Pillow structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillow structures have a fixed height, which cannot be adjusted to accommodate different sleeping positions, leading to discomfort and inefficient support for the head and neck, affecting blood circulation.
Innovation Solution
A pillow structure featuring a base plate with elastic cushions and adjusting devices connected by wires, allowing the cushions to change curvature and adjust the height of the pillow to provide optimal support for various sleeping positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pillow structure uses a fixed height design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different sleeping positions and provides insufficient support for head and neck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pillow height adjustable through elastic cushions that can be stretched or compressed. The pillow transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one where users can modify the height by pulling the elastic cushions, allowing adaptation to different sleeping positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pillow into multiple functional components: a base plate, multiple elastic cushions, and a buffering layer. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each cushion to achieve the desired height and support characteristics, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the pillow structure uses a fixed buffering layer position, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot efficiently support the user's head and neck when compressed by gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering layer is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift position in response to user needs and gravitational compression. This dynamic positioning capability enhances support efficiency without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the elasticity of the cushions naturally drives the buffering layer to its optimal position.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow structure employs self-service through the elastic cushions that automatically adjust the buffering layer position based on compression forces. When the user lies on the pillow, the cushions compress and the buffering layer naturally shifts to provide appropriate support, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the pillow structure compresses downward under user gravity, then the buffering layer contacts the user's head and neck, but it cannot maintain sufficient support height affecting blood circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cushions function as counterweight elements that resist the compressive force of the user's head and neck. When compressed, the cushions store elastic energy and exert an opposing upward force, maintaining the buffering layer at an appropriate height to support blood circulation while still allowing necessary contact for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow structure incorporates beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the buffering layer and elastic cushions to provide anticipatory support. The cushions are designed to compress in a controlled manner before the buffering layer loses sufficient height, ensuring continuous support for head and neck alignment and blood circulation throughout the sleeping position transition.
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 adjustable pillow structure ensures comfortable support for the head and neck by allowing the buffering layer to protrude outward and adjusting height according to user requirements, enhancing blood circulation and comfort during different sleeping positions.
Implementation Method 1
elastic cushions mounted on a base plate, and adjusting devices connected with the elastic cushions. Each of the elastic cushions is connected with the connecting wire of each of the adjusting devices. Each of the elastic cushions has a fixed portion and has two ends. The two ends of each of the elastic cushions are connected and drawn by the connecting wire which is drawn by each of the adjusting devices, to change a curvature of each of the elastic cushions
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow structure includes a pillow, a buffering layer mounted in the pillow, a base plate mounted on a bottom of the buffering layer and received in the pillow, and elastic cushions mounted on the base plate and drawn by adjusting devices. The elastic cushions are mounted on the bottom face of the base plate to support and adjust the height of the pillow, such that the pillow has an optimum height to provide a comfortable sensation to a user when sleeping at a supine position and sleeping sideways. The elastic cushions are also mounted on the top face of the base plate to push the buffering layer of the pillow so as to support the user's head and neck.