A portable body support device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable support devices for seated passengers on long trips, such as airplanes, are uncomfortable and often require bending or specialized stabilization plates, limiting their usability and causing fatigue due to restricted positions and potential neck strain.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a telescopically adjustable elongated support member and pivotable headrest support, allowing secure positioning on any seating area without specialized plates, supporting the upper body in both forward and backward leaning positions without requiring neck bending, using lightweight materials and ergonomic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilization plate is placed in front of the seat or attached to the front edge, then the head support device can be stably positioned, but the device can only be used in a forward leaning position and requires special mounting plates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of head support deviceVSAvoidusable positions and seating types
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a base unit that interfaces with the seat, a telescopic support member that provides adjustable height, and a headrest assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the device to adapt to different seating configurations without requiring specialized mounting plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various seat types and configurations. The telescopic support member provides multi-position adjustment capability, allowing the device to function in both forward and backward leaning positions, eliminating the limitation of single-position stabilization plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the support device requires the person to bend their neck towards the head support, then the device can be simpler in structure, but the neck may be injured due to bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of support deviceVSAvoidneck injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest assembly is mounted on the telescopic support member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the headrest position and angle. This dynamic configuration enables the headrest to be positioned naturally against the user's head without requiring neck bending, while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through the use of basic mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the elongated support member is made adjustable to body height, then the device adapts to individual users, but the device complexity increases with telescopic mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to body dimensionsVSAvoidtelescopic mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic support member allows continuous adjustment of the support height parameter to match different user body dimensions. This parameter adjustment capability provides excellent adaptability while using a well-established mechanical telescopic mechanism that balances functionality with reasonable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Weight of moving object

If the device uses lightweight materials for portability, then the device can be carried as hand luggage, but the structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of portable deviceVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes composite material construction, combining lightweight materials with strategically placed reinforcement elements. This approach maintains portability by keeping overall weight low while ensuring sufficient structural strength through the composite design that targets critical load-bearing areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3673767B1A portable body support device
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 ZONACTIVA BVBA
  • EP3673767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3673767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3673767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a portable device (100) for supporting a person's (201, 301) upper body when seated on a seating area (202, 302, 603), the device comprising a base (101); and an elongated support member (102) comprising a first (103) and second (104) end, the elongated support member (102) at the first end (103) being coupled to the base (101) and being telescopically extendable (105) therefrom such that in an operational position wherein the base is placed on the seating area (202, 302, 603), the second end (104) is securely positioned at a height of the person's chest (203, 303); and a head rest support (106) pivotably coupled to the second end (104) such that in the operational position the head rest support (106) is securely pivotable towards the person's head thereby supporting the seated person's upper body in forward (300) and backward (200) leaning position.