Cradle frame and structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cradle frames and cushions lack adjustable and ergonomic designs that effectively support users in various positions, particularly when facing upward or downward, and fail to provide adequate comfort and support during use in massage tables, chairs, or medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A cradle frame with a connection assembly, support assembly, and gear assembly that includes a first beam, second beam, and beam connector, along with a cushion featuring reusable hook-and-loop fasteners and a middle part with openings, allowing for adjustable positioning and enhanced support by deflecting to cradle the user's head or neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cradle frame design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users in different orientations or provide adjustable support
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle frame incorporates a support assembly with adjustable positioning capability through a gear assembly that enables controlled movement between different orientations (facing upward and downward positions). This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same structure to adapt to multiple user orientations and support requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle frame is divided into distinct functional assemblies: a connection assembly (first beam, second beam, beam connector), a support assembly (first side section, second side section, middle section), and a gear assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling overall adaptability through coordinated movement of the support assembly relative to the connection assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a simple cushion design is used, then the manufacturing is easy, but it lacks ergonomic features and adequate comfort support
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thicker middle part and thinner arm portions, with openings strategically positioned in the middle part. This local variation in structure provides enhanced support in the middle region while maintaining comfort and flexibility in the arm regions, delivering ergonomic functionality without requiring completely complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion middle part includes openings that extend partially through the width and thickness, creating a porous structure that enhances comfort by allowing breathability and reducing pressure points, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for adequate support during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support assembly is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but it cannot provide adjustable positioning for ergonomic support
Solution Approach 1:
The gear assembly enables controlled dynamic adjustment of the support assembly position, allowing it to move between different orientations while maintaining stable positioning at each adjusted location. The system transitions from a completely fixed state to a dynamically adjustable state with discrete stable positions, resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear assembly provides mechanical feedback through its gear mechanism, allowing the support assembly to be positioned at specific orientations and locked into place. This feedback mechanism ensures that once adjusted, the support assembly maintains its position stably, preventing unintended movement while preserving adjustability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cradle frame and cushion system provides adjustable and ergonomic support, accommodating users in different orientations, enhancing comfort and usability in massage and medical applications by allowing for customizable positioning and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the first arm, the second arm, and the middle part are configured to deflect to cradle a user's head or neck when a force is applied to the upper side of the body
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of cradle frames and cushions are described herein. A cradle frame includes a connection assembly, a support assembly, and a gear assembly. The connection assembly is configured to couple the cradle frame to a structure. The support assembly includes two side sections, and a middle section that is curved and positioned substantially between the two side sections. The gear assembly is coupled to the adjustment assembly for controlling the positioning of the support assembly. A cushion has a contoured upper side, and one or more opening in the middle part of the cushion on the underside.