Cushioned covers for cushions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pillow covers lack enhanced cushioning capabilities, as they do not effectively integrate secondary cushioning elements to augment the support and comfort provided by primary cushioning elements.

Innovation Solution

A cover design featuring a primary receptacle with secondary cushioning elements on both panels, where the secondary cushioning elements are compressible, resilient elastomeric materials forming hexagonal cells or columns, enhancing the cushioning effect by being securely integrated within the cover's structure and accessible through a primary opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional pillow covers are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cushioning capability and support are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning capabilityVSAvoidcover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested cushioning by placing a primary cushioning element inside a cover that contains secondary cushioning elements integrated into the cover panels. The secondary cushioning elements are positioned between the cover panels and the primary cushioning element, creating a multi-layered nested structure where each layer contributes to the overall cushioning effect, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and enhanced cushioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite cushioning structures by combining primary cushioning elements (such as pillow inserts) with secondary cushioning elements (such as foam layers or air pockets) within the same cover system. This composite approach integrates different cushioning materials and mechanisms to achieve superior support and comfort while maintaining a unified cover structure that balances complexity with performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If secondary cushioning elements are integrated into the cover, then support and comfort are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport and comfortVSAvoidcover assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cushioning system into separate functional segments: a removable primary cushioning element and a cover with integrated secondary cushioning elements. This segmentation allows the secondary cushioning elements to be pre-integrated into the cover panels during manufacturing, while the primary element can be independently produced and later assembled, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining enhanced support and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-integrating the secondary cushioning elements into the cover panels before final assembly with the primary cushioning element. This preliminary integration ensures that the secondary cushioning layers are properly positioned and secured within the cover structure, simplifying the final assembly process and ensuring reliable support and comfort without requiring complex manufacturing operations at the final assembly stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the cover includes multiple cushioning layers, then the cushioning effect is superior, but the weight and volume of the cover increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning effectVSAvoidcover weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning secondary cushioning elements specifically at key locations within the cover panels where additional support is most needed, rather than uniformly distributing cushioning material throughout the entire cover. This localized approach enhances the cushioning effect at critical contact points while minimizing the overall weight and volume increase associated with multi-layer cushioning structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 integration of secondary cushioning elements within the cover significantly enhances the cushioning effect, providing superior support and comfort by altering the manner in which the primary cushioning element interacts with body parts, such as the head or back, while maintaining modularity for easy maintenance and customization.

Implementation Method 1

The compressible, resilient elastomeric material that defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls defining an array of cells or columns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20200390247A1Cushioned covers for cushions

Publication Date: 2020.12.17 PURPLE INNOVATION LLC

AI summary

A cover for a cushion includes a first panel, a second panel, and a primary receptacle defined between the first panel and the second panel. The primary receptacle may receive a primary cushioning element, such as a pillow, a pillow insert, or a fill material. At least one of the first panel and the second panel includes a secondary cushioning element. The secondary cushioning element may be defined from a compressible, resilient elastomeric material that defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls that in turn define an array of open cells or columns. Each cell or column may have a hexagonal shape, imparting the array of open cells or columns with a honeycomb appearance. Methods for assembling a primary cushioning element with such a cover are also disclosed.