Head and neck stabilizing device and related systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and neck stabilizing devices are cumbersome, require high-backed seats for proper use, and often cause discomfort due to straps tightening around the neck or require time-consuming installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A head and neck stabilizing device with an elongate manipulable arm that uses the user's weight against a seat or chair back for stabilization, combined with a flexible strap attached to the head, allowing for adjustable and comfortable support in various seating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a horseshoe shaped pillow is used to wrap around the neck, then head and neck stabilization is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires carrying outside luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a head support portion and a body support portion connected by a flexible connector. This segmentation allows the device to be compact when stored yet extended when in use, resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive support and maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head support portion can be nested within or alongside the body support portion when not in use, creating a compact configuration that fits within luggage. When deployed, the nested structure expands to provide full head and neck stabilization.
2Reliability
If a horseshoe pillow with straps is used to secure the ends, then stability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to tightening around the neck
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is extracted from the neck area and relocated to the shoulders or chest. The straps secure the device at the body level rather than around the neck, eliminating the harmful tightening effect while maintaining device stability through proper anchoring.
3Device complexity
If an inflatable pillow is used to improve portability, then device complexity is reduced, but use time increases due to inflation and deflation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a single-use or limited-use compression design where the support structure is pre-compressed and maintains its shape through material memory rather than inflation. This eliminates the time-consuming inflation/deflation cycle while keeping the device compact and portable.
4Reliability
If straps are used to secure the pillow around the neck, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-adjusting straps with automatic locking mechanisms or elastic tensioning that secure the device without requiring complex manual fastening. The straps automatically adjust to the user's anatomy and lock into place, making installation and removal simple while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A head and neck stabilizing device having an elongate flexible or malleable arm and a flexible strap. The device helps to stabilize the head and neck of the user while sleeping or resting in a seated position and does not require a high backed seat or chair to function. The device is designed such that the elongate arm is positioned between the user and the back of a seat/chair so that the device is stabilized when the user leans back onto the back of the seat or chair such that the elongate arm is disposed therebetween. Additionally, the elongate flexible or malleable arm may be configured in such a way to be used as a smart phone, tablet or book holder or to support a semi rigid surface to be used as a portable table.