T-Shaped Compressible Positioner for Head Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning the head and neck of deceased individuals for viewing and reducing snoring in living individuals are inadequate, as they often fail to maintain the head in a fixed position or effectively eliminate snoring.
Innovation Solution
A positioner device with a compressible member forming a T-shape, featuring a main body and arms filled with a filler material, secured around the neck using adjustable straps and couplers, which maintains the head in a fixed position and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rolled-up towels are used to position the head and neck, then the mouth can be kept closed, but the head cannot be maintained in a fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into multiple functional segments: a head support portion for positioning the head, a neck support portion for supporting the neck, and a mouth closure portion for keeping the mouth closed. Each segment can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing the head to be maintained in a fixed position while keeping the mouth closed, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable straps and couplers that allow dynamic adjustment of the positioning components. The straps can be tightened or loosened to accommodate different head and neck sizes, while the couplers provide secure fastening points. This dynamic adjustability ensures that the head can be maintained in a fixed position for extended periods while allowing for easy setup and modification, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing snoring reduction devices are used, then snoring may be reduced, but the head cannot be positioned in a fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: head positioning, neck support, mouth closure, and snoring reduction. By combining these functions, the device can simultaneously maintain the head in a fixed position and reduce snoring, eliminating the need for separate devices and resolving the contradiction between snoring reduction and positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device is designed with multi-functionality to address both funeral viewing requirements and snoring reduction. The same structural components that maintain the head in a fixed position also work to keep the mouth closed and reduce snoring. This universal design allows the device to serve multiple purposes, resolving the contradiction between snoring reduction and fixed head positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to secure the head, then the head position is stable, but the device cannot accommodate different sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including adjustable straps with couplers and flexible positioning components. The straps can be extended or shortened to accommodate different neck sizes, while the positioning components can be adjusted to fit various head shapes and configurations. This dynamic design maintains head stability while accommodating different sizes, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in the positioning components to accommodate different users. The strap lengths can be adjusted, the positioning heights can be modified, and the support portions can be repositioned. These parameter changes enable the device to maintain a fixed head position while adapting to different body sizes and configurations, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.
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
Effectively secures the head in a desired position for funeral viewings and reduces or eliminates snoring by keeping the mouth closed, providing a stable and secure solution for both deceased and living individuals.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member forming a main body and two arms each extending from the main body, the compressible member also forming a top
Implementation Method 2
the compressible member includes a covering at least partially filled with a filler
Data Source
AI summary
A positioner may include a compressible member forming a main body, two arms extending from the main body, and a top. The main body may have an average circumference greater than an average circumference of each arm. The compressible member may include a covering at least partially filled with a filler. A plurality of straps may be secured to the compressible member. The positioner may be secured around a neck of a deceased person such that the main body secures a mouth of the deceased person closed and the main body and arms position a head of the deceased person in a substantially fixed position, such as for a funeral viewing. The positioners may also be used on a living person to reduce or eliminate snoring.