Elastic Head Restraint Assembly for In-Seat Sleep Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers on airplanes, trains, and buses face challenges in sleeping due to limited space and head motion, leading to neck pain and wakefulness, as existing solutions do not effectively restrain head movement or fit various seat sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A head restraint device with a seat attachment assembly and adjustable head restraint assembly, featuring elastic straps and a Velcro fastener, that can be attached to different seat positions and sizes, absorbing shock and limiting head motion without waking the passenger, while providing comfort and eye coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat back is tilted backward for better rest, then sleeping comfort is improved, but the head still moves forward or tilts sideways due to limited space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a head restraint device as an intermediary component between the passenger's head and the seat back. This device includes a headrest portion that contacts the passenger's head and a seat back portion that attaches to the seat, with connecting elements that allow controlled motion. The intermediary device provides the necessary head motion restraint while maintaining sleeping comfort, resolving the contradiction between comfort and motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint device incorporates dynamic characteristics through its connecting elements that allow controlled head motion. The device is designed to permit natural head movements during sleep while restraining excessive forward nodding or sideways tilting. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different head positions and motions, providing both comfort and restraint functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid head restraint structure is used to limit head motion, then head motion control is improved, but sleep comfort deteriorates due to lack of shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint device incorporates cushioning elements in advance to absorb shocks and impacts that occur during head motion. The device includes padded surfaces that contact the passenger's head and connecting elements designed to absorb impact forces. This beforehand cushioning prevents harsh restraint forces while maintaining effective head motion control, ensuring both safety and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint device utilizes parameter changes in its connecting elements to balance restraint and comfort. The connecting elements are designed with specific stiffness characteristics that allow controlled motion while restraining excessive movement. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the device achieves effective head motion control without creating uncomfortable rigid constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal head restraint device is designed to fit all seat sizes and types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint device is designed with universal characteristics to accommodate different seat types and sizes. The seat back portion includes adjustable attachment mechanisms that can secure to various seat back configurations. The headrest portion can be positioned at different heights and angles to fit different passenger sizes. This multi-functionality enables a single device design to serve multiple purposes across different aircraft seat types without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint device is divided into separate functional segments: a headrest portion, a seat back portion, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and adjusted for optimal performance on different seat types. The modular structure enables flexibility in configuration while maintaining overall device simplicity, as each segment can be optimized independently rather than requiring a completely different design for each seat type.
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 device effectively limits head movement, absorbs shock, and enhances sleeping quality by preventing neck strain and wakefulness, while being adaptable to various seat configurations and materials-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The head restraint assembly includes elastic straps that can be attached to different seat positions and sizes, absorbing shock and limiting head motion without waking the passenger
Implementation Method 2
A head restraint device with a seat attachment assembly and adjustable head restraint assembly, featuring elastic straps and a Velcro fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A head restraint device for improving quality of sleep inside passenger carriers includes a seat attachment assembly and a head restraint assembly including two elastic straps that are attached to the seat strap of the attachment assembly. The restraint assembly includes two adjusters coupled to the two elastic straps respectively, two head straps adjustably attached to the two adjusters, a face strap permanently attached to one head strap and attached to the other head strap via a loop and hook fastener. The two adjusters allow the face strap placed at center and the device to fit heads of different sizes. The face strap of bigger width provides better eye coverage and comfort. The restraint assembly restrains the movement of a head while the elastic straps absorb head motion and keep the passenger sleeping. The attachment assembly includes an adjuster for tightly attaching the device to a seat back or headrest.