Crescent Head Cradle Pillow for Stable Back Sleeping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing back sleeping pillows are either too rigid or too flimsy, failing to maintain the head in place and avoid facial skin contact during sleep, while side sleeping pillows often put undesired weight on the facial skin due to gravity.

Innovation Solution

A head cradle pillow with a base and opposed crescent-shaped support members made of down alternative microfiber material, laminated with down proof material and covered in 100% cotton fabric, designed to cradle the head and neck without touching the face, providing lateral support for restful back sleep.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid foam material is used for back sleeping pillow, then the pillow can maintain head position, but the pillow becomes warm and hard uncomfortable for sleep

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead position stabilityVSAvoidpillow temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining a down alternative insert (soft, temperature-regulating) with an outer shell containing bead chain stitching (rigid, position-maintaining). This allows the pillow to provide both thermal comfort and head position stability without the drawbacks of pure foam materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow is divided into distinct functional zones: a soft down alternative insert for comfort and temperature regulation, and a structured outer shell with bead chain stitching for position maintenance. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If a flimsy foam material is used for back sleeping pillow, then the pillow remains soft and comfortable, but the pillow cannot keep head in place or prevent facial skin contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepillow comfortVSAvoidhead position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a soft down alternative insert (for comfort and temperature regulation) with a structured outer shell containing bead chain stitching (for position stability). This composite structure provides both the softness needed for comfort and the rigidity needed to maintain head position and prevent facial skin contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow is segmented into a soft inner insert and a structured outer shell with specific stitching patterns. The inner insert provides comfort while the outer shell with bead chain stitching provides the necessary support and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If side sleeping pillow with cheek cutout is used, then the face can avoid direct contact, but the weight of head still compresses facial skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacial skin contactVSAvoidfacial skin pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic element (direct facial skin contact with pillow material) by designing a back-sleeping pillow with a contoured shape that cradles the head, leaving the face completely exposed and away from the pillow surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow's contoured design with bead chain stitching creates a support structure that counteracts the weight of the head, distributing it evenly across the back and neck areas while preventing the face from being compressed against any surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a structured pillow shape is used to cradle head, then head position is maintained, but the pillow structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead position stabilityVSAvoidpillow manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex pillow structure is achieved through segmentation into simple, manufacturable components: a down alternative insert and an outer shell with bead chain stitching. Each component can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled to create the final structured pillow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structured shape is created through composite construction rather than attempting to mold a single complex form. The outer shell with bead chain stitching is stitched onto the insert, allowing for modular manufacturing while achieving the desired head-cradling structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9414698B2Supportive head cradle pillow to aid in back sleeping and protect facial skin

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 SHEELER JOHNSON HELENE ELIZABETH

AI summary

An incredibly soft, yet supportive, form-fitting head cradle that aids in consistent and comfortable back sleep while eliminating pressure on, or anything touching, your facial skin during sleep. The Back to Beauty™ Anti Wrinkle Head Cradle is a support designed to cradle the head and neck and keep anything from touching facial skin. It is made with a down or alternatively micro fiber materials. It has unique crescent-shaped head supports to deliver the stability and comfort necessary for successful nights sleeping without anything touching the face.