Cooling pillow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pillows lack effective temperature regulation, as phase change materials (PCMs) are diluted when mixed into the chemical composition or surrounded by thermal insulators, reducing their ability to maintain a comfortable sleep temperature, and pillow covers inhibit airflow, further decreasing breathability.
Innovation Solution
A cooling pillow design featuring a block of solid, resilient, compressible foam with perforations and a microencapsulated phase change material (PCM) layer on its surface, combined with a breathable pillow protector and cover to enhance airflow and temperature regulation, allowing for improved heat absorption and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If phase change material is mixed into the chemical composition of foam prior to pillow formation, then the PCM is incorporated into the pillow structure, but the PCM is diluted and its temperature regulation ability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pillow into distinct functional zones: a cooling zone with concentrated PCM in a pouch, and a support zone with foam. This segmentation prevents dilution of PCM while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the PCM to effectively regulate temperature without being diluted throughout the entire foam matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the PCM from the foam chemical composition and places it in a separate pouch within the cooling zone. This extraction prevents the PCM from being diluted in the foam, concentrating its temperature regulation properties where they are most needed while maintaining the foam's structural support function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If phase change material is mixed into the interior of foam volume, then the PCM is distributed throughout the pillow, but discreet PCM locations are surrounded by foam which acts as thermal insulator and inhibits heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts PCM from the foam interior and places it in a pouch located in the cooling zone, eliminating the insulating foam barrier between PCM and the user's head. This allows direct thermal contact and efficient heat exchange while maintaining PCM distribution through the pouch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates PCM in the cooling zone where thermal exchange is most needed, rather than uniformly distributing it throughout the foam. This local concentration optimizes heat exchange efficiency at the user-contact surface while the rest of the foam provides structural support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional pillow covers are used to protect the pillow, then the pillow is protected from moisture and soiling, but airflow is inhibited and breathability is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous or mesh-like pillow cover material that allows airflow to pass through while still providing protection from moisture and soiling. This porous structure maintains breathability and cooling effects while preserving the protective function of the cover.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design provides a comfortable and supportive pillow that maintains a balanced sleep temperature by maximizing airflow and utilizing PCMs effectively, enhancing sleep quality by regulating temperature and reducing discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
A phase change material (PCM) is a substance that has a high heat of fusion and that is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy by melting and solidifying at certain temperatures
Implementation Method 2
PCMs are classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units. Heat is absorbed or released when the material changes from solid to liquid and vice versa
Implementation Method 3
combined with a breathable pillow protector and cover to enhance airflow and temperature regulation
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling pillow generates a gust of cooled air when compressed. A solid, resilient, compressible foam block forms a core of the cooling pillow. A phase change material layer adhered to a surface of the foam block. Holes can be formed in the foam block to enhance the feel of the pillow and to improve the speed at which air is displaced when the cooling pillow is compressed. A pillow protector encloses of lightweight breathable material encloses the foam block. The pillow protector prevents the foam block and cooling layer from being abraded during insertion and removal from a pillow case. The pillow case encloses the pillow protector, which in tour holds the foam block and cooling layer. The pillow case has a breathable surface. The breathable surface is oriented to overly the cooling layer. A performance material can be used to form the breathable surface. To use the cooling pillow, the cooling pillow is oriented with the cooling layer and the breathable surface facing upward. The user then rests his or her head on the top of the pillow and compresses the cooling pillow with the weight of his or her head. As the pillow compresses, air is displaced and is cooled by the phase change material in the cooling layer. The result is a gust of cooled air against the user's head and neck.