Thigh-Braced Head Cradle for Upright Travel Neck Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel support devices fail to provide full structural support for the head and neck in upright sitting positions, often requiring additional structures or causing discomfort due to inadequate cushioning and limited positional flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A travel support device with a top portion for the head cradle, a middle portion that transmits weight to the thighs, and a bottom portion for resting, allowing for full support of the head and upper torso in forward and sideways inclines without additional aides, and optionally serving as a seat cushion or portable desk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a horseshoe shaped travel pillow is used to support the head against a chair backrest, then the head can rest in a backwards-reclined position, but the device does not prevent forward tilting motion and only provides minimal support
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple functional segments: a U-shaped cradle portion for head support, a cylindrical body portion for structural support, and an integrated cushion portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while working together to provide both stability and positional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cushion portion serves multiple functions: it provides comfort for the thighs when the device is placed between the legs, acts as a support surface when the device is positioned against the back, and enables versatile positioning options. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt to different positions without compromising support reliability.
2Reliability
If seat belt restraints with cushioned wrap-around devices are used, then side support is provided, but the user is unable to rest in any other position and support is only on one side
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed to function in multiple positions and orientations. It can be placed between the legs to support the thighs, positioned against the back for lumbar support, or configured to support the head and neck. The integrated cushion portion enhances comfort in all positions, making the device universally applicable for various resting positions while maintaining reliable support.
3Reliability
If prior art devices with removable parts and adjustable components are used, then some support functionality is achieved, but the devices require setup and adjusting which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped cradle portion, cylindrical body portion, and integrated cushion portion are combined into a single integrated structure without removable parts or adjustable components. This merging eliminates the need for setup, assembly, or adjustment, making the device extremely convenient to use while maintaining reliable head, neck, and torso support functionality.
4Reliability
If devices with complex moving parts and adjustable components are used, then support functionality is achieved, but the devices involve user effort to adjust and may shift during use
Solution Approach 1:
All support functions are integrated into a single unified structure consisting of the U-shaped cradle, cylindrical body, and integrated cushion. This eliminates complex moving parts, adjustments, and mechanisms while providing reliable head, neck, and torso support. The simple integrated design prevents shifting during use and requires no user effort for adjustment.
5Ease of operation
If a unitary body design is used, then the device is portable and easy to carry, but may lack the adjustability of multi-component devices
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary body design incorporates multiple functional portions that work together to provide versatile support. The U-shaped cradle supports the head and neck, the cylindrical body provides structural integrity and can be positioned against the back for lumbar support, and the integrated cushion enhances comfort in various positions. This multi-functionality within a single portable structure resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without requiring adjustability mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A travel support device is provided supporting a head of a human whilst in a sitting position. The travel support device comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion extending from the top portion to the bottom portion. The top portion comprises a head cradle (2) for receiving the head of a human, and the bottom portion comprises a bottom edge (1) for resting upon the thighs of the human whilst the human is in a sitting position with the head of the human received in the head cradle (2), the middle portion transmitting the weight of the head to the thighs. A dip (7) in the middle portion is for receiving the head or the buttocks of the human when the travel support device is positioned in an alternate orientation relative to the human.