Forward-Leaning Headrest Structure for Breathing and Neck Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to provide comfortable and supportive solutions for individuals who need to rest in a forward-leaning position, particularly for those with respiratory issues, back pain, or muscular dystrophy, as they are often not adjustable, portable, or suitable for various heights and angles.
Innovation Solution
A personal support system with an annular frame for head support and a chest support mechanism, adjustable in height and angle, which can be collapsed and mounted on a surface, allowing users to rest comfortably in a forward-leaning position, accommodating different users and providing relief for neck and back strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a headrest is designed to support the head in a forward-leaning position, then head support comfort is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into multiple components: an annular frame portion, a support surface, and an attachment mechanism. These segmented parts can be assembled and disassembled, allowing the headrest to provide full support when assembled while being easy to transport when disassembled into smaller pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface and adjustment mechanisms are nested within or attached to the annular frame structure. This nesting allows all functional components to be compactly stored within the overall device structure, reducing the space and weight required for transport while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a headrest is made adjustable in height and angle to accommodate different users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the annular frame and support surface to be easily repositioned in height and angle. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to different users and positions while using simple, intuitive adjustment mechanisms rather than complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest allows users to change key parameters such as height, angle, and position of the annular frame. By providing simple mechanisms to adjust these parameters, the device achieves high adaptability for different users and situations without requiring complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If existing headrests are used without an opening for breathing, then structural simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and breathing ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The annular frame is designed with a segmented structure that includes an opening or aperture. This segmentation creates a natural breathing passage through the center of the annular frame, allowing users to breathe comfortably while resting their head in the forward-leaning position, without adding significant structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If backrests are used to reduce back pressure, then back support is improved, but neck strain increases because the neck must hold the head upright
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the head from behind (as traditional backrests do), this invention supports the head from the front using the annular frame that cradles the forehead and upper face. This inverted approach allows the head to rest naturally in a forward-leaning position, simultaneously providing back support and eliminating neck strain by removing the need to hold the head upright.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal rest system includes a headrest shaped and sized to accept a frontal portion of a user's head. The headrest defines a central opening and substantially surrounds the user's face. The headrest includes at least one padded portion against which the user's head can be rested. A mechanically adjustable support frame is coupled to the headrest at an upper end of the adjustable support frame. The support frame is also coupled to a pivoting member at a lower end of said adjustable support frame. A base section is coupled to the pivoting member. The base section includes an attachment portion shaped and configured to mechanically mount the base section to a surface on which said rest system is placed.