Shaped body for supporting a human head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head support devices fail to provide stable, comfortable, and pressure-distributed support for infants and adults, leading to potential skull deformities due to inadequate pressure distribution and limited freedom of movement.
Innovation Solution
A shaped body with an asymmetrical, convex support surface resembling an inclined half-ellipse, which increases the effective contact area and distributes pressure evenly, allowing for greater freedom of movement and automatic centering of the head, while being adjustable and made from elastic materials like polyurethane foam or silicone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a recessed area with elastic membrane is used for head support, then the head can rest on a soft surface, but the head lacks sufficient security and stability and may slip out during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing a support element with different curvature radii in different regions. The first region has a first curvature radius while the second region has a second curvature radius that is larger than the first. This asymmetric design creates automatic centering effect and prevents the head from slipping out, while maintaining comfort through the elastic membrane.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid head shell with constant thickness is used, then the head shape is maintained, but it cannot accommodate locally increased pressure and is too rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating support elements with region-specific properties. Different regions of the support element have different curvature radii (first curvature radius in first region, second curvature radius in second region). This allows localized adaptation to pressure points while maintaining overall head shape support.
3Reliability
If the head rests predominantly in the same position, then the supine position prevents sudden infant death syndrome, but the increased pressure on the same spot causes skull deformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by designing support elements with curved surfaces characterized by specific curvature radii. The first and second curvature radii create a rounded, conforming support surface that distributes pressure evenly across the occipital region, preventing localized pressure points that cause deformity while maintaining the safe supine position.
4Stress or pressure
If an inclined half-ellipse contour is used for the support surface, then the effective contact area increases and pressure is distributed evenly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining the support element geometry through specific mathematical parameters (curvature radii, inclined half-ellipse contour). These parameterized definitions allow for systematic optimization of pressure distribution while maintaining manufacturability through standardized geometric forms.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of pressure-related skull deformities by providing stable, comfortable, and adaptive support that distributes pressure evenly, promoting natural head positioning and reducing the risk of deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The shaped body is made from elastic materials like polyurethane foam or silicone
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shaped body for receiving a skull on a support plane, which is substantially annular and can counteract the deformation of the skull.