Brace device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support products for travelers, such as neck pillows and straps, fail to provide adequate support for maintaining proper posture during travel, leading to discomfort, neck strain, and body pain.
Innovation Solution
A brace device with a rest surface for supporting the chin, limb, neck, or head, coupled with a stand surface and a connecting structure, along with a band and attachment means for securing the device to the body, to maintain proper posture and alleviate discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional neck pillows and straps are used, then some cushioning is provided, but adequate posture support is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple functional components: a head support portion, a neck support portion, and a chest support portion. Each segment provides targeted support to specific body areas, ensuring proper alignment and posture maintenance throughout the upper body rather than relying on a single cushioning element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the device have specialized structures tailored to specific anatomical needs. The head support features a contoured surface, the neck support includes a cradle structure, and the chest support has a positioning element. This localized optimization ensures each area receives appropriate support while maintaining overall posture integrity.
2Ease of operation
If passengers lie down on soft or padded material, then alternative sleeping posture is achieved, but proper head support and posture maintenance are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a specifically designed head support portion with a contoured surface that cradles the head and maintains proper alignment. This localized structural feature ensures adequate head support while allowing the passenger to maintain a reclined or sleeping position, preventing the head from sliding or tilting into incorrect positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the head to rest on soft material alone and hoping for proper positioning, the device inverts the approach by providing a structured head support portion that actively maintains correct head position. The rigid or semi-rigid structure counteracts the softness of surrounding materials to ensure proper posture is maintained throughout sleep.
3Reliability
If strapping products secure the body to the seat, then posture is maintained, but head support and prevention of muscle contractions are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the functions of posture maintenance and head support into distinct components. The chest support portion with positioning elements maintains upper body posture, while the dedicated head support portion with its contoured surface provides head stabilization and comfort. This segmentation ensures both posture maintenance and head support are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The head support portion acts as an intermediary between the head and the seat or other support surfaces. This intermediate structure provides the necessary head support and positioning, preventing direct contact with potentially uncomfortable or misaligned surfaces, thereby reducing muscle contractions and improving comfort during sleep.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace device comprising a rest surface for resting a chin, limb, neck or head of a body, a stand surface positioned to abut a surface of the body, a connecting structure coupling the rest surface to the stand surface, a band, and an attachment means provided on the stand surface for securing the band to the stand surface.