Non-restraining collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with isolated neck extensor myopathy, also known as drop head syndrome, face challenges with existing support methods that are either uncomfortable, unsafe, or restrictive, leading to social and health issues, as well as increased caregiver burden.
Innovation Solution
A neck collar with resiliently flexible collar straps and an elastically deformable spring member that securely fits around the neck without fasteners, allowing easy placement and removal, providing comfortable and safe support for the chin and head without feeling like a restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pillows or other items are used to hold the head up, then head support is provided, but the user experiences discomfort and safety issues due to restraint
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is constructed from flexible, soft materials that conform to the neck contour, providing head support without rigid restraint. The flexible nature allows the user to comfortably wear the collar while maintaining the ability to remove it independently, resolving the contradiction between support stability and user comfort/safety.
2Reliability
If restraining devices are used to support the head, then head position is maintained, but the user cannot independently remove the device
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be easily donned and doffed by the user without assistance or fasteners. The elastic collar straps naturally conform to the neck and can be simply pulled off, enabling self-service operation while maintaining reliable head position support during use.
3Reliability
If fasteners are added to secure the collar, then the collar fits more securely, but the device becomes more complex and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes fasteners entirely from the collar design. The elastic collar straps provide secure fit through their inherent elasticity and contour-conforming properties, eliminating the need for buckles, buttons, or other fastening mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining fit security.
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 neck collar effectively maintains the head in an upright position, enhancing comfort and safety while reducing caregiver burden and social stigma, and ensuring the user can easily put it on and take it off without assistance, adhering to restraint-free requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable spring member embedded in the neck collar
Data Source
AI summary
A non-restraining collar can include a unitary pillow having extending from a collar body first and second collar straps that extend opposite one another and terminate in respective distal ends separated by a space having a first distance in a relaxed state. The non-restraining collar can also include an elastically deformable spring member embedded in the unitary pillow, the elastically deformable spring member having portions extending into both of the first and second collar straps. The elastically deformable spring member can be deformed such that the first distance is increased to a second distance.