Adjustable Chin Support for Upright Travel Sleep Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers face difficulties in sleeping upright due to the risk of hypnic jerks, which are involuntary muscle twitches caused by the brain misinterpreting relaxation signals as a need to correct a perceived fall, leading to sudden awakenings and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A travel head support device with a neck strap and adjustable chin support that prevents the head from falling forward, featuring a lightweight, compact design that allows for comfortable sleep without interfering with personal appearance or mobility, and can be easily stored and deployed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traveler sleeps upright without support, then mobility and ease of operation are maintained, but the head drops forward causing hypnic jerks and sleep disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device is divided into separate functional components: a U-shaped cradle structure, an adjustable chin support, and a neck strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall device flexibility and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The chin support feature is designed to be adjustable, allowing travelers to modify the support position according to their specific needs. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures optimal support while maintaining comfort and mobility throughout the journey.
2Reliability
If a bulky travel pillow is used to support the head, then sleep comfort is improved, but the device size and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head support utilizes a thin, flexible U-shaped cradle structure that provides effective support without requiring bulky materials. This flexible design allows the device to be compact and portable while maintaining its ability to support the head and prevent hypnic jerks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chin support is made adjustable for various chin heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable chin support is designed with a simple dynamic mechanism that allows easy modification of support height. This adjustment capability provides adaptability for different travelers and preferences while maintaining device simplicity through intuitive operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment is a travel head support to support a traveler's head as, for example, they sleep while sitting substantially upright. By supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may increase the comfort, quality, and restfulness of the traveler's sleep. In particular, by supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may substantially prevent the embarrassment and/or sleep interruption of one or more hypnic jerks.