Prototypes

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This is a prototype sketch for a hat that provides relief from scalp pain. I was recently diagnosed with a hormonal condition resulting in localized pain and hair loss and have found relief in targeted heat, ice, and massaging, So I decided to create a prototype that could not only help me, but scores of others with this. medical condition.

The Relief Hat is essentially a plastic disc that can fit inside the bowl of any hat. The plastic disc is covered in heat-sealed pockets into which widgets can be easily inserted. My plan is to develop a way to make efficient and miniaturized versions of these solutions to act as insertable widgets. With the plastic disc having room for the widgets to be inserted anywhere, the Relief Hat will allow users to target pain points, or bald spots on their scalp, with whatever pain relief works best for them. 

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The mini heat pack is a heat sealed pocket filled with clean water, and includes a small metal button containing sodium acetate. When the button is snapped, the pocket is flooded with the non-toxic chemical, which is then able to create a heat-inducing, exothermic reaction in the water and produces heat. The pocket can be easily reheated by microwaving in a bowl of water or boiling. The mini ice pack works by utilizing an already-existing cold formula. It is a pocket filled with the Cooler Shock Gel- a long-lasting and high quality gel. It can be easily refrozen in a “Freezing Pouch” which would be included with the device. Finally, the mini massager is a small vibration motor powered by an internal battery. The entire mechanism is coated in a removable silicone (so the user can peel off the silicone and change the battery), and the switch is accessible for easy use .

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A lot of people suffering with hair loss often use a hair covering or hat that is special to them, or that they feel most comfortable wearing. With this innovation, they can find comfort in inserting a long-term relief into their own hat, and they can wear the device outside the house, as well. With the ability to provide such subtle and targeted relief, the Relief Hat is exploring a market that is not often tapped by larger corporations, and is entirely customizable to the user as no two afflictions are identical.