Flex crown

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mannequin heads are not adaptable to varying head sizes, requiring wig makers to purchase multiple heads to accommodate different clients, leading to storage issues and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable mannequin head configured with synchronized parts, featuring a five-way assembly with a structural frame covered in flexible material, using a guide rail system and machined screw mechanism for synchronized expansion and contraction, allowing for adjustment of sections to fit various head sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed-size mannequin heads are purchased to accommodate different head sizes, then all client head sizes can be accommodated, but storage space increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different head sizesVSAvoidstorage space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, fixed-size mannequin heads into a single dynamic mannequin head with adjustable circumference. The expandable structure allows the head circumference to be modified from 54cm to 66cm through mechanical expansion mechanisms, enabling one head to replace multiple fixed-size heads and thereby reducing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single mannequin head that can serve multiple functions - accommodating various head sizes within the 54cm to 66cm range. This multi-functional design allows wig makers to use one universal head form for different client measurements, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized head forms for different size categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed-size mannequin heads are purchased to accommodate different head sizes, then all client head sizes can be accommodated, but the number of devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different head sizesVSAvoidnumber of mannequin heads

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, fixed-size mannequin heads into a single dynamic mannequin head with adjustable circumference. The expandable structure allows the head circumference to be modified from 54cm to 66cm through mechanical expansion mechanisms, enabling one head to replace multiple fixed-size heads and thereby reducing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single mannequin head that can serve multiple functions - accommodating various head sizes within the 54cm to 66cm range. This multi-functional design allows wig makers to use one universal head form for different client measurements, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized head forms for different size categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed-size mannequin heads are used, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different head sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to head sizesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mannequin head into multiple expandable sections or segments. These segmented components can be mechanically adjusted and expanded independently or in coordination, allowing the overall circumference to be modified while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables adaptability without requiring a completely complex redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, fixed-size mannequin heads into a single dynamic mannequin head with adjustable circumference. The expandable structure allows the head circumference to be modified from 54cm to 66cm through mechanical expansion mechanisms, enabling one head to replace multiple fixed-size heads and thereby reducing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11259589B2Flex crown

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 THORN SHAWANDA M

AI summary

An adjustable three dimensional mannequin head is provided for fitting a variety of head gear including but not limited to wigs, hats, caps, helmets and similar items. The adjustable mannequin head consist of a plurality of parts that move in a synchronized manner to expand and contract the size of the adjustable mannequin head to allow fitting to size; wigs, hats, and similar items. The mannequin head consist of four quadrants that make up the crown of the head. These four quadrants are mechanically adjusted by a single screw, which when turned will either expand or contract the adjustable mannequin head based on the direction the screw is turned. The adjustable mannequin head provides matching and fitting head gear to individual heads.