Adjustable Travel Pillow Pockets for Head and Neck Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional travel pillows for upright positions often cause head and neck strain by pushing the user's head away from the chair, and they are typically one-size-fits-all, failing to provide customized support.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pocketed pillow design with adjustable side pockets and removable inserts that provide lateral support, allowing for customization of fit and preventing the head from being pushed forward, featuring hook and loop connectors for adjustment and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional U-shaped travel pillow with uniform thickness is used, then the pillow provides basic head support, but it actively pushes the user's head away from the chair back, causing head and neck strain
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple zones with different thicknesses: a first zone with greater thickness for lateral support, a second zone with intermediate thickness, and a third zone with least thickness. This segmentation allows different portions of the pillow to perform different functions, providing head support without pushing the head forward.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pillow have different thickness characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first zone has greater thickness to provide lateral support against the head, the second zone has intermediate thickness for transitional support, and the third zone has least thickness to minimize forward pressure on the head.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-size-fits-all travel pillow is used, then the pillow is simple and easy to manufacture, but it does not allow users to customize the shape or thickness to their particular comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates adjustable elements including a drawstring mechanism that allows users to adjust the tightness and fit of the pillow cover, and removable inserts that can be taken out and washed separately. This provides customization capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow is constructed as an assembly of separate components including a pillow cover, removable inserts, and adjustment mechanisms. This modular construction allows for customization of fit and thickness while keeping each component simple to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pillow uses adjustable components and multiple pockets, then the pillow can be customized to individual preferences, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms use simple drawstring systems and removable inserts rather than complex mechanical components. The drawstring passes through channels in the pillow cover, allowing easy adjustment of fit without requiring complex fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable components serve multiple functions: the drawstring system adjusts both the fit and the effective thickness of the pillow, the removable inserts provide both customization of support and ease of cleaning, and the multiple pockets accommodate different insert configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A recliner and travel pillow includes a main body having a flat central portion, a first pocket and a second pocket disposed along either side of the central portion, and a pair of pillow inserts having a size and dimension that is complementary to the first and second pockets. An adjustment unit is disposed along the flat central portion for adjusting a distance between the first and second pockets and a plurality of connectors are disposed within the first and second pockets, functioning to adjust a dimension of the pockets, and to secure the pockets in a closed position.