Sleep Mask Ear Loops for Secure Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sleep masks often shift during sleep due to user movement, causing discomfort and soreness, and existing secure designs may use hard materials that disrupt sleep.

Innovation Solution

A sleep mask with ear loops and a soft, elastic strap that fits over the head, using flexible materials like cotton or fleece to secure the mask in place without discomfort, preventing unwanted movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mask is tightened to prevent shifting, then security is improved, but comfort deteriorates causing soreness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask securityVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds ear loops as a third dimension of securing, moving beyond the traditional single-strap overhead configuration. The ear loops extend laterally to engage the ears, creating a multi-dimensional anchor system that distributes securing forces across multiple body points rather than concentrating pressure on the head

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The masking system is divided into separate functional components: an overhead strap for basic positioning and ear loops for lateral stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without overloading a single structure, preventing the need for excessive tightening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If hard materials are used to secure the mask, then structural integrity is improved, but comfort deteriorates causing sleep disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsleep disruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ear loops are constructed from flexible, soft materials that can conform to the contours of the ear and head. This flexibility maintains the securing function while eliminating the harmful effects of rigid structures pressing against the user during sleep

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The masking system combines different material properties: the overhead strap may use more structured materials for positioning, while the ear loops use soft, compliant materials for comfort. This composite approach integrates structural integrity where needed with comfort where contact occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 sleep mask remains securely in place throughout the night, providing comfort and preventing disruptions from shifting, while maintaining durability and elasticity.

Implementation Method 1

a sleep mask that fits over a user's head and secured in place with ear loops... adjustable via soft elastic fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11766359B1Sleep mask having ear loops

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 SHANER SR MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER

AI summary

A sleep mask having ear loops to prevent unwanted movement on the user while sleeping. The sleep mask having ear loops that can be positioned behind and around the user's ear to prevent shifting during sleep. The sleep mask includes an eye cover that covers both eyes of the user to prevent light from reaching the user's eyes. The resistance strap provides resistance to the back of the ear for maximum security. The eye covers and strap are uniform in fabric and fit securely over the head and using the ear loops to secure the device in place.