Adjustable Bolster Seat Support for Neck and Shoulder Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable support pillows lack customization options for individual comfort and fail to adequately support neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and potential injuries during travel or vehicle use.
Innovation Solution
A portable support device comprising two elongated bolster cushions with adjustable straps that can be customized with different pillow materials, allowing for tailored support of the torso, neck, and head, designed to overlay seating assemblies and integrate with vehicle seatbelts for secure use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal fitment is used in portable support pillows, then the device can be used by anyone, but it does not provide customized comfort for different individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The support pillow incorporates adjustable straps and removable pillow inserts that allow users to dynamically adjust the fit and firmness to their personal preferences, transforming a static universal design into a dynamic customizable solution
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate components including removable pillow inserts and adjustable straps, allowing users to customize different parts independently to achieve their desired comfort level while maintaining universal applicability
2Device complexity
If portable support pillows only support the head, then the device structure is simple, but neck and shoulders are not adequately supported leading to discomfort and injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The support pillow is segmented into distinct functional zones with different densities and firmness levels, with specific regions designed to support the head, neck, and shoulders simultaneously, providing comprehensive protection without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pillow have locally optimized properties, with softer materials for head comfort and firmer supportive regions for neck and shoulder alignment, allowing each area to provide the specific support needed while maintaining an integrated simple structure
3Strength
If car seats are made with rigid structure for safety, then protection is provided, but comfort is reduced leading to distracted driving
Solution Approach 1:
The support pillow uses composite material construction combining memory foam, gel inserts, and breathable fabrics to simultaneously provide structural support for safety and soft cushioning for comfort, eliminating the need to choose between rigid protection and comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A support device configured to overlay a seating assembly and configured to support the torso, neck, and head of a user is provided. The support device has a first elongated bolster cushion configured to support a first thoracic side of the user, a second elongated bolster cushion configured to support a second thoracic side of the user, a first adjustable strap coupled to a upper portion of the first elongated bolster cushion and an upper portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, a second adjustable strap coupled to a lower portion of the first elongated bolster cushion and a lower portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, wherein when the first adjustable strap is tightened the upper portions of the first and second elongated bolsters move towards each other such that the first and second elongated bolsters for a tapered shape with respect to the other to support the user's thoracic sides, neck, head of the user or any combination thereof.