Sleep support device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep support devices for travel, such as inflatable pillows and face cradles, fail to provide adequate comfort and support for the upper body and head in a forward sleeping position due to insufficient adaptability and pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A sleep support device featuring a pair of locking hinges attached to a rigid structure with thigh supports, extension segments, and a padded arching frame that adjusts to fit the body, providing upper body and head support while allowing for comfortable forward sleeping during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure with locking hinges is used to provide stable support, then support stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple segments including thigh supports, extension segments, and upper body support segments that can be independently positioned and locked. Each segment can be adjusted separately to fit different body types and sleeping positions, providing stable support while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with locking hinges that allow the structure to be reconfigured from a compact storage state to an extended support state. The locking mechanism provides stability when deployed while allowing easy reconfiguration when needed, balancing stability with operational flexibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressure is increased to secure the device, then device stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the device have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The thigh supports and contact surfaces are padded with soft materials to provide comfort and distribute pressure, while the structural frame maintains rigidity for stability. This local differentiation of material properties allows the device to be secure without creating pressure points on the neck and head
Solution Approach 2:
Padding and cushioning materials serve as intermediaries between the rigid support structure and the user's body. These intermediary layers distribute forces evenly, prevent direct contact between hard surfaces and sensitive areas like the neck, and maintain device stability without creating uncomfortable pressure points
3Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact for storage, then ease of storage is improved, but adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device segments are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with extension segments collapsing into thigh supports and upper body segments folding into the head support arch. This nested configuration minimizes storage volume while preserving all adjustment capabilities for when the device is deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions dynamically between compact storage configuration and extended support configuration. Locking hinges allow smooth transformation from a space-efficient folded state to a fully extended state that adapts to various body sizes and sleeping positions, providing both portability and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A sleep support device that supports the upper body and head to allow comfortable sleep in a forward position during travel according to the present invention is disclosed. The sleep support device 100 that supports the upper body and head to allow comfortable sleep in a forward position during travel. The device 100 has locking hinges attached to a rigid structure. The locking hinges are positioned lateral to the hips bilaterally and connect the thigh to the upper body component on each side. Straps attached to the thigh component and the extension segment fix the device to the traveler's thigh. The upper body component allows the support of the torso and the head in a comfortable position during sleep.