Ergonomic body pillow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body pillows fail to address the need for varying widths between the lower and upper extremities and lack sufficient support in the torso and upper extremity region, which contributes to issues like chronic back pain, upper cross syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome during side-sleeping.
Innovation Solution
A body pillow with a cylindrical bolster portion for the torso and upper extremities and a cuboid, firm portion for the lower extremities, designed to maintain a neutral body position by customizing to individual measurements, using materials like memory foam and fabric batting, and secured with a removable pillowcase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-width body pillow is used, then it can be placed between the extremities, but it cannot provide different widths for lower and upper extremity support
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into two distinct segments: a first portion with a first width for placement between lower extremities, and a second portion with a second width for placement between upper extremities. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a unified pillow structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pillow are designed with different widths to match the specific anatomical requirements of different body regions. The first portion has a width suitable for the lower extremities while the second portion has a width suitable for the upper extremities, providing locally optimized support.
2Strength
If a thin pillow is used, then it is easier to fit between extremities, but it cannot provide sufficient support for the torso and upper extremity region
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates a third portion with a third width specifically designed to provide support in the torso and upper extremity region. This portion has different dimensional characteristics than the other portions, providing localized enhanced support where needed without increasing the overall size of the pillow.
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 ergonomic design provides targeted support, reducing strain and discomfort by maintaining a neutral position during side-sleeping, alleviating chronic back pain and related syndromes.
Implementation Method 1
using materials like memory foam and fabric batting
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic body pillow includes a substantially cuboid portion joined to a substantially cylindrical portion. The diameter of the cylindrical portion is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cuboid portion. The substantially cuboid portion is firmer than the cylindrical portion. The body pillow keeps the body in a neutral position while side-sleeping.