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Neck Support for Alanna
The myriad rare conditions that a person can be born with means that not everyone can have an off the shelf solution for the challenges they face. Alana has an unknown condition that, among other things, caused her head to lean uncomfortably to one side. Our solution was a head rest that she could use to keep her head upright while not being restrictive like a neck brace.
Prototyping
Different materials and mechanical designs were iterated to find something inobtrusive for Alana. Different layers of foams were used to provide dynamic resistance that increased the further her head got out of a comfortable range of motion.
Finished Product
After consulting with a physio-therapist, the final product uses a plastic clipping mechanism over the metal hook for greater safety in car crashes. The attachment at the front is likewise even more vertically oriented to completely avoid choking hazards in car-crashes. The doberman pattern was chosen to remind Alana of her dog rosie.
Final Iteration
The final design prototype avoids crossing over or wrapping around Alana's neck for comfort and safety. It attaches instead to her wheelchair at the front and back allowing the cushioning to be presented as close to her face as possible without being easily displaced by her movements.
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