Pivoting Head Support for Cervical Alignment at Salon Sinks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices fail to provide adequate support and adjustability for the back of the head during hair washing in salons, leading to neck strain and discomfort, which can result in Cervical Radiculopathy or 'Salon Sink Radiculopathy'.
Innovation Solution
A head support apparatus with an adjustable height and pivotable design, comprising a base for the sink, a support column, and a head support that aligns with the spine, allowing for movement without losing support, and features for easy cleaning and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed devices are used to support the head during hair washing, then the device structure is simple, but the device fails to provide adequate support and adjustability for the back of the head, leading to neck strain
Solution Approach 1:
The head support apparatus employs a pivotable head support member that can rotate and adjust to different positions, allowing the device to adapt to various head positions and washing procedures. This dynamic capability enables the device to maintain head alignment with the spine while accommodating movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the head support is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the user experiences neck strain when moving the head during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable head support member allows the user to move their head freely during washing while the support dynamically adjusts to maintain proper alignment. This eliminates neck strain by accommodating natural head movements rather than restricting them, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of harmful factors.
3Reliability
If conventional devices are used, then the device is simple, but they fail to maintain head alignment with the spine during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable head support member maintains reliable head alignment with the spine by dynamically adjusting to the user's head position during movement. This ensures consistent support and alignment throughout the washing process, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cervical spine and head supporting device is described herein for supporting a user's head when extended at least partially over the sink or basin. The device maintains alignment of the head with the neck or spine particularly as the user moves their head relative to the device or sink to prevent or minimize straining of the user's neck while washing their hair. The device generally comprises a base which is shaped for positioning within a sink or basin, a support column adjustable attached to the base, a supporting member extending from the support column, and a head support which is shaped to support a posterior region of a head of a user, where the head support is pivotably coupled to the supporting member such that the head support is adjustable with a movement of the head when the head is moved relative to the supporting member.