Folding Headrest Stand with Pivoting Members for Portable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find leaning forward over tables or trays uncomfortable due to the lack of a portable, compact, and effective headrest solution that can support their heads in an elevated position, leading to discomfort during extended periods, especially in airline seats where bending forward to rest on tray tables is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact, folding headrest stand with a lower member pivotally attached to an upper member, featuring a hinge system, saddle clips, and a rotating stop leaf, allowing the upper member to fold diagonally over the lower member for compact storage and easy deployment on surfaces, with an optional intermediate member for elevated positioning, supporting the head and accommodating books or tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a headrest stand is made portable and foldable for easy storage, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to hinge mechanisms and folding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest stand is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) that can be pivotally connected to form a folding structure. This segmentation allows the stand to be collapsed into a compact configuration for portability while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding members are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with the second member fitting within the first member and the third member fitting within the second member. This nesting arrangement minimizes storage space while preserving the full functionality of the stand when unfolded.
2Volume of moving object
If the headrest stand uses a folding mechanism with multiple members, then compact storage is achieved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into single components. For example, the first member integrates both structural support functions and includes a built-in ledge for supporting devices. The second member combines structural support with a cushioned surface for headrest functionality. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts while achieving compact folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each folding member serves multiple functions: the first member provides structural support and device support ledge; the second member provides structural support and cushioned headrest surface; the third member provides both structural support and headrest surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the headrest stand is designed to be compact and portable, then ease of storage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest stand employs pivotal connections between members that allow dynamic movement between folded and unfolded states. The pivotal joints are designed with inherent mechanical tolerance compensation, allowing for easier manufacturing while maintaining functional precision through the natural mechanics of the folding action.
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 headrest stand provides comfortable support for users' heads in an elevated position, reducing discomfort during extended periods, and can be easily stored and deployed, addressing the need for a portable solution that fits various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Disposed between the distal end of the lower member and the proximal end of the upper member is a first hinge that allows the upper member to extend diagonally upward and folded over the lower member
Implementation Method 2
When the lower member is placed over a support surface, and the stop surface is rotated rearward and pressed against the inside surface of the upper member to hold the upper member in a diagonal orientation over the lower member
Implementation Method 3
Formed on the proximal edge of the lower member is at least one downward extending lip that captures an edge of the support surface when the lower member is placed over the top surface of support surface or object
Data Source
AI summary
A compact headrest stand that selectively unfolds to support a user's head over a support surface. The stand includes a lower member pivotally attached to an upper member. A downward-extending lip configured to capture the edge of a support surface is formed on the opposite edge of the lower member. The upper member includes a center void and two support arms, each with a saddle clip. Attached to the saddle clips is a headrest assembly configured to support the user's forehead and facial bones. During use, the lower member is placed on a support surface, and the upper member is rotated upward and diagonally aligned over the lower member. The headrest is placed on the saddle clips and can swivel between the two support arms. Attached to the lower member is a stop leaf that, when diagonally aligned, holds the upper member diagonally over the lower member.