Adjustable Head Support Grippers for Uniform Cervical Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head support devices for cervical spine training fail to adapt to varying head shapes and sizes, leading to unwanted force transfer and discomfort, and do not facilitate uniform force transmission during rotational and tilting movements.
Innovation Solution
A head-receiving device with adjustable grippers and fixing means, featuring a closed curve with grippers that form a positive or non-positive connection to the head, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and secure fit, and coupling elements for training devices, allowing for physiological movement replication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed head support device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different head shapes and sizes, causing unwanted force transfer to the cervical spine
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device is divided into multiple independent lips (at least two lips arranged around a first main axis and a second main axis) that can move and adjust independently. Each lip can be positioned separately to adapt to the contours of the user's head, allowing the device to accommodate various head shapes and sizes while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The lips are designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic adjustment to match the user's head geometry. The lips can shift position to conform to different head shapes, providing adaptability without requiring a completely redesign of the overall device structure
2Reliability
If the head support device is made rigid for stable force transmission, then force transmission is reliable, but it cannot adapt to individual head shapes and may tip or slip
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple lips that can independently adjust their position while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows the device to conform to individual head shapes through localized adjustments, preventing slipping and tipping while preserving reliable force transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the device (the lips) have different degrees of freedom and adjustment capabilities tailored to their specific functions. The lips can locally adapt to head contours, while the overall device maintains rigidity for stable force transmission during cervical spine training
3Ease of operation
If non-adjustable straps are used to secure the head, then the device structure is simple, but it creates pressure points and discomfort on the head
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism incorporates adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to the user's head shape and size. The lips and fixing means can be positioned to distribute pressure evenly across the head surface, eliminating pressure points and discomfort while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of geometric parameters (position, orientation, and shape of the lips) to optimize pressure distribution. By changing these parameters, the device can accommodate different head shapes and sizes, ensuring comfort and preventing pressure-related discomfort
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 provides a secure, comfortable fit for diverse head shapes, preventing strain on neck muscles and ensuring optimal force transmission during cervical spine training, adapting to individual head sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
each of the grippers has two curved and converging outer cheeks which are connected to one another by means of struts and which are operatively connected to one another in such a way that a force exerted on at least one of the outer cheeks in a direction of force causes the gripper to deflect against the direction of the force to form a positive or non-positive connection
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for receiving a person's head, comprising at least two lips (116) arranged around a first skin axis (101) and around a second principal axis (102) oriented perpendicular to the first principal axis (101), which together with at least one fixing element (103) form a closed curve with a cavity formed therein for receiving the person's head, comprising two coupling elements (104) designed for coupling with a training device (1), and wherein the fixing element (103) is configured by adapting a circumference of the curve to form a homogeneous positive or force-fit connection between the lips (116) and the person's head. The invention further relates to a combination of a training device (1) and a device (100) for receiving a person's head.