Adjustable-Friction Neck Rest Hinge for Stable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck rests have non-adjustable friction in the hinge mechanism, leading to weakened support over time due to wear and tear, and often only accommodate a single position, which is not comfortable for users, especially when tilted forward.
Innovation Solution
A neck rest with adjustable friction via a wheel mechanism and an eccentric hinge arrangement, allowing for customizable positioning through a cylindrical design with a sector-shaped opening and a T-shaped revolving element, enabling regulation of friction by a clamping sleeve and transfer bushing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the friction in the hinge mechanism is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the support effectiveness deteriorates over time due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates an adjustable friction mechanism that allows the friction coefficient to be dynamically changed. A regulation sleeve with a wheel can be rotated to move a clamping sleeve along the mounting arm, thereby adjusting the clamping force on the shaft and changing the friction in the hinge mechanism. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures consistent support effectiveness over time despite wear and tear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the neck rest is fixed in a single position, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different users is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The neck rest is designed with an eccentric hinge arrangement that enables rotation around an offset center. Combined with the adjustable friction mechanism, this allows the neck rest to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations. The regulation mechanism permits users to adjust the neck rest to different positions to accommodate various user preferences and anatomical requirements, transforming a single-position fixed structure into a multi-position adjustable system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the neck rest is tilted forward for protection, then the collision protection is improved, but the comfort support deteriorates as the contact area moves away from the neck
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable friction hinge mechanism allows the neck rest to be positioned at different tilt angles. Users can adjust the friction and position to achieve an optimal balance between forward tilt for collision protection and proper contact area for comfort support. The eccentric hinge arrangement further enables fine-tuning of the contact position, allowing the neck rest to maintain effective support even when tilted forward, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and comfort.
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
The adjustable friction mechanism ensures consistent support and comfort for users in various positions, preventing slippage and accommodating different user preferences by allowing the neck rest to be rotated to a fitting position.
Implementation Method 1
The hinges have adjustable friction and this friction is adjusted by means of a wheel. The regulation sleeve press the sides of the revolving arm onto and away from the mounting arm, thereby opening and locking the regulation mechanism of the neck cushion.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
It is described a neck rest where the cushion 1 is rotatably and eccentrically mounted on a mounting stay 2. The mounting stay is attached in a cushion by means of sector shaped hinges 3. The friction between the stay and cushion can be regulated by means of a wheel.