Hinged Headrest Platform for Cradling Massage Chair Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices lack a headrest assembly that provides optimal comfort, adjustability, and support for users, often being heavy, bulky, and failing to effectively cradle the head and face.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly featuring a frame assembly and resilient assembly with a hinge mechanism that allows the headrest platform to flex and pivot, providing adjustable support and a low-profile design that can 'wrap' and 'cradle' the head, coupled to a massage device via support arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional headrest assembly is used, then it provides basic head support, but it is heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest platform is divided into multiple sections (first side section, second side section, middle section) that can independently pivot and flex. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for minimal weight while collectively providing stable support through coordinated movement and distribution of load.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest assembly incorporates hinge assemblies that enable dynamic movement of the platform sections. The middle section can flex downward and side sections can pivot in response to user head weight and position, creating an adaptive support system that maintains stability without requiring heavy rigid structures.
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional headrest assembly is used, then it provides basic support, but it is bulky in size
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assemblies enable the headrest platform to dynamically adjust its configuration through pivoting side sections and flexing middle section. This mechanical articulation provides multiple adjustment positions and angles within a compact form factor, eliminating the need for bulky adjustment mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated sections of the headrest platform can be positioned in nested or collapsed configurations when not in use, minimizing the overall size and footprint of the assembly while still providing full adjustability functionality when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid headrest platform is used, then it maintains structural stability, but it cannot effectively cradle and wrap the head
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assemblies allow the headrest platform to dynamically adapt its shape in response to user head position and weight. The middle section flexes downward and side sections pivot to create a customized cradling configuration that envelops the head, providing comfort while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the headrest platform have different degrees of flexibility - the middle section is designed to flex downward while the side sections can pivot. This local variation in rigidity allows specific areas to conform to the head shape for comfort while other areas maintain structural integrity for stability.
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
Enhances user comfort and support by allowing for customizable positioning and weight distribution, reducing the assembly's weight and size while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly
Implementation Method 2
The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest assembly for supporting a head of a user of a massage device includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is selectively coupled to the massage device, and the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes an upper resilient member and a headrest platform that supports the upper resilient member. The headrest platform includes a first side section, a second side section, a middle section that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section and the second side section, and a hinge assembly that connects the side sections to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows the middle section to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user.