Adjustable Headrest Assembly for Side-to-Side Head Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows and travel pillows fail to adequately support the head and restrict side-to-side head movements, leading to discomfort during sleep, especially in passenger vehicles where headrests often allow side movement, disrupting sleep.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic headrest assembly with a middle headrest section and adjustable side headrest sections that attach to a passenger seat, preventing side-to-side head movement by securing to the backrest portion, featuring a lower portion that can be rolled for storage and incorporating massage, heating, or cooling elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pillows or travel pillows are used, then the head can be supported in a single dimension (height), but side-to-side head movement cannot be adequately restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into multiple independent sections: a middle headrest section and a pair of side headrest sections. Each section can be independently adjusted to provide targeted support - the middle section supports the back of the head while the side sections prevent side-to-side movement, resolving the contradiction between comfort and movement restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The side headrest sections are made adjustable at selected angles with respect to the middle headrest section, allowing the user to dynamically adapt the headrest configuration to their specific needs for both support and movement restriction during different sleeping positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional travel pillows are used, then portability is achieved, but the capability to support the head below the chin and restrict side-to-side movement is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly is segmented into a middle section that extends below the chin to support the neck, and side sections that prevent lateral movement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall portability when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle headrest section extends vertically below the chin area, adding support in the vertical dimension that conventional pillows lack. This dimensional extension provides the necessary neck and chin support while the side sections address lateral movement control.
3Reliability
If the headrest portion is made with adjustable side sections for movement restriction, then side-to-side movement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is segmented into modular sections connected by hinges, allowing independent adjustment of side sections. This modular design achieves movement restriction functionality while keeping each component relatively simple and the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connection between side headrest sections and the middle section provides dynamic adjustability without requiring complex locking mechanisms. The sections can be positioned at selected angles and held in place, achieving movement restriction with relatively simple mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic headrest assembly which can be used by a user such as a passenger on an airplane or other vehicle to prevent or restrict side-to-side head movements of the user to enhance comfort of the user may include a lower portion. A headrest portion may be provided on the lower portion. The headrest portion may include a middle headrest section. A pair of side headrest sections may extend from the middle headrest section. The side headrest sections may be adjustable at selected angles with respect to the middle headrest section to support and prevent or restrict side-to-side movement of the head of a user as the middle headrest section of the headrest portion supports the user's head.