Adjustable Pillow with Removable Stuffing for Multi-User Preference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pillow designs fail to accommodate diverse user preferences for shape and firmness efficiently, leading to the need for multiple pillows and increased costs and storage space.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable pillow design featuring a polyurethane foam inner cover with a reversing fold and a pocket system that allows for the removal and addition of independent polyurethane stuffing pieces, enabling users to adjust firmness and size through a selectively accessible pocket opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different pillows are provided to meet different user preferences, then user preference satisfaction is improved, but storage space requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser preference satisfactionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow is divided into a removable inner insert and an outer cover. The inner insert can be taken out and replaced with different inserts having different shapes, firmness levels, and configurations, allowing one pillow shell to serve multiple functions and replace the need for multiple pillows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow design allows dynamic reconfiguration through removable and replaceable inner inserts. Users can adjust the pillow's characteristics by swapping inserts rather than using multiple fixed pillows, enabling adaptability while reducing storage needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different pillows are provided to meet different user preferences, then user preference satisfaction is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser preference satisfactionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the pillow into a permanent outer cover and replaceable inner inserts, the design allows users to invest in one durable shell and multiple affordable inserts, reducing overall cost compared to purchasing multiple complete pillows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single outer cover serves as a universal container for multiple different inner inserts, allowing one pillow structure to provide the functionality of multiple pillows, thereby reducing total expenditure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If basic number of pillows is provided for each bed, then storage space is minimized, but user preference satisfaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoiduser preference satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The replaceable insert system transforms a static pillow into a dynamic, adjustable product. Users can modify the pillow's internal configuration to match their preferences without acquiring additional pillows, maintaining minimal storage requirements while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed pillow designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but customization capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the pillow into separate manufactured components (outer cover and inner inserts) allows each component to be produced using simple, standardized processes, while the combination of components provides extensive customization options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11160396B2Adjustable pillow

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 TR PRODUCTIONS LLC

AI summary

An adjustable pillow includes an inner cover defining a pocket and removable stuffing within the pocket. A related method of manufacture includes forming the inner cover having a pocket from a sheet and placing stuffing within the pocket.