Head support and method of using the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headrests often cause discomfort and irritation due to thick cushioning and fastening elements, leading to an uncomfortable and suffocating experience, especially for children during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A foldable head support system comprising a malleable structure with longitudinal rods and connectors, designed to mimic the shape of hands, allowing for flexible positioning and secure support without irritation, featuring a foldable middle section and supporting sections with flat surface palm, finger, and thumb sections, and a removable cover for comfort and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thick cushioning and fastening elements are used in conventional headrests, then head support and stability are improved, but user comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to suffocating sensation and irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead support stabilityVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The head support device is divided into multiple independent fingers (typically 3-5 fingers) that can move and adjust independently. Each finger can be positioned separately to cradle the head, providing stability without requiring thick cushioning or restrictive fastening elements. This segmentation allows the head to be supported securely while maintaining breathability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional headrest designs are used, then head support is provided, but adaptability to different head sizes and positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead supportVSAvoidaccommodation of various head sizes and positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The head support device incorporates dynamic, movable fingers that can adjust their position and orientation independently. This allows the device to adapt to different head sizes, shapes, and positions (such as tilted or rotated heads) without requiring multiple fixed configurations. The fingers can move to accommodate various positions while maintaining secure support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3585212B1Head support and method of using the same
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 9959394 CANADA INC
  • EP3585212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3585212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3585212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A head support is described. The head support has a foldable longitudinal middle section, configured to be folded between different user positions, and a first supporting section connected to a first distal extremity of the middle section. The first supporting section has a foldable flat surface palm section, at least 2 foldable longitudinal finger sections extending from a distal extremity of the flat surface palm section and a foldable longitudinal thumb section extending from a lateral side of the foldable flat palm surface. A method for supporting a head of a user is also described.