Adjustable Neck Rehabilitation Device with Telescoping Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional neck support devices immobilize the neck during healing, leading to prolonged rehabilitation time and muscle atrophy, causing discomfort and pain, as they fail to effectively support the head in proper posture after removal, allowing the neck to descend into the shoulders.

Innovation Solution

A neck rehabilitation apparatus comprising a ring-shaped neck piece, a ring-shaped chest piece, and adjustable support members with telescoping mechanisms that allow for customizable support, including a neck wrap and over-the-shoulder stabilizer, to provide sustained support and rehabilitation while accommodating varying user dimensions and preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional neck support devices immobilize the neck during healing, then the injured area receives support and relief from pressure, but the rehabilitation time is prolonged and muscle atrophy occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport effectivenessVSAvoidrehabilitation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static immobilization to dynamic, adjustable support. The neck support device incorporates adjustable components that allow users to modify the level of support and restriction based on their recovery stage, enabling progressive mobilization while maintaining reliability of support during healing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing adjustment of support characteristics (such as rigidity, positioning, and restriction levels) to match different stages of recovery. This enables the device to provide adequate support initially, then gradually reduce restriction to accelerate rehabilitation without compromising reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional neck support devices immobilize the neck, then pressure is relieved from the injured area, but discomfort and pain increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure reliefVSAvoiddiscomfort and pain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow users to modify support levels and positioning to minimize discomfort and pain while maintaining necessary pressure relief. Users can adjust the device to accommodate changing comfort needs during recovery without sacrificing reliability of injury support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated support characteristics in different regions of the neck device, allowing targeted pressure relief at injured areas while minimizing restriction and discomfort in other regions. This localized approach maintains reliability where needed while reducing harmful factors elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional neck support devices are used, then the injured muscles and vertebrae receive support, but the neck descends into the shoulders after removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneck supportVSAvoidneck position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic positioning and adjustable support members that can be modified to maintain proper neck alignment and prevent descent into shoulders. The adjustable nature allows the device to adapt to different neck positions and provide ongoing support that maintains stability without causing dependency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing progressive support and positioning guidance that prevents neck descent before it occurs. The device includes features that proactively maintain proper alignment during recovery, preventing the harmful effect of neck descent rather than merely addressing it after occurrence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11224532B2Adjustable neck rehabilitation and exercise device and method for use
Publication Date: 2022.01.18 SICURELLA HEIDI
  • US11224532B2 patent drawing
  • US11224532B2 patent drawing
  • US11224532B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A neck rehabilitation apparatus is disclosed. The neck rehabilitation apparatus may include a ring-shaped neck piece including a plurality of slots formed through the neck piece, and a ring-shaped chest piece including a plurality of slots formed through the chest piece. The apparatus may include at least four adjustable support members. Each adjustable support member may include a first end configured to engage with at least one slot formed through the neck piece, a second end configured to engage with at least one slot formed through the chest piece, a telescoping member configured to be adjustably moved to a selected position, and a telescoping member locking mechanism configured to lock the telescoping member at the selected position. The neck rehabilitation apparatus may provide varying degrees of support during rehabilitation of head and/or neck muscles and vertebrae.