Bi-Level Headrest With Adjustable Vertebrae and Occipital Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrests primarily support the cranium without adequately addressing the adjacent anatomical structures below the cervical region, limiting user control and comfort during postural changes.
Innovation Solution
A bi-level headrest system with primary and secondary supports that independently adjust along a longitudinal axis to directly support T1-T6 vertebrae and the occipital bone junction, providing additional anatomical support and leverage for cranium management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional headrest supports only the cranium, then the structure is simple, but the user control and comfort during postural changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into two independent support levels: a primary support for the cranium and a secondary support for the T1-T6 vertebrae. Each level can be independently adjusted along the longitudinal axis, allowing separate optimization of support positions for different anatomical structures without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a longitudinal dimension to headrest support by positioning supports at different depths along the longitudinal axis. The primary support engages the cranium while the secondary support engages the upper back, creating a multi-dimensional support system that enhances control without requiring complex lateral or vertical mechanisms
2Reliability
If a headrest provides support only at the cranium level, then the device complexity is low, but the support for adjacent anatomical structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into two distinct levels: primary support for the cranium and secondary support for the T1-T6 vertebrae. This segmentation allows each support element to be optimized for its specific anatomical target, improving overall reliability of support while maintaining relatively simple individual support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary support acts as an intermediary structure that transfers and distributes load from the cranium through the upper back muscles and vertebrae. This intermediary support mechanism enhances the reliability of cranium support by providing an additional load path without requiring complete redesign of the primary support structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest uses fixed support positions, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to various users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest incorporates dynamic adjustability along the longitudinal axis, allowing both the primary and secondary supports to be repositioned to accommodate different user anatomies. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms that maintain ease of manufacture while significantly improving adaptability to various users
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates different user sizes, supports different postural configurations, and allows optimization for both primary and secondary support points. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple adjustment system that can accommodate various anatomical dimensions without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A method of supporting a user's cranium includes directly supporting at least a portion of a first user's T1-T6 vertebrae with a primary support and directly supporting a junction between the first user's occipital bone and C1 vertebrae with a secondary support spaced from the primary support. The positions of the primary and secondary supports may be independently adjusted relative to each other. Various body support structures and headrest structures are also provided.