Cavity contour pillow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows fail to support normal lordosis of the cervical spine during sleep, and existing contour pillows lack adjustability and flexibility to accommodate different users, leading to musculoskeletal issues.
Innovation Solution
A pillow design featuring multiple support surfaces at varying heights and configurations, including interchangeable inserts, to provide customizable support and positioning options for optimal cervical spine alignment and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pillows filled with down feathers or cotton are used, then comfort is improved, but support for normal lordosis of the cervical spine deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple zones with different support heights (first support surface at first height, second support surface at second height, third support surface at third height). Each zone serves a specific function: higher zones support the cervical lordosis curve, while lower zones provide comfort and allow head penetration, resolving the contradiction between comfort and lordosis support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pillow have different structural properties. The higher support surfaces are designed with greater height to support the neck and maintain lordosis, while the lower head support surface is designed to be penetrable by the head for comfort. This local differentiation allows the pillow to simultaneously provide both comfort and reliable lordosis support.
2Reliability
If existing contour pillows are used, then support for cervical spine is improved, but adaptability to different users and positioning options deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates adjustable elements that allow users to modify the support configuration according to their needs. The pillow can adapt to different sleeping positions (supine, side-lying) and accommodate users of different sizes by adjusting which support surfaces are utilized, thereby maintaining reliable cervical support while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow is designed with multiple support surfaces at different heights that can serve different functions depending on the user's needs. The same pillow structure can support supine sleepers using the higher cervical supports, side-lying sleepers using lateral supports, and accommodate various head sizes, making it universally applicable while maintaining reliable support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support surfaces at varying heights are implemented, then adaptability and positioning options are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support surfaces at different heights are integrated into a single unified pillow structure rather than being separate components. The first, second, and third support surfaces are combined in one pillow body, allowing the complex functionality to be achieved through a cohesive design that manages complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow can include a head support surface configured to support at least a portion of a person's head, a first support having a first support surface with a first apex disposed at a first height a second support having a second support surface with a second apex disposed at a second height, and a third support having a third support surface with a third apex disposed at a third height. The support surfaces can support at least a portion of a person's neck when at least a portion of their head is in contact with the head support surface. One or more of the heights can differ from one or more other heights. A pillow can include one or more openings and one or more inserts configured to be disposed therein.