Accessory apparatus for hair styling chair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Salon chairs lack a versatile and adaptable accessory system that includes a removable headrest and storage for personal items and equipment, particularly for itinerant stylists working in limited spaces, where existing solutions are often brand-specific and do not accommodate vertical adjustments or power/data connectivity.

Innovation Solution

An accessory apparatus for salon chairs featuring a hinged brace for stability, a removable headrest, a retractable tray for storage, and a powered accessory arm with USB and AC power outlets, hooks, and Bluetooth-compatible speakers/microphone integration, allowing for universal attachment and flexible positioning on various chair models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a removable headrest is added to the salon chair, then client comfort is improved, but the chair structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclient comfortVSAvoidchair structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the chair base, allowing the chair structure to remain simple while providing comfort when needed. The headrest assembly includes a pole, clamp mechanism, and cushioned rest that can be independently installed and removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the headrest provides client comfort, the telescoping pole enables height adjustment, the clamp mechanism ensures secure attachment, and the base structure offers stability. This multi-functional design adds value without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If accessories are permanently mounted on the chair, then stability is improved, but mobility and reconfigurability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory stabilityVSAvoidreconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory system is divided into separable components: the headrest assembly can be removed from the base, and the base itself can be detached from the chair. This segmentation allows the system to provide stable support when assembled while enabling easy reconfiguration or storage when components are separated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp mechanism provides dynamic attachment and detachment capability, allowing the headrest to be securely fixed during use for stability, then easily removed when reconfigurability is needed. This on-demand attachment state resolves the contradiction between stability and reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessories are integrated into the apparatus, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus integrates multiple functions including headrest support, height adjustment, secure attachment, and stability provision within a unified structural framework. The base, pole, clamp, and headrest work together as a coordinated system that delivers diverse functionality without requiring separate independent mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11666151B1Accessory apparatus for hair styling chair
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 GADSON TEZAILA D
  • US11666151B1 patent drawing
  • US11666151B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An accessory apparatus for connecting to a salon chair is provided. The apparatus connects to the base of the chair and includes a hinged brace for stability. The distal end of the apparatus includes a removable headrest and is configured for attachment to a number of items. Electrical cables are included in the apparatus and may be connected to a source of electrical power or data to drive various devices. One or more electrical/data outlets are provided on extensions connectable to the apparatus.