Custom Orthotic Pillow System Using 3D Scanning for Spine Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows fail to properly align the head and spine during sleep due to their fixed shapes, which do not accommodate individual differences in neck lengths and head sizes, leading to potential physical issues such as neck pain and poor sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
A custom orthotic pillow system that uses a scanner to capture images and take measurements of a user's neck and head from multiple positions, generating a personalized pillow profile for creating a supportive pillow that promotes a neutral spine alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shape pillow design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the pillow cannot accommodate individual differences in neck lengths and head sizes, leading to misalignment of head and spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pillow adjustable rather than fixed. The pillow includes adjustable components that allow users to modify the pillow's shape, height, and firmness to suit their individual anatomical needs. This enables the same pillow base to adapt to different neck lengths, head sizes, and sleeping positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing modification of key pillow parameters such as loft height, firmness, and contouring. Users can adjust these parameters to match their specific anatomical measurements, transforming a one-size-fits-all design into a personalized solution without requiring completely different pillow designs for each user.
2Reliability
If a custom-fitted pillow is created for each user, then proper head and spine alignment is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing users with measurement tools and guides to self-measure their anatomical dimensions before purchasing. This preliminary measurement step allows the manufacturer to create a customized pillow profile based on pre-collected data, eliminating the need for complex post-purchase fitting processes while ensuring proper head and spine alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital or physical mold of the user's neck and head anatomy, then replicating the complementary shape in the pillow design. This copying approach ensures precise anatomical matching while streamlining manufacturing, as once the measurement process is established, multiple pillows can be produced using the same template or digital model.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional pillows are used, then they provide basic comfort during sleep, but they misalign the head with the spine, resulting in physical problems such as neck pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support in specific areas of the pillow rather than uniform support across the entire surface. The pillow features differentiated zones with varying firmness, contouring, and support characteristics that correspond to specific anatomical regions of the neck and head, addressing misalignment issues locally where they occur while maintaining overall comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a scanner-device, and a computer-device communicably-coupled to the scanner-device. The scanner-device is configured to scan a neck, head and shoulder of a user. The system is useful for providing a custom orthotic pillow based on the scan and individual measurements of the user. In this way a customized comfortable pillow can be achieved.