Forward-Leaning Bodyrest With Adjustable Face and Chest Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to provide adequate support for both the neck and back simultaneously while allowing users to rest in a forward-leaning position, which is essential for comfort and relief from pain, especially for individuals with respiratory issues, back problems, and muscular dystrophy, as they are not adjustable, portable, or collapsible.
Innovation Solution
A personal support apparatus with a frame that includes forehead, cheek, and chest support elements, adjustable to accommodate different users' sizes, featuring a hollow central region for breathing and adjustable components for optimal alignment and comfort, along with a base that can be folded for portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a headrest is designed to support the user's head while leaning forward, then head support is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible frame structure instead of bulky cushions to provide head support. The frame can be bent and folded into compact forms for transport, yet maintains its structural integrity and support function when deployed. This resolves the contradiction by using a thin-film-like structure that is both supportive and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest is divided into multiple segments including the frame, positioning elements, and adjustable components that can be separated or reconfigured. This segmentation allows the device to be collapsed into a compact form for transport while maintaining full support functionality when assembled, addressing both portability and reliability requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is made adjustable in height and angle, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the frame and positioning elements to be dynamically reconfigured in height and angle. These adjustments are achieved through simple mechanical means such as telescoping sections or pivot points, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable components are designed to serve multiple functions - the same mechanisms that adjust height also adjust angle, and the positioning elements can accommodate different head sizes and user preferences. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maximizing adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the headrest includes breathing opening, then respiratory comfort is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes strategically placed openings or gaps in specific locations that allow breathing while maintaining structural integrity in critical load-bearing areas. The local quality of the frame varies - open in non-critical areas for breathing, and solid in critical areas for strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning elements and support structures act as intermediaries that transfer and distribute loads around the breathing openings, maintaining frame integrity despite the presence of gaps. These intermediary components ensure that the openings do not compromise overall structural strength.
4Ease of operation
If the device is designed to support both neck and back simultaneously, then overall comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines neck support and back support functions into a single integrated frame structure. The frame simultaneously provides positioning for the head/neck area and support for the upper back, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while improving overall comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal support apparatus includes a frame having an inner surface for supporting a forehead of a user while seated in a forward-leaning position. The frame has a hollow central region to receive the user's face when the user is seated in the forward-leaning position. A pair of cheek support bodies are disposed on the inner surface of the frame. The apparatus also includes a stand having a recess in a first end to receive a portion of the frame such that a position of the frame is adjustable within the recess to set a height of the frame with respect to the user. A chest support is disposed on the stand. A base is attached to the second end of the stand.