Portable Light Blocking Den with Arched Frame for Sleep Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light reducing sleep aids such as sleep masks and blackout curtains are often uncomfortable, not recommended for long-term use, or insufficient in blocking ambient light, which can negatively impact sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
A portable light blocking den made of opaque fabric covering a flexible, arched fiberglass rod frame with angled front drapes, mesh windows, and a quilted, padded base, designed to create a dark sleep space without the need for drugs or electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If sleep masks are used to block light, then light blocking effectiveness is improved, but comfort and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light blocking function into a separate portable den structure that covers only the head and upper torso, rather than requiring full-body coverage or masks. This segmentation allows the light blocking function to be isolated to where it's most needed while leaving the rest of the body free and comfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the den with opaque fabric walls) between the user and the light source. This mediator creates a dark environment without requiring direct contact with masks or curtains, thus maintaining comfort while achieving light blocking.
2Illumination intensity
If blackout curtains are used to block light, then light blocking effectiveness is improved, but portability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible opaque fabric to construct the den, allowing it to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported. This flexible shell structure provides effective light blocking while maintaining portability and adaptability to different locations and surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The den is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be quickly set up and taken down, adapted to different surfaces (beds, floors, chairs), and stored when not in use. This dynamic nature provides both effective light blocking and high portability.
3Illumination intensity
If full body tents are used to block light, then light blocking effectiveness is improved, but safety and comfort deteriorate due to entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light blocking quality locally to the head and upper torso region where it is most needed for sleep, rather than enclosing the entire body. This localized approach achieves effective light blocking while avoiding the safety and comfort problems of full-body enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The den provides partial coverage (head and upper torso only) rather than complete full-body coverage. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the light blocking goal while avoiding excessive enclosure that would cause entrapment and safety issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable light blocking den comprising a light-weight opaque fabric, an arched rod frame with at least one front drape, wherein the light-weight opaque fabric encloses the arched rod frame, at least one mesh window in the light-weight opaque fabric with at least one interior flap, at least interior flap fastener to hold open or closed the at least one interior flap, at least front drape fastener to hold closed the at least one front drape, at least one loop tie-backs to hold open the at least one front drape, and a base wherein the base is quilted and padded and sewn to the arched rod frame. In some embodiments, the den may further comprise a back slit in the light-weight opaque fabric.