Foldable Neck Support Structure for Stable Travel Sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable head support systems for travelers fail to consistently stabilize the head on a seat, are not adjustable for different sizes, and are not portable enough for easy storage in a laptop bag.
Innovation Solution
A foldable neck rest made of rigid geometric shapes enclosed in fabric with adhesive and hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for a compact, adjustable, and stable head support that can be easily transported and set up for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a neck pillow is used to prevent head movement, then head stability is improved, but portability deteriorates due to bulkiness and difficulty in storage
Solution Approach 1:
The neck pillow is divided into multiple geometric shape pieces (triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon) that can be folded together to form the support structure. This segmentation allows the pillow to be compact when stored and easily assembled when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric shape pieces are nested within each other when folded, with smaller pieces fitting into spaces between larger pieces. This nesting arrangement minimizes the storage volume while maintaining the ability to form a stable head support structure when deployed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to support the head, then head stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for different user sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The neck pillow uses a dynamic folding structure where geometric pieces can be arranged in different configurations. The foldable design allows the support structure to be adjusted in height and shape to accommodate different user sizes and preferences, maintaining head stability while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different geometric shapes are used in specific positions to optimize local support characteristics. The triangle provides a stable base, while other shapes are positioned to support different parts of the head and neck, allowing the structure to adapt to various user anatomies while maintaining overall stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple geometric pieces are used to form the structure, then adaptability is improved for different sizes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple geometric pieces are combined into a single integrated unit with pre-marked fold lines and alignment features. The pieces are connected through folding rather than separate fasteners, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining adaptability for different user sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric pieces are pre-arranged and pre-folded in the correct sequence during manufacturing, with alignment marks and guide features already in place. This preliminary preparation simplifies the assembly process for the user, reducing the perceived complexity despite having multiple pieces.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact folded structure is used, then portability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric pieces incorporate self-aligning features such as tapered edges, interlocking shapes, and visual alignment marks that guide the folding process. These features allow the structure to self-correct minor misalignments during assembly, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining compact storage and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An easily storable, flat neck support device for sleeping is described herein. The neck support device consists of flat, rigid panels in geographic shapes enclosed in a fabric. The fabric has fasteners. The shapes are arranged so that the folding of the fabric allows the fasteners to hold the shapes in place, forming a structure the holds a user's head in place to allow for rest or sleep, for instance when traveling on an airplane.