Foldable Neck Support With Elastic Strap for Compact Travel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck and head supports are not portable or easily storable due to the use of stiff fillers, air, or fluid, which leads to space inefficiency and usability issues during travel, and air-filled supports are cumbersome and prone to punctures.
Innovation Solution
A neck and head support using soft, flexible materials with an integrated elastic strap for secure attachment to seats and self-storage, allowing easy folding and conversion into a storage bag with a carrying handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stiff fillers or fluid are used to provide support, then support firmness is improved, but portability and storability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane structure filled with air to provide neck support. The membrane can be inflated to provide firm support and deflated to reduce volume for portability. This resolves the contradiction by using a flexible containment structure that allows the filler material to be compressed without compromising the integrity of the support when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inflatable structure where the volume and pressure of the air filler can be changed. When inflated, the support provides firm neck support; when deflated, it compresses to a small volume for easy storage. This parameter change allows the same structure to satisfy both support firmness and portability requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If air is used to provide support, then portability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to pumping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic inflation mechanism that allows the user to inflate the support by simply blowing into it, eliminating the need for external pumps. The structure transitions from a deflated stored state to an inflated used state through direct user action, making operation simple and intuitive while maintaining portability.
3Volume of moving object
If air-filled structure is used, then portability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to puncture risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a membrane structure designed to contain air pressure while resisting punctures. The flexible membrane provides inherent cushioning and distributes stress, preventing small punctures from causing complete failure. This beforehand cushioning allows the structure to maintain reliability while remaining portable and inflatable.
4Volume of moving object
If the support is made compact for storage, then portability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the support to be stored in a pre-compressed, compact state within its own carrying case or pouch. When needed, the user simply removes it and inflates it, eliminating the need for complex assembly or preparation. This preliminary preparation of the compact stored state minimizes the time and effort required to deploy the support.
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 solution provides a portable, easily storable neck and head support that maintains comfort, secures to various seating, and serves as a carrying handle, addressing the inefficiencies and usability issues of prior supports while ensuring cleanliness and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a strap incorporating elastic to secure it to most backrests
Data Source
AI summary
A portable and self storing head and neck support having a horseshoe shaped portion filled with batting material attached at the top to a rectangular shaped portion having closed sides and a continuous open interior resulting in an open end opposite the point of attachment to the horseshoe shaped portion with an internal strap secured at the closed sides said strap incorporating an elastic member.