Rail pin adjustable spa headrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot tubs and spas often fail to accommodate occupants of varying heights, limiting therapeutic benefits as fixed headrests do not suit taller or shorter users, and existing hydrotherapy jets primarily target body parts below the water line, neglecting the neck area.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable headrest system with a housing and water jets that can be height-adjusted and directionally controlled, allowing water to be directed at the neck and shoulders, incorporating a positioning mechanism with guide rails and notches for secure height adjustment and reduced friction, and separate jets for targeting the neck and shoulders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed headrest is used in the spa tub, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate occupants of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest housing is made movable along the vertical slot in the guide rail, transforming from a fixed position to an adjustable position. This dynamic adjustment allows the headrest to accommodate occupants of different heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a straightforward sliding mechanism with notch-based positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrotherapy jets are positioned below the water line, then splash is minimized, but therapeutic benefits are limited to body parts below the water line
Solution Approach 1:
The water jets are integrated with the adjustable headrest housing, allowing them to move vertically to different positions. This dynamic positioning enables the jets to target different body parts including the neck and shoulders while maintaining effective operation. The adjustability allows users to position the jets optimally for therapeutic effect without being constrained by a fixed below-water-line position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the housing contacts the guide rails over a large surface area, then stability is improved, but friction increases and reduces smoothness of adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform contact between the housing and guide rails, the design uses localized contact points through projections fitting into notches. This creates discrete stabilization points that provide sufficient stability while minimizing overall contact area and friction. The annular raised surface further refines the contact geometry to reduce friction during adjustment while maintaining stability at positioned stops.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable spa headrest has two side surfaces laterally disposed between front and back surfaces. A first projection extends outwardly from one of the side surfaces. A guide rail, positioned for receiving the projection, allows the spa headrest to be positioned in a number of positions. The guide rail includes a horizontal slot, a vertical slot including a number of spaced notches, each notch defined by a pair of second projections, and a spring arm depending in the vertical slot. When the first projection moves to a position between one of the second projections and the spring arm, the spring arm moves away from the second projection whereupon the spring arm applies a spring force to the first projection in a direction of second projection. In response to positioning the first projection in one of the notches, the spring arm secures the first projection in the one of the notches.