Chin Wedge Retainer for Horizontal Head Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck supports in contact sports restrict lateral head movement, making it difficult for players to detect approaching opponents and increasing the risk of collisions and injuries, as they are designed to immobilize the head and neck, limiting the ability to maintain horizontal vision and react to surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A head and neck orientation guard with a protruding wedge block under the chin, attached to a soft cervical collar, allows for wider lateral movement while maintaining a horizontal head position, enabling players to see opponents and playing pieces without looking down, thus reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing skill development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If wide jaw supports are used to immobilize the head, then head stability is improved, but lateral head movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a narrow chin support portion that contacts only the central chin area, and extended lateral portions that extend toward the ears but do not contact the jaw. This segmentation allows the chin to be stabilized while leaving the lateral jaw regions free for natural movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different support characteristics to different regions of the jaw/chin area. The central chin region receives vertical support to maintain horizontal head position, while the lateral jaw regions remain unsupported to allow lateral movement. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and mobility.
2Loss of information
If the head is immobilized to maintain horizontal vision, then collision detection is improved, but player reaction time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure segments the head control function, providing stabilization only where needed (central chin for horizontal orientation) while leaving lateral movement freedom. This allows players to maintain proper head position for vision while retaining the ability to rapidly rotate or tilt the head laterally when danger is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static immobilization approach to a dynamic support system that maintains horizontal orientation while permitting lateral movements. The narrow chin support allows the head to dynamically adjust position within certain bounds, enabling quick reactions while maintaining optimal viewing angle.
3Ease of operation
If the chin is restrained from movement, then head position control is improved, but player freedom of movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into a narrow central chin support portion and extended lateral portions that do not contact the jaw. This segmentation provides head position control through chin support while preserving player freedom by leaving the lateral jaw regions unrestricted for natural movement and bracing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies localized support only to the central chin area where horizontal head position control is needed, while leaving the lateral jaw regions free for natural movement. This local quality approach maintains adaptability and versatility without sacrificing head position control.
Data Source
AI summary
A head and neck orientation retainer block for training young or adult athletes for their sport while keeping their head up to provide a safer way to play, and also to enhance their skill and vision of the game. It can be worn during practices with the team and if one chooses, to practice at home. The retainer is a wedge block protrusion placed under the central forward chin of the child or adult player, to allow the player to have a wider freedom of side to side lateral movement, while the player's head is maintained horizontally for line of sight viewing purposes.