Suspended Face Cradle Straps for Pressure-Free Prone Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing face supports for health practitioners' tables, such as cutouts and headrests, often cause uncomfortable pressure on pressure points, facial pulling, and neck strain for individuals lying prone during treatments like massage and acupuncture, as they fail to adequately distribute weight and avoid sensitive areas.

Innovation Solution

A face cradle system comprising adjustable, interconnected straps padded with memory foam that can be retrofitted onto existing tables, allowing for customizable support that avoids pressure points and reduces facial tension by distributing weight evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cutout or headrest is used to support the face, then the person does not need to turn their head to the side, but uncomfortable pressure is applied to pressure points and facial skin is pulled tight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead position comfortVSAvoidpressure on pressure points and facial pulling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is divided into multiple independent support zones: a forehead support portion, cheek support portions, and a chin support portion. Each zone is separated by gaps that align with pressure points, allowing the face to be supported without compressing sensitive areas. This segmentation enables selective support where needed while avoiding harmful pressure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the headrest have different support characteristics tailored to specific facial areas. The forehead support portion provides firm support, while the cheek support portions use softer materials to avoid pulling the facial skin. The chin support portion is positioned to prevent neck bending without applying excessive pressure. This localized differentiation of support quality resolves the contradiction between providing adequate support and avoiding harmful pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a solid headrest or cutout is used, then head support is provided, but it causes neck bending backward and additional stress to the neck and back regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead support stabilityVSAvoidneck and back stress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest uses segmented support portions with gaps between them, including a chin gap and cheek gaps. These gaps allow the neck to maintain its natural alignment without being forced backward by a continuous solid structure. The chin support portion can be adjusted or removed to prevent neck bending, while still providing adequate head support through the forehead and cheek portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest incorporates adjustable and removable components, particularly the chin support portion which can be positioned or removed based on individual needs. This dynamic adjustability allows the support structure to adapt to different facial shapes and prevent unwanted neck bending, while maintaining head support stability through the fixed forehead and cheek support portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If pressure is applied to facial pressure points for treatment benefit, then treatment effectiveness improves, but uncomfortable pressure and facial pulling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiduncomfortable pressure and facial pulling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is segmented into distinct support zones with gaps positioned over sensitive pressure points such as the cheeks and forehead. This segmentation allows therapeutic pressure to be applied to specific areas (like the forehead for sinus relief) while avoiding uncomfortable pressure on other areas. The gaps ensure that pressure points are not compressed, preventing the involuntary face-lift effect while maintaining treatment effectiveness through targeted support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables comfortable and non-restrictive support for individuals in prone positions, reducing facial pulling and neck strain while allowing for effective treatment without adverse pressure on sensitive areas, and can be easily integrated into new or existing tables.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMemory foam: Memory Foam

Data Source

PatentUS7676867B2Restriction-free suspended face support treatment table with hole designed to accommodate the face of a person

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 DE LAURA SHARON TERESA

AI summary

A restriction-free face support for health practitioner's tables designed for work on a prone person, comprising a plurality of optionally interconnected, adjustable support straps padded with memory foam designed to cradle the person's face over a headrest or cutout during a spa treatment, massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture sessions, or any other treatment involving a person lying face-down on a table. The face support allows for the person to rest and breathe comfortably and without the restrictive facial pulling/squeezing found in the prior art. The invention is simple, inexpensive, and can be built into massage tables or retrofitted onto existing tables, and the support straps are adjustable through use of buckles, hook-and-loop, or other means. Optionally, the support straps can have removable beads and other devices attached that allow for the device to put pressure on particular pressure points during the massage.