Tilting Face Cushion Design for Turtle Neck and Round Shoulders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for correcting posture, such as neck retractors and round back correction bands, often cause further damage to the body and fail to effectively address conditions like turtle neck syndrome and round shoulder, leading to muscle stiffness and pain.
Innovation Solution
A device with a face support module and a link member that tilts the face support cushion to maintain a prone posture with the head higher than the feet, combined with a shoulder support module to adjust shoulder height, allowing gravity-induced stretching to reduce body imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If neck retractors are used to straighten the neck, then the neck posture is improved, but the back and waist are damaged and neck muscle movement is limited causing increased stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the body into separate support zones: a head support module for cervical alignment and a waist support module for lumbar support. This segmentation allows each module to address specific postural issues independently, preventing the transfer of stress to other body parts that occurs with unified rigid structures like neck retractors.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a prone positioning intermediate state as a mediator between the user and gravity. By lying prone on the support modules, the user's body weight is distributed across multiple support points, and gravity naturally pulls the head forward and shoulders back, correcting posture without direct mechanical force on the neck or back muscles.
2Ease of operation
If neck stretchers are used to induce normal cervical curve, then the cervical spine alignment is improved, but there is a risk of worsening turtle neck syndrome
Solution Approach 1:
The head support module is positioned to create a counterbalancing effect against the user's body weight. The module's geometry and positioning generate an opposing moment that naturally pulls the head into correct alignment, using the user's own weight as the counterforce rather than applying external stretching forces that could exacerbate the condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-correction by positioning the head support module such that the user's own body weight, when distributed in prone position, automatically generates the corrective force needed to align the cervical spine. The structure is designed so that proper positioning of the body on the module creates the therapeutic effect without active user effort or risk of over-stretching.
3Ease of operation
If round back correction bands are used to support shoulder and chest muscles, then muscle support is improved, but the shoulder joint cannot be supported causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the support function into distinct modules: the head support module addresses cervical and shoulder alignment through head positioning, while the waist support module provides lumbar support. This segmentation replaces the band's attempt to support multiple areas simultaneously, allowing each module to focus on specific anatomical regions without creating pressure points or inadequate support elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The head support module acts as an intermediary that indirectly supports the shoulder joint by correcting head and neck positioning. By properly aligning the cervical spine through head support, the device reduces the strain on shoulder joints and surrounding muscles, eliminating pain without requiring direct shoulder joint support structures.
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 device reduces body imbalances like turtle neck syndrome and round shoulder without causing harm, improving pain relief and joint mobility by maintaining a balanced posture through gravity-assisted stretching.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a face support module and a link member that tilts the face support cushion to maintain a prone posture with the head higher than the feet, combined with a shoulder support module to adjust shoulder height, allowing gravity-induced stretching to reduce body imbalances.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for correcting posture is proposed. Specifically, to relieve body imbalances such as turtle neck syndrome and round shoulder without damaging the body through stretching using gravity, the device for correcting posture includes a face support module supporting the face of a user lying prone so that the user's head is located higher than the feet. The face support module includes a face support cushion having a cross section shaped into a horseshoe to support the edge of the facial area and jaws of the user, and a link member configured to tilt the face support cushion so that the face support cushion is inclined downward in a forward direction where the top of the user's head faces. The user lying prone can be maintained in a posture in which the jaws are pulled and the ears and shoulders are located in the same level.