Adjustable Friction Neck Rest With Eccentric Hinge Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests have non-adjustable friction in the hinge mechanism, leading to weakened support over time due to wear and tear, and often only provide a single fitting position, which is not comfortable for users, especially in applications where comfort is desired beyond protection against rear collisions.
Innovation Solution
A neck rest with a cylindrical design featuring adjustable friction hinges, an eccentric hinge arrangement, and a regulation mechanism that allows for customizable positioning through a T-shaped revolving element and clamping sleeve system, enabling users to adjust the friction and rotate the neck rest for optimal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction coupling is used in the hinge mechanism, then the neck rest can be held in position, but the friction weakens over time due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the friction coupling adjustable rather than fixed. The friction element can be repositioned along the hinge pin to different locations, changing the friction characteristics. This allows the system to adapt over time as wear occurs, maintaining reliable positioning by adjusting the friction coupling position to compensate for wear and tear throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the friction coupling position along the hinge pin. By changing the position parameter of the friction element, the friction moment can be modified to compensate for wear. This enables the system to maintain adequate friction force and positioning reliability throughout its operational life despite wear and tear.
2Device complexity
If a fixed wedge-shaped neck rest is used, then the structure is simple, but it only provides one setting that may not fit all users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed neck rest into an adjustable system. The neck rest can be rotated to different angular positions around the hinge pin, and the friction coupling can be positioned at different locations along the pin. This creates a dynamic system that adapts to different user needs while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a basic hinge mechanism with adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by separating the adjustment functions into independent components: the rotational adjustment of the neck rest cushion and the positional adjustment of the friction coupling along the hinge pin. This allows each function to be adjusted independently, providing versatility in positioning while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the neck rest is tilted forwards to change contact area, then the contact area moves upwards, but this moves away from the neck where support is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling continuous angular adjustment of the neck rest cushion around the hinge pin. Instead of fixed tilt positions, the user can rotate the cushion to achieve the optimal contact area position that provides support exactly where needed on the neck. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the contact area to be positioned precisely rather than moving in fixed directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the angular position parameter of the neck rest cushion. By changing this angular parameter, the contact area can be repositioned to different locations on the user's head and neck, providing adaptability in support position while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational adjustment.
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 and eccentric design allow for customizable support, maintaining comfort and stability over time, accommodating various user positions and preferences, while preventing the neck rest from slipping off the mounting arm.
Implementation Method 1
a friction element (18) which is adjustable along the hinge pin (7) to create friction
Data Source
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.