Neck Support Device with Ventilated Grooves and Elastic Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional neck support devices lack ventilation, leading to moisture accumulation, discomfort, and increased risk of pressure sores, which can exacerbate neck injuries and hinder effective therapy.
Innovation Solution
A neck support device with a base component that rests on the sternum, featuring a hollow tube with vertical grooves and a cylindrical component with ridges for secure alignment, combined with a horseshoe-shaped elastic band and a chin rest, allowing for adjustable and ventilated support with elastic or memory foam materials for enhanced comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional neck braces are made bulky and wrap around the neck to provide support, then neck support and stabilization are improved, but ventilation is worsened leading to moisture accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The neck brace is divided into multiple segments including a rigid support portion and a flexible wrap portion. The flexible wrap portion can be adjusted to create gaps and ventilation channels while maintaining support, allowing air circulation to reduce moisture accumulation without compromising neck stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the neck brace have different properties: the support portion is rigid for strength, while the wrap portion is flexible for ventilation. The wrap portion can be adjusted to create localized gaps and airflow channels in specific areas to manage moisture while maintaining support where needed.
2Force
If neck braces are made rigid and solid to support head weight, then head support is improved, but ventilation is worsened causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the rigid support function from the flexible comfort function. The rigid support portion handles head weight bearing, while the flexible wrap portion with adjustable gaps provides comfort and ventilation, allowing the user to wear the brace longer without discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap portion is designed to be dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can adjust the tightness and positioning of the wrap portion to optimize both support and ventilation based on their comfort needs, making the device adaptable to different wear conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If neck braces wrap around the neck completely to provide stabilization, then neck stabilization is improved, but pressure sores are worsened due to constant pressure and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The neck brace separates the stabilization function (rigid support portion) from the pressure distribution function (flexible wrap portion with gaps). The gaps and ventilation channels created by the flexible portion reduce constant pressure and friction on the skin, preventing pressure sores while maintaining neck stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wrap portion acts as an intermediary between the rigid support structure and the skin. It distributes pressure more evenly and creates airflow channels that reduce moisture and friction, preventing pressure sores while still providing necessary stabilization.
4Ease of operation
If neck braces are made with adjustable components to improve fit, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable components are segmented into simple, independent elements such as Velcro® straps and snap buttons rather than complex mechanisms. This allows for easy adjustment of the wrap portion tightness and positioning without adding significant structural complexity to the overall device.
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 device provides effective support and ventilation, reducing moisture accumulation and discomfort, thereby improving patient compliance and reducing the risk of pressure sores while allowing for customizable fit and prolonged wear.
Implementation Method 1
a horseshoe shaped elastic band attached to the outer wall of the second hollow tube wherein the elasticity of the band allows the gap between the band's left and right parts to open wider so the user could put the band on and around the user's neck
Implementation Method 2
allowing for adjustable and ventilated support with elastic or memory foam materials for enhanced comfort
Data Source
AI summary
An improved head/neck support device has a disc base that is attached to a hollow tube that in turn receives a first cylindrical component that has a sleeve attached to its outside wall. The device further has a spring coil disposed in the gap between the first cylindrical component and a second cylindrical component, that has a lower portion that has a diameter equal to the spring coil's and a smaller diameter upper portion. The device also has a second hollow tube that engages with the second cylindrical component and constrains the second cylindrical component from sliding out and through the second tube. The device also has a horseshoe shaped elastic band attached to the outer wall of the second tube. The device further has a chin rest that has a third hollow tube, a disc, and a top pad.