Wearable Head Support Harness with Elastic Counterbalance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Extended periods of working with the head inclined downward lead to neck strain, fatigue, and discomfort due to the lack of effective support systems that can freely move with the user's head while performing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A wearable harness system with a shoulder harness and a head support mechanism, including a support bracket and a rest member that extends across the forehead or around the head, providing a counterbalancing force through elastic elements or pulleys to offset the weight of the head, allowing for movement without interfering with arm support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the head is inclined downward to perform tasks, then task visualization and performance are improved, but neck strain and fatigue increase due to lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by using elastic elements (springs) that provide an upward counterbalancing force to offset the downward gravitational force on the user's head. The elastic element is configured to exert a force that compensates for the weight of the head, thereby reducing the net force on the neck structures and minimizing strain during prolonged downward head inclination tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing elastic elements with specific force characteristics that vary with displacement. The elastic force increases as the head moves downward, providing progressive support that adapts to the user's head position and movement, thereby maintaining optimal support force while allowing natural head motion during task performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a head support device is added to support the head, then neck strain is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the head support function with the existing arm support system by integrating the head support components (bracket, elastic element, rest member) into the same wearable harness structure. This combination allows the system to provide both arm and head support through a unified device, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable harness system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an arm support mechanism and a head support mechanism. The same harness structure that supports the arms also carries the head support components, allowing a single device to perform multiple support functions and thereby avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid head support structure is used, then head position stability is improved, but head movement freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics principle by replacing rigid support structures with elastic elements that allow dynamic movement. The elastic element enables the head support system to adapt to natural head movements while maintaining support, providing both stability during static positions and freedom during dynamic tasks. The rest member is configured to contact the forehead and allow movement within a controlled range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible rest member (such as a padded band or flexible contact element) that contacts the user's forehead. This flexible component provides stable support through continuous contact while accommodating head movements, rotations, and position changes without restricting freedom of motion, thereby combining stability with adaptability.
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 system effectively reduces neck strain and fatigue by providing a counterbalancing force to the weight of the head, enabling users to perform tasks with their head in various positions without discomfort, while allowing for free movement and adjustable support based on the user's needs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element coupled between the forehead band and the Y-frame bar
Implementation Method 2
The cord may extend through a pulley that is free to rotate about the Y-frame bar
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for supporting a head of a user, e.g., while the user inclines their head downward, leans forward, and the like, for extended periods of time. In an exemplary embodiment, a harness is provided that is configured to be worn on a body of a user, the harness including a shoulder harness configured to be worn over or around one or both shoulders of the user, and a head support. The head support may include a support bracket including a first end mounted to the harness, and a rest member coupled to a second end of the support bracket such that the rest member extends across a forehead of the user and/or at least partially around the user's head when the harness is worn for supporting the user's forehead.