UV-Sanitizing Diaper Changing Table With Cushioned Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diaper changing tables are uncomfortable for infants due to hard plastic surfaces, lack convenient accessory storage, and fail to self-clean effectively, leading to pathogen growth.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a foamed cushion for comfort, multifunctional hook and loop solutions for accessory storage, and a UV light system with a timer for self-cleaning, ensuring the surface remains hygienic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hard plastic surface is used for the changing table, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the comfort for infants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hard plastic structural support with a soft cushion layer to create a composite surface. The cushion is attached to the hard plastic tray, providing both structural integrity and infant comfort through material composition rather than choosing between hard or soft alone.
2Device complexity
If no hook or loop solution is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the convenience for parents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the changing table structure: the tray serves as both the changing surface and incorporates attached hooks and loops for hanging accessories. This multi-functionality allows parents to store items conveniently without adding separate storage furniture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and convenience.
3Device complexity
If the changing table lacks self-cleaning capability, then the device complexity is low, but pathogen growth occurs on infant receiving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a UV light source that automatically activates to sanitize the cushion surface, enabling the changing table to self-clean without manual intervention. This self-service capability addresses pathogen growth while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cleaning mechanisms with a UV light-based sanitization system. Instead of requiring physical wiping or washing, the UV light source provides automated pathogen deactivation, substituting mechanical cleaning with optical/photobiological action.
4Ease of operation
If a soft cushion surface is used, then the comfort for infants is improved, but the ease of cleaning and hygiene maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source automatically sanitizes the soft cushion surface, providing self-cleaning capability that maintains hygiene without requiring manual cleaning of the soft material. This resolves the contradiction by making the soft surface easy to maintain through automated disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the cushion surface by treating it with UV light, which alters the microbial contamination level without requiring physical cleaning. This parameter change (from contaminated to sanitized) maintains the soft comfort while addressing cleaning ease through non-contact disinfection.
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 provides a comfortable and hygienic changing experience by offering a soft surface, convenient storage for personal items, and effective pathogen deactivation, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The changing table includes a UV light source configured to deactivate pathogens on the infant receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
A changing table comprises a wall assembly and a tray assembly. The wall assembly comprises wall housing, a transparent-to-UV-light panel, and a UV light source. The wall assembly and tray assembly form a changeable angle α in between them. The tray assembly comprises an exterior first surface and an interior second surface. The second surface is configured to receive an infant and at least a portion of UV light generated by the UV light source.