Foldable Support with Hinged Segments to Reduce Storage Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support devices, such as travel pillows, are often large and bulky, making them cumbersome for travel and storage, and lack the ability to be easily adjusted to fit different users' anatomies, leading to reduced comfort and increased muscle fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A foldable support device with a top and bottom portion connected by a coupling member, allowing for adjustable movement and locking mechanisms, which can compress into a flat position for storage and adapt to various user shapes, providing ergonomic support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If support devices are made large and bulky to provide adequate support, then support comfort is improved, but storage space requirements and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) that can move relative to each other. The first portion supports the head while the second portion supports the chest/back, and they are connected by a coupling member allowing selective movement. This segmentation enables the device to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining full size for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member enables dynamic adjustment between expanded and collapsed positions. The device transitions from a compact stored state to a fully extended support state, allowing the same device to occupy minimal storage space while providing adequate support comfort when in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support devices are made rigid to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different user anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member allows the device to dynamically adjust its configuration between the first and second portions, enabling adaptation to different user anatomies while maintaining structural stability when locked into position. The device can be adjusted to fit various users then locked stable for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in geometric parameters (angle, position) of the first portion relative to the second portion through the coupling member, enabling adaptation to different user sizes and anatomies while maintaining structural integrity through locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support devices are made adjustable to fit different users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two main portions connected by a coupling member, creating a simple two-part adjustable structure. This segmentation provides adjustability through the coupling mechanism while avoiding the complexity of multiple adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: enabling movement for adjustment, providing structural connection, and potentially incorporating locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating features into a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable support may include a top support and a bottom support. At least one hinged connection may connect the top support to the bottom support. The hinged connection may move the top support relative to the bottom support.