Forehead Head Restraint Mount for Upright Seated Sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for stabilizing a user's head in an upright seated position, such as neck pillows and head support devices, fail to adequately support the head on top of the spine, leading to discomfort and restricted airflow, especially when neck muscles relax.
Innovation Solution
A head restraint system comprising a mounting component with a first fastener and a headgear component with a second fastener, allowing remountable attachment to secure the user's forehead against a vertical surface, enabling comfortable rest or sleep in an upright position without strapping the head to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neck pillows or wadded blankets are used to prevent the head from falling forward or to the side, then the head is partially supported, but the head is not sufficiently stabilized on top of the spine to allow comfortable rest or sleep in an upright position
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint system is divided into separate components: a mounting component that attaches to the seat back, a headgear component that fits around the user's head, and a connecting component that links them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide reliable head stabilization and comfortable upright rest.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting component acts as an intermediary between the mounting component and the headgear component. It transfers and distributes forces between these elements, enabling the system to stabilize the head on top of the spine while maintaining comfort and allowing neck muscles to relax.
2Reliability
If a rigid or semi-rigid support member is used between the user and the seat surface, then head support is provided, but the device lacks portability and removable mounting capability
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting component incorporates removable fasteners that allow the system to transition between fixed and portable states. The fasteners enable secure attachment to various seat types while allowing quick removal and relocation, providing both reliable head support and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting component is designed with universal fastening capabilities that can attach to different types of vertical surfaces and seat configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same device to provide reliable head support across various applications while maintaining portability through removable attachment.
3Reliability
If the head is strapped against the seat surface, then head restraint is achieved, but the user cannot move freely and the system lacks ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear component is designed to fit snugly around specific portions of the user's head (forehead and lower head) to provide localized restraint. This concentrated support achieves reliable head restraint while leaving the rest of the body free to move, maintaining user mobility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear component uses flexible materials that conform to the shape of the user's head, providing comfortable and secure restraint without rigid strapping. This flexibility allows the user to move freely while the head remains properly positioned and restrained.
4Reliability
If an inflatable contoured pillow with harness and wings is used, then head support is provided, but the user must be strapped against the seat which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three main segments: mounting component, headgear component, and connecting component. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure compared to integrated inflatable systems with multiple straps and wings, while maintaining reliable head support through the focused connection between headgear and seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex harnesses, wings, and inflatable mechanisms by using a direct fastening connection between the mounting component and headgear component. This extraction simplifies the device structure while preserving the essential head support function.
Data Source
AI summary
A head restraint system includes: a mounting component, wherein the mounting component includes a first fastener component; and a headgear component adapted to secure a user's forehead, wherein the headgear component includes a second fastener component. The first fastener component removably attaches to the second fastener component to secure the mounting component to the headgear component. Methods for restraining a head of a user are also described.