Adjustable head and neck support system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and neck support systems fail to consistently stabilize the head in a seated position, particularly for users of different sizes and heights, and do not accommodate various headgear, leading to discomfort and muscle strain during sleep.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable head and neck support system comprising a pair of rods, a frame with upper and lower portions, and a pad that can form a loop to hold the head, with the rods and frame being adjustable in length and configuration to fit any user, and the pad being removable and washable, allowing for customizable support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size neck pillow is used, then it is simple and portable, but it cannot accommodate users of different sizes and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes telescopic rods that can extend and retract to adjust the headrest size dynamically. This allows the same device to accommodate different user sizes while maintaining a compact form when not in use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions of the headrest frame are made variable through adjustable rod mechanisms. By changing the length parameters of the frame components, the device can adapt to different user sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size pillows, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid headrest structure is used, then it provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate various headgear and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest incorporates a flexible pad that can conform to different head shapes and headgear. This flexible surface maintains head stabilization while accommodating various headgear types, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for stability and flexibility for adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable frame allows the headrest to dynamically adapt its shape and size to match different head positions and headgear configurations, maintaining reliable support across various conditions.
3Ease of repair
If the pad is permanently attached to the frame, then the structure is simple, but the pad cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into separable components: the frame and the pad. The pad can be detached from the frame for cleaning while the frame remains in use. This segmentation enables the pad to be cleaned separately without complicating the overall structure significantly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is made adjustable for different users, then it increases versatility, but it reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic rods can be extended or retracted, allowing the headrest to be compact when not in use and expanded when needed. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility for different users while maintaining portability through a collapsible design.
Data Source
AI summary
The head and neck support system includes a pair of rods, a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a pad having an attachment device, a first surface and a second surface. The pad wraps around the frame so as to form a loop to hold the head of a user against the second surface. The pad can have an eye mask or face mask section for a resting or sleeping position for the user. The lower portion of the frame is aligned with the back of the user so that the weight of the user stabilizes the frame. The rods connect the lower portion and the upper portion of the frame so that stabilization from the back of the user supports the pad and head of the user.