Head stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in moving vehicles experience discomfort and strain due to head and neck movement, which is not effectively addressed by existing headrests and neck support devices, leading to inflammation and potential pain or injury from 'head jerk' when falling asleep.
Innovation Solution
A head stabilizer with a lateral support unit and forehead support band that restricts side-to-side and forward head movement, featuring adjustable components and a collapsible design for compact travel, providing comprehensive support and preventing 'head nod' during rest or sleep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional headrests and seatbacks are used, then basic seating is provided, but they cannot prevent forward head nodding or side-to-side movement when passengers rest or sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The head support system is divided into multiple functional segments: a headband that circumferentially encircles the head, lateral support pads positioned at opposite sides to prevent side-to-side movement, and an anterior support pad positioned at the front to prevent forward nodding. Each segment addresses a specific directional movement, collectively providing comprehensive head stabilization without requiring a complex monolithic structure.
2Reliability
If bulky pillows or rolled blankets are used to support the head, then some head support is achieved, but they produce inconsistent results and cannot reliably prevent forward and side-to-side movement
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device incorporates adjustable and adaptable elements that respond to dynamic head movements. The headband can be adjusted to different circumferences, the support pads are positioned to engage with the head's natural contours, and the structure allows for minor adjustments in positioning. This dynamic adaptability ensures consistent and reliable head support across different users and sleeping positions, unlike static bulky pillows.
3Ease of operation
If the head drops forward when resting, then the head achieves a relaxed position, but excessive strain is placed on back and neck muscles and vertebra causing inflammation and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The anterior support pad is positioned to preemptively counteract the forward nodding motion before it occurs. As the passenger begins to relax and the head naturally wants to drop forward due to gravity, the anterior pad provides immediate resistance at the front of the head, preventing the chin from moving toward the chest. This preliminary counter-action maintains the head in a neutral, upright position throughout rest, eliminating neck strain while preserving resting comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
The head stabilizer includes a suspender having a pair of bracket connectors that couple to a vehicle seat and a downwardly extending vertical positioning rod having a size and shape for select slide-on reception of a lateral support unit. The lateral support unit may be secured in a desired vertical position along the rod through locking engagement with one or more notches therein. The lateral support unit includes a pair of head pads that can be drawn in to provide side-to-side support for the user's head and a headband may couple between the pair of head pads and across the forehead to provide pitch support for the head.