Waist Support Structure for Stable Hands-Free Twin Nursing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for nursing mothers and their babies often lack stability and versatility, particularly for twin nursing, and fail to securely accommodate users while walking or performing tasks that require hands-on activity.
Innovation Solution
A waist-worn support structure with adjustable front and rear members that form an enclosure around the user, providing stability and allowing hands-free movement, featuring a design with inclined surfaces and upstanding ridges for baby support, and removable covers for easy cleaning and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing support structures are used for nursing, then basic support is provided, but stability and security for the user and baby are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates movable rear members that can be adjusted between different positions to accommodate various waist sizes and provide customizable support. The structure transitions from a static design to a dynamic one that adapts to different users and situations, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters of the support structure including the addition of rear members with adjustable positions, changed geometric configurations, and modified material properties. These parameter changes enable the structure to provide both stability through secure enclosure and versatility through adjustability.
2Reliability
If hands are used to hold the baby during nursing, then secure support is provided, but hands-on activity and movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure divides the support function into separate components: the front member holds the baby while the rear members provide structural support and stability. This segmentation allows the baby to be securely held without requiring the user's hands, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to support itself and the baby without requiring active hand-holding by the user. The enclosure formed by the front and rear members creates a self-stabilizing system that maintains baby position and provides user support simultaneously, freeing the user's hands for other activities.
3Reliability
If the support structure encloses the waist completely, then stability is improved, but ease of putting on and taking off is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be dynamically adjusted during the donning process. The rear members can be positioned outward to facilitate easy entry, then moved into place to form the complete enclosure for stability during use. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between ease of donning and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Support structures which can be placed around the waist of a user, for example a mother nursing twins. A front member and a rear member cooperate to provide an openable enclosure which can first be placed around, and then closed around, the waist of the user. The front member provides a platform which is in front of the user and on which are placed one or more babies, or other items desired by the user. The platform has desired characteristics, for example a first surface which is horizontal and a second surface which is inclined towards the user.