading to discomfort, instability, and contamination risks during labor and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A birthing stool designed with compound curves and a non-porous, molded plastic construction that allows for flexible support, stability, and easy disinfection, featuring integrated handles and a hollow interior that can submerge underwater, accommodating various positions and motions while minimizing material usage for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flat u-shaped seat is used, then the structure is simple, but pressure is not evenly distributed and lumbar lordosis is not accommodated causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is designed with compound curves including a concave curve to accommodate the lumbar lordosis and a convex curve to distribute pressure evenly across the gluteal area, eliminating pain points while maintaining structural simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stool height is fixed, then the structure is stable, but it cannot accommodate individual differences in height and positioning preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The stool incorporates an adjustable height mechanism with multiple fixed height positions, allowing the seat to be raised or lowered to accommodate different user heights and positioning preferences while maintaining structural stability at each setting
3Strength
If wood material is used, then the structure is strong, but it cannot be adequately disinfected and is subject to warping when exposed to water
Solution Approach 1:
The material is changed from wood to a non-porous synthetic material that maintains structural strength while being impervious to water and capable of withstanding repeated disinfection processes without warping or degradation
4Ease of operation
If mechanical handles are attached, then gripping is facilitated, but crevices are created where bodily fluids can be trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are integrated into the seat structure as continuous molded features rather than separate attached components, eliminating crevices and joints where bodily fluids could be trapped while maintaining effective grip surfaces
5Stability of the object's composition
If the stool is designed for floor use, then it provides stable support, but it cannot be used on hospital beds due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The stool base is designed with a flat, stable footprint and non-slip features that provide adequate support on both floor surfaces and hospital beds, allowing the same stool to be used in multiple settings including bedside use during labor
Data Source
AI summary
A birthing stool is disclosed comprising a series of closed walls constructed from a non porous rigid material, molded into compound curves. The stool facilitates a range of physiologically effective positioning for labor and delivery and can be used submerged underwater during waterbirth. The stool ergonomically supports the body while also achieving structural integrity through a simple organic form that can be produced inexpensively using minimal material. All elements of the stool, including a seat portion that accommodates a laboring woman and her birthing partner, as well as handles and grips for carrying are integrated into a single part design, facilitating effective cleansing and disinfection of the apparatus.The invention includes the method of production of the stool, and describes method of using device.