Adjustable Face Cradle Frame With Sinus Relief Nodule
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional massage table face cradles cause sinus pressure, difficulty breathing, headaches, and stiffness due to direct pressure on the cheeks and sinuses, and they prevent the natural alignment of the upper spine.
Innovation Solution
A face cradle system with an adjustable frame featuring an open-ended oval shape, including a padded forehead hammock with a sinus relief nodule, and adjustable pivot points to maintain proper spinal alignment and relieve sinus pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional face cradles with semi-circular padding are used, then the face is supported, but direct pressure is applied to the cheeks and sinuses causing sinus pressure and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The face cradle uses different padding densities and configurations in different areas: softer padding around the cheeks and sinuses to avoid pressure, and firmer support structures elsewhere to maintain positioning. This localized variation in padding quality prevents sinus pressure while still providing adequate face support.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the face rest in an open area with padding surrounding it (traditional design), the invention inverts the approach by having the face rest on a continuous surface with strategic relief areas. The sinus relief cutouts remove material from pressure zones rather than adding padding, fundamentally reversing the traditional design philosophy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional face cradles are used, then the face is cradled, but the chin cannot move forward preventing natural spine alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The face cradle incorporates adjustable components that allow the headrest angle and position to be dynamically adjusted. The pivot mechanism enables the headrest to rotate and adapt to different head positions, allowing the chin to move forward naturally while maintaining proper spine alignment throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest is divided into segmented components including the main support structure, adjustable angle mechanism, and separate positioning elements. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve both stable spine alignment and natural head positioning freedom.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adjustable mechanisms are added to fix spine alignment, then proper alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms are merged into the overall frame structure rather than being separate add-on components. The pivot points and angle adjustments are integrated into the basic geometric design of the headrest, combining structural support and adjustment functions into unified elements that reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves spine alignment through simple parameter changes in the frame geometry - specifically the angle and position of the oval portion relative to the arm extensions. By adjusting these geometric parameters rather than adding complex mechanical systems, proper alignment is achieved with minimal device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A face cradle system; the face cradle system includes a face cradle configured to be used in combination with a host massage therapy table. The face cradle includes an adjustable frame includes an open-ended oval shape having a first-arm extension, a second-arm extension, and an oval portion. The oval portion of the adjustable frame includes a padded forehead hammock positioned at a closed end of the oval portion. The padded forehead hammock features a sinus relief nodule which makes contact upon, and applies pressure to, an area directly above a bridge of a nose. The oval portion, the first-arm extension and the second-arm extension are connected at an adjustable pivot point. The face cradle system promotes proper alignment of the spine, relieves and prevents a user's sinus pressure while in a prone position, and overall facilitates a more beneficial massage.