Wrappable Seat Blanket with Wing Segmentation for Task Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blankets are difficult to use in a seated position, often shifting or bunching up, limiting user mobility and interfering with tasks, and are not adaptable to different seating arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A wrappable seat blanket with wings and adjustable straps that attach to a seat, featuring cutouts to prevent bunching and interference, allowing secure wrapping around the user without hindering movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a typical blanket is used while seated, then warmth is provided, but the blanket shifts or bunches up due to body movements and interferes with task performance
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket is divided into a body portion and separate wing members that can be independently positioned. The wing members wrap around the user's arms and hands, allowing the main body portion to remain stable while the wings adapt to arm movements during task performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The blanket incorporates elastic portions and flexible wing members that can dynamically adjust to body movements. The elastic portions stretch and retract with natural body motions, preventing the blanket from shifting or bunching up while maintaining warmth.
2Temperature
If a blanket is wrapped around the user to retain body heat, then warmth is improved, but user movement is limited and the blanket does not retain its position
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket uses flexible fabric materials that conform to the user's body shape and movements. The thin, pliable construction allows the blanket to move with the user rather than restricting motion, while still maintaining effective heat retention through body contouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with separate wing members allows different portions of the blanket to move independently. The wings can follow arm movements while the body portion remains in place, providing both freedom of motion and positional stability.
3Temperature
If a travel wrap with wing members is used to enclose the seat occupant, then warmth and privacy are provided, but the user's ability to perform tasks is substantially hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket separates the body covering function from the arm coverage function. The wing members are designed to wrap around the arms and hands, leaving the hands free to perform tasks while the body portion provides warmth.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic, flexible construction allows the wing members to move with the user's arms during task performance. The elastic portions stretch to accommodate hand movements and releasing actions, enabling task performance while maintaining warmth.
4Temperature
If a blanket is designed for child car seats, then it provides warmth for children, but it impedes the driver's motion or interferes with the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket is designed with a universal fit that can be used on various seat types including adult car seats, office chairs, and other seating arrangements. The adjustable wing members and elastic portions adapt to different body sizes and seat configurations, making it versatile across applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible, dynamic construction allows the blanket to adapt to different seating arrangements and user positions. The wing members can be positioned to accommodate steering wheels in vehicle settings or armrests in office chair settings, providing universal compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a wrappable blanket for use upon a seat. In some embodiments, the blanket comprises a length, a width, and at least one corner having a concave curvature. The length and width form a blanket portion and first and second wings extending from opposing ends of the blanket portion. Each of the at least one corners forms a cutout in the shape of a quarter-circle. The blanket may further include upper and lower straps with fasteners attached thereto. A method of using the blanket comprises providing the blanket upon a seat structure; wrapping the upper straps over a backrest of the seat structure and the lower straps under a base of the seat structure and engaging free ends of the straps with the fastener ends; positioning a user upon the blanket portion; and folding and securing the wings over the user with hook and loop material.