Portable head support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers, especially those in seated positions during long journeys, face discomfort due to lack of adequate head and torso support for sleeping, with existing solutions like neck pillows being inadequate for prone or side-sleeping positions.
Innovation Solution
A portable head support system comprising a baseboard and headrest connected by a hinge, allowing adjustable reclining angles, designed to fit within carry-on luggage, providing a compact and versatile solution for comfortable head and torso support in restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a neck pillow is used to provide head support, then head support is improved, but it does not provide optimal support for prone or side-sleeping positions
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device features an adjustable hinge mechanism that allows the headrest to be positioned at multiple angles, enabling users to adapt the support configuration for different sleeping positions including upright, reclined, prone, and side-sleeping positions. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by providing both head support and versatility across sleeping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting upright sleeping, reclined sleeping, prone sleeping, and side sleeping through a single adjustable mechanism. The universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized pillows, achieving both head support and adaptability simultaneously.
2Volume of moving object
If a portable head support is designed to be compact and fit inside carry-on luggage, then portability is improved, but the space available for head and torso support is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The head support device is designed to nest within the user's existing carry-on luggage or backpack. The base unit fits inside the bag, and the headrest attaches when needed, utilizing the existing luggage space rather than requiring separate storage. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining compact portability while providing adequate support surface area when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a compact two-dimensional profile when stored in luggage to a three-dimensional supportive structure when deployed. The hinge mechanism allows the headrest to extend perpendicular to the baseboard, creating vertical support space without increasing the horizontal footprint in the luggage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head support angle is made adjustable to accommodate different sleeping positions, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two main components: a simple baseboard that fits in luggage and an adjustable headrest connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the complex adjustable portion to be separated from the simple storage portion, making the overall device manageable despite the adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism allows continuous parameter change of the reclining angle rather than requiring discrete positions or complex locking mechanisms. This simple parameter-based adjustment achieves high adaptability with minimal mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a portable head support designed to fit in the interior of a carry-on article carried by a passenger. The device provides head support for those who prefer sleeping in a face-down position and comprises a base and a head support connected along at least one of their abutting edges by a mechanism which permits the angle between the base and head support to be adjusted by the user.