Adjustable Head and Neck Support Device for Fatigue Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and neck support devices for surgeons and others who must look downward for extended periods are often too rigid, restricting range of motion and leading to neck fatigue, whereas flexible and adjustable solutions are needed to prevent fatigue without compromising mobility.
Innovation Solution
A user-wearable neck and head support device comprising a vest, a flexible bracing rod, a headpiece with a rail, and a wire that can be adjusted for tension, allowing for unencumbered motion and customizable fit to support the head and neck during prolonged downward gaze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid support devices are used to provide strong head and neck support, then support strength is improved, but range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with adjustable components. The wire tension controller allows users to modify wire tension, and the telescoping bracing rod enables length adjustment, creating a support system that adapts to different head positions and motion requirements while maintaining adequate support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple adjustable parameters including wire tension (via tension controller), bracing rod length (via telescoping mechanism), and headpiece positioning. These parameter changes allow the support strength and range of motion to be optimized simultaneously based on user needs.
2Reliability
If rigid immobilizing devices are used to prevent neck fatigue, then neck fatigue prevention is improved, but mobility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with adjustable components. The wire tension controller allows users to modify wire tension, and the telescoping bracing rod enables length adjustment, creating a support system that adapts to different head positions and motion requirements while maintaining adequate support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple adjustable parameters including wire tension (via tension controller), bracing rod length (via telescoping mechanism), and headpiece positioning. These parameter changes allow the support strength and range of motion to be optimized simultaneously based on user needs.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable and flexible support components are used to maintain range of motion, then range of motion is preserved, but support stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with adjustable components. The wire tension controller allows users to modify wire tension, and the telescoping bracing rod enables length adjustment, creating a support system that adapts to different head positions and motion requirements while maintaining adequate support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple adjustable parameters including wire tension (via tension controller), bracing rod length (via telescoping mechanism), and headpiece positioning. These parameter changes allow the support strength and range of motion to be optimized simultaneously based on user needs.
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 device effectively reduces or prevents neck fatigue by providing adjustable support that allows for unrestricted head movement, maintaining comfort and stability while enabling users to work for extended periods without immobilization.
Implementation Method 1
a wire that is coupled to the bracing rod and slidably and detachably coupled to the rail
Implementation Method 2
support the user's head and neck during extended periods of looking downward
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reducing fatigue, preventing fatigue, or generally supporting a user's head and neck during extended periods of looking downward without restricting a user's range of motion by a user-wearable neck and head support device comprising an adaptable vest optionally configured with straps, back plates, support structures, a customizable bracing rod optionally configured with anchor plates and brackets, an adjustable headpiece with optionally configured accessories, and a wire slidably and detachably coupled to a rail on the headpiece that may be optionally configured with a wire tension controller and a quick release connector.