Haptic Feedback Sleep Mask for Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to prevent snoring and sleep apnea by maintaining a side-sleeping position are complex, obtrusive, and ineffective, as individuals often involuntarily roll onto their backs during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback system comprising a sleep mask with a pressure sensor and vibrator that activates when the wearer rolls onto their back, providing gentle vibrations to remind them to change positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methodology is used to address back-sleeping issues, then snoring and sleep apnea prevention is attempted, but the methods are complex, obtrusive and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function into a separate wearable device with pressure sensor that can independently detect sleeping position, rather than using complex integrated systems. This divides the overall solution into manageable components that work together simply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring and self-correction by providing haptic feedback directly to the wearer when detected in supine position, allowing the user to automatically adjust their position without external intervention or complex control systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex prevention methods are used, then snoring prevention is attempted, but the methods become obtrusive and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual intervention methods with electronic sensing and haptic feedback mechanisms. The pressure sensor electronically detects position changes and triggers automated haptic alerts, eliminating the need for obtrusive mechanical devices or manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in pressure parameters to detect position changes from side-sleeping to supine position. By tracking pressure threshold changes at specific locations, the system can identify when the wearer has rolled onto their back and trigger appropriate feedback.
3Reliability
If haptic feedback is provided continuously, then position correction is achieved, but sleep disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic haptic feedback only when needed - specifically when the wearer transitions to an undesirable supine position. The feedback is delivered in periodic pulses rather than continuously, providing correction only at the moments when position change occurs while allowing uninterrupted sleep during proper positioning.
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
Effectively encourages side-sleeping by discreetly alerting the wearer to adjust their position, potentially reducing snoring and sleep apnea occurrences without disturbing their rest.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in operable communication with the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
a vibrator in operable communication with the circuit board, wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate when the pressure sensor senses pressure above a threshold pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a haptic feedback device that includes a circuit board, a pressure sensor in operable communication with the circuit board, and a vibrator in operable communication with the circuit board. The vibrator is configured to vibrate when the pressure sensor senses pressure above a threshold pressure. The haptic feedback device includes a battery in operable communication with the circuit board. The circuit board, the vibrator, the pressure sensor and the battery are configured to be inserted into a wearable article such that when a wearer wears the wearable article the vibrator is configured to vibrate when the wearer is lying in the supine position. Further disclosed is a wearable sleep mask having a band for receiving the haptic feedback device, and a method of use thereof.