Support pillow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pillows fail to effectively support the head and neck in a back-sleeping position, leading to pressure on facial areas and potential discomfort, which can hinder healing and cosmetic procedures, and do not adequately prevent facial wrinkles or alleviate pain associated with various medical and surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely shaped pillow with a contoured design and padded, crescent-shaped side members made of hypoallergenic polyester, covered in cotton/polyester fabric, that supports the head and neck to maintain a back-sleeping position, reducing pressure on the face and promoting comfort and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional pillow is used, then the head and neck can be supported, but facial areas experience direct pressure causing wrinkles and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into distinct functional zones: a first region for head support that contours to the back of the head and neck, and a second region for face support that is elevated and separated from the head support region. This segmentation allows the pillow to support the head and neck while preventing direct facial pressure by creating spatial separation between the face and the supporting surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow incorporates vertical elevation by positioning the face support region at a higher level than the head support region. This dimensional change creates an inclined geometry that naturally elevates the face away from direct contact with the horizontal supporting surface, thereby eliminating facial pressure while maintaining head and neck support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pillow promotes back sleeping position, then facial wrinkles are prevented, but the pillow design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow applies different structural characteristics to different regions: the head support region features a contoured shape that fits the natural curvature of the head and neck, while the face support region is elevated and positioned to prevent facial contact. This localized differentiation of structural properties enables the pillow to promote back sleeping and prevent wrinkles without requiring overly complex overall design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pillow provides firm support for head and neck, then proper alignment is maintained, but comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow employs region-specific firmness and support characteristics: the head support region provides firm contoured support to maintain proper head and neck alignment, while the face support region offers elevated, gentle support that prevents facial pressure. This localized variation in support quality simultaneously achieves stable alignment and enhanced comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaped support pillow for supporting the head while promoting a back-resting position, The support pillow having a base portion having opposing front and rear edge portions wherein a central portion of the base portion is configured to support against the back of a person's head and wherein a front edge portion is configured to support against the top of the shoulder area of a person. The support pillow further includes first and second opposing supporting members extending from opposing side portions of the base portion configured to envelope and support the back side region of a person's head and neck while limiting the turning of the head.