Wearable Head Support Cushion for Upright Sleep Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passengers experience discomfort and neck strain when trying to sleep in upright sitting positions during long haul flights due to the jerking motion caused by the weight of their heads as muscles relax, leading to repeated awakenings.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight combination carrier unit and head support apparatus featuring a cushion with a hemi-conical recess and a stiffening member, which acts as a strut to maintain head support and prevent jerking, combined with adjustable straps and arm securing means to promote a natural sleeping position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a passenger sits in an upright position during long haul flights, then space utilization is improved, but neck strain and discomfort increase due to head weight causing jerking motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidneck strain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a head support apparatus as an intermediary device between the passenger's head and the seat. This apparatus includes a carrier unit with a head support member that has a hemi-conical surface, which cradles the head and provides continuous support to counteract the harmful jerking motion caused by head weight during upright sitting in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the head support apparatus uses a rigid structure to prevent jerking motion, then stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead support stabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the head support member by providing a hemi-conical surface with specific curvature characteristics. This curved surface design provides the necessary stability and support functionality while maintaining a simple, lightweight structure that does not require complex rigid frameworks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the head support apparatus is designed for confined spaces, then adaptability is improved, but the size and comfort options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfined space adaptabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by designing the head support member with a hemi-conical surface that naturally conforms to the contours of the human head. This curved geometry provides ergonomic comfort and effective head support while maintaining a compact size suitable for confined spaces such as economy class airplane seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP1968412B1A combination carrier unit and head support apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 MAGINNESS JOSEPH GABRIEL

AI summary

A combination carrier unit and head support apparatus has a carrier unit body (2) with fastening means for releasably fastening the combination carrier unit and head support apparatus to a person. The carrier unit body (2) having a head support means (5) in the form of a cushion (11) releasably mountable thereon for supporting a person’s head. The cushion (11) is inflatable or of foam material and has an attachment element (14) to mount the cushion (11) onto the carrier unit.