Cushioned Collar Design for Head Mask Neck Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head masks often cause discomfort due to repeated contact with the wearer's neck and shoulders, leading to skin irritation and aches, especially when worn for extended periods, due to insufficient clearance and lack of cushioning at the bottom opening.
Innovation Solution
A head mask design featuring a shell with a thicker, cushioned collar made of bendable foam and additional fabric layers for increased comfort, providing enhanced cushioning and reducing impact on the wearer's neck and shoulders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the head mask is worn for extended periods, then the wearer's identity concealment and costume function are maintained, but discomfort, skin irritation, and aches occur due to repeated contact at the bottom opening
Solution Approach 1:
A collar is attached to the bottom opening of the head mask that extends downward to provide cushioning before contact occurs. The collar includes a soft inner surface that contacts the wearer's neck and shoulders, distributing pressure and preventing skin irritation and discomfort during extended wear periods
2Shape
If the head mask extends to the vicinity of the wearer's neck and shoulders, then the desired appearance and costume completeness are achieved, but repeated contact causes discomfort and aches
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is constructed with differentiated local qualities: an outer surface matching the head mask's appearance characteristics and a soft inner surface for comfort. This allows the same component to simultaneously achieve the desired aesthetic appearance and provide comfort during wear
3Shape
If the head mask opening provides minimal clearance, then the desired appearance shape is maintained, but discomfort increases due to limited neck movement space
Solution Approach 1:
The collar extends the protective function into a new dimension by projecting downward from the bottom opening. This additional vertical dimension provides clearance and cushioning space without altering the horizontal appearance shape of the head mask, allowing neck movement while maintaining aesthetic form
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 cushioned collar significantly reduces discomfort by distributing pressure and providing extended wearability without causing skin irritation or aches, enhancing overall comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the shell of the head mask includes a bendable foam, and the collar includes multiple overlapped layers of bendable foam formed by folding of the bendable foam
Data Source
AI summary
A head mask, configured to cover the head of a wearer, includes a shell that includes bendable foam and a soft fabric on the exterior of the shell. The head mask further includes a cushioned collar at the bottom of the head mask to prevent discomfort when the head mask impacts the wearer. The collar may be cushioned, for example, by making the collar thicker than the combined thickness of the shell and decorative fabric, such as by folding the bendable foam of the shell and the soft fabric inwardly and attaching the folded bendable foam and soft fabric materials to the shell, or by increasing the thickness of the bendable foam or fabric layer used in the collar. The head mask further includes one or more openings for the eyes and for breathability, where the openings may be covered with a one-way mesh.