Foldable Rigid-Panel Neck Rest for Portable Head Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable head support devices for sleeping, such as neck pillows, fail to consistently stabilize the head on a seat, are not adjustable for different sizes, and are not portable enough for easy transport.
Innovation Solution
A foldable neck rest made of rigid geometric shapes with cushion material between fabric layers, using a hook and loop attachment system to create a three-dimensional structure that can be easily folded and stored, allowing for adjustable support and non-slip functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a neck pillow is used to prevent head movement, then head stabilization is improved, but portability and ease of storage deteriorate due to bulky size
Solution Approach 1:
The neck pillow is divided into multiple geometric shape components (triangle, rectangle, square, circle) that can be separated and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the pillow to be compact for storage yet functional when assembled, resolving the contradiction between portability and head stabilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow transitions from a static bulky form to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The geometric shapes can be arranged in different configurations (folded vs. extended) to adapt between compact storage mode and functional support mode, enabling both portability and reliable head stabilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed geometric shapes are used to provide rigid support, then head support stability is improved, but adaptability to different user sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow configuration is made dynamic through the ability to arrange geometric shapes in different patterns. Users can adjust the number and arrangement of shapes (folded or extended) to match their neck size and preferences, maintaining stable support while adapting to different user dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the pillow into discrete geometric shapes, the design allows flexible reconfiguration. Different combinations and arrangements of these segments provide varied support levels and configurations, enabling adaptability across different user sizes while maintaining structural stability through the rigid geometric components.
3Ease of operation
If multiple geometric shapes are used to create three-dimensional structure, then portability is improved through folding, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is segmented into standardized geometric shapes with attachment mechanisms. This segmentation enables systematic folding and compact storage while the modular nature actually simplifies the overall structure compared to a monolithic design, as each component is simple and interchangeable.
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 neck rest provides stable head support in seated positions during travel, is adjustable for various sizes, and can be easily stored in a laptop bag, addressing the limitations of existing devices by offering a comfortable and portable solution.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the fabric contains loop material for a hook and loop type attachment. There are a plurality of tabs with hook material attached to one or more of the geometric shapes. The arrangement of the geometric shapes is such that when the first and second fabric is folded the hook and loop material hold the geometric shapes into a hollow three dimensional structure rigid structure.
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive connects the first fabric and the second fabric at the edges of the first and second fabric and in between the geometric shapes, such that the first and second fabric holds the geometric shapes and the cushions in place.
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 geometric 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.