Elastic Head Support Strap for Neck Muscle Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head support systems for Dropped Head Syndrome, such as neck collars and restraints, are either uncomfortable, impractical, or fail to exercise the weakened neck muscles, leading to further atrophy and worsening of the condition.
Innovation Solution
A strap system with elastic characteristics that anchors to the torso and forehead, allowing for tension to lift the head upright while permitting movement, thereby exercising neck muscles through resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a neck collar is used to support the head, then the head position is corrected and forward gaze is improved, but the weakened muscle groups further atrophy from lack of use and contact sores develop under the chin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mechanical neck collar with an elastic band system that uses elastic resistance instead of rigid mechanical constraint. The elastic band stretches and provides continuous resistance during head movement, allowing muscle exercise while maintaining support. This substitution eliminates contact sores by removing the rigid collar structure and enables muscle use through elastic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the support mechanism from rigid (neck collar) to elastic (elastic band). The elastic band's ability to stretch and return provides dynamic resistance that adapts to head movement, transforming the static support into a dynamic exercise mechanism. This parameter change allows the system to both support the head and exercise muscles simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a restraint is anchored to the groin area or chair to hold the head upright, then head support is achieved, but the system becomes very difficult to wear and impractical to use in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elastic band self-contained and universally applicable by eliminating the need for external anchors. The band loops around the head and uses its own elastic properties to provide support, making it portable and usable in various situations without requiring specific anchoring structures like chairs or groin anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band serves itself by using its own elastic resistance to provide the supporting force. Instead of requiring an external anchor to provide the reaction force, the band's elasticity itself generates the necessary resistance during head movement, making the system self-sufficient and easier to wear.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid restraint is used to hold the head upright, then head position is maintained, but no movement is permitted and the weakened muscle groups are not exercised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid restraint to a dynamic elastic band system. The elastic band allows head movement within its elastic limit while maintaining support through continuous resistance. This dynamic特性 enables the weakened muscles to be exercised through controlled movement against the elastic resistance, simultaneously achieving position maintenance and muscle rehabilitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the restraint from rigid to elastic, allowing the material to stretch and return. This parameter change enables movement while maintaining support, as the elastic band can extend during head movement and return to its original state, providing continuous resistance for muscle exercise.
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 strap system effectively maintains the head in an upright position without impractical anchors, exercises neck muscles, and provides rehabilitation, potentially reducing the need for ongoing support.
Implementation Method 1
the strap is stretched repeatedly, thereby exercising the muscle groups
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for supporting a user's head in an upright position. A strap is provided that has a first end, a second end, a first attachment section proximate the first end, a second attachment section proximate the second end, and a center section. The center section of the strap is anchored to the head of the user. Tension is applied to the strap in order to lift the user's head and hold the user's head in an upright orientation. The tension in the strap is maintained by anchoring the strap to the user's torso. The strap can have elastic characteristics that enable the strap to stretch. As such, the strap can provide resistance to neck movements without preventing those neck movements. This enables muscle groups in the neck to be exercised and provide the possibility of rehabilitation.