Apparatus for assisting sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows and cushions for babies do not provide a stable sleeping environment, leading to frequent wake-ups due to the Moro reflex and can contribute to head deformities like flat head syndrome, as they fail to support the baby's head and neck adequately when lying on their side.
Innovation Solution
A sleep-assisting apparatus with a main body and support portion that includes intersecting heads and bodies to support the baby's head and neck from the circumference, featuring an occipital region support step, back neck support step, and insertion groove to stabilize the baby's head and neck, along with first and second supports to stabilize the spine, all connected by a zipper for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cylindrical pillow is used to support the baby's body, then the baby can be positioned for sleep, but the baby's head and neck are not adequately supported from the circumference, leading to frequent wake-ups due to the Moro reflex
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional segments: a head support portion with circumferential support structures, a body support portion, and connecting portions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the head support portion provides circumferential support to prevent Moro reflex, while the body support portion maintains proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pillow have different structural properties tailored to their functions. The head support portion features thicker circumferential support walls and recesses specifically designed to cradle the head and neck, while the body support portion has a different structure optimized for body positioning. This local differentiation ensures adequate head and neck support without compromising overall sleep stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pillows are used for head shape correction, then they can correct head shape when the baby lies on their back, but they fail to provide support when the baby lies on their side
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is designed with multi-functional capabilities to serve different purposes: the circumferential support structures and recesses in the head support portion can correct head shape by providing targeted pressure when the baby lies on their back, while the same structures simultaneously provide stable side-lying support when the baby turns to their side. This universal design eliminates the need for separate pillows for different positions.
3Volume of stationary object
If a simple cylindrical cushion is disposed close to the baby's body, then it occupies minimal space, but it does not wrap around the baby's body to create a stable sleeping environment
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow transitions from a simple two-dimensional cylindrical surface to a three-dimensional structure with circumferential support walls and recesses that wrap around the baby's head and neck. This dimensional enhancement allows the pillow to create a cocoon-like environment that provides stable support without requiring excessive volume, as the support is achieved through strategic structural features rather than bulk material.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assisting sleep according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body which includes two bodies configured to support the body of a baby and configured so that one end portion of one body and one end portion of the other body are connected to each other and two heads formed at the other end portions of the two bodies and stacked while intersecting with each other to support the head of the baby; and a support portion which is formed at the main body and configured to support the head and neck of the baby from a circumference thereof.