Hinged Headrest Assembly for Adjustable Massage Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage device headrests lack adjustability, comfort, and a low profile design, failing to effectively support and cradle the user's head during massage treatments, while also being heavy and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly with a frame and resilient components, featuring a hinge assembly that allows the middle section to flex downward and side sections to pivot, coupled with support arms that adjustably attach to the massage device, providing improved support and adjustability, and a lightweight, low-profile design that curves to cradle the user's head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional headrest designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but weight is excessive and adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest platform is divided into multiple sections (first side section, second side section, and middle section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for weight while maintaining overall structural strength through the hinge assembly connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable sections connected by hinge assemblies. The middle section can flex downward and side sections can pivot, providing adaptability and weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional headrest designs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but comfort and adaptability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the headrest platform sections, allowing the structure to adapt to different head positions and user preferences while maintaining stability through controlled pivot points and flex stops that prevent excessive movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest allows changes in geometric parameters (position and angle of platform sections) to adapt to different user needs. The middle section's downward flex and side sections' pivot capabilities provide parameter variation while the hinge assembly maintains structural boundaries.
3Shape
If a low profile design is implemented, then comfort and head cradling are improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest platform sections are designed to curve and wrap around the user's head, creating a cradling shape. This curved geometry provides comfort while the hinge assembly and flex stop mechanisms maintain structural strength by controlling the curvature within defined limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest platform uses flexible sections that can bend and conform to the head shape, providing a low profile design. The flexibility is controlled through hinge assemblies that allow movement while maintaining structural integrity, effectively creating a flexible yet strong structure.
4Ease of operation
If movable sections are added for adjustability, then comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is segmented into movable sections connected by hinge assemblies, providing adjustability through simple pivot movements. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each section without requiring complex control mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of movable sections creates a dynamic structure that improves comfort through adjustment. The hinge assemblies provide straightforward mechanical movement without complex controls, and the flex stop sections automatically limit movement range, reducing the need for complex control systems.
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 a snug fit, reducing weight and size while maintaining structural integrity, thus improving the overall massage experience.
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
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a head (13B) of a user of a massage device (10) includes a frame assembly (18) and a resilient assembly (220). The frame assembly (18) is selectively coupled to the massage device (10), and the resilient assembly (220) is coupled to the frame assembly (18). The resilient assembly (220) includes an upper resilient member (28) and a headrest platform (230) that supports the upper resilient member (28). The headrest platform (230) includes a first side section (258), a second side section (260), a middle section (262) that is positioned substantially between and is coupled to the first side section (258) and the second side section (260), and a hinge assembly (264) that connects the side sections (258) (260) to the frame assembly (18). The hinge assembly (264) allows the middle section (262) to flex substantially downward and the side sections (258) (260) to pivot relative to the hinge assembly (264) when the headrest platform (230) is supporting the head (13B) of the user.