Flat-Back Travel Pillow Structure for Full Neck Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current travel pillows fail to provide adequate neck support in various head positions, often causing neck strain by forcing the head forward and lacking support in rearward positions due to their U-shape design.
Innovation Solution
A travel pillow with a U-shaped, pliable base cushion and a second U-shaped raised cushion, both made from memory foam, providing a flush surface for neck support and adjustable to fit different headrests and seats, along with a removable cover and pockets for storage, and a drawstring with a cinch mechanism for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional U-shaped travel pillow is used, then the pillow provides basic neck support, but it forces the head forward causing neck strain and does not provide adequate support in left, right, and forward positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional zones: a rear support bar portion for headrest contact, side support portions for lateral head positioning, and a front support portion for forward head positioning. This segmentation allows each zone to provide targeted support for different head positions without forcing the head forward.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pillow have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions. The rear support bar is substantially flat for headrest contact, while the side portions are raised to support lateral head positions, and the front portion is configured to support forward head positions. This local differentiation provides comprehensive support without causing neck strain.
2Reliability
If a U-shaped travel pillow is used, then the pillow provides compact support, but it lacks support in rearward positions due to the gap of the U-shape
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is designed to provide universal support for multiple head positions (rearward, left, right, and forward) through its multi-component structure. The rear support bar extends backward to provide headrest contact, while the side and front portions accommodate various lateral and forward positions, making the pillow adaptable to diverse travel conditions and head positions.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional travel pillow is used, then the pillow provides basic comfort, but it forces the head forward in a rearward position
Solution Approach 1:
The rear support bar is positioned and configured to contact the headrest before the head can be forced forward. This preliminary support structure prevents the harmful forward head positioning by providing counter-support at the rear, allowing the head to rest comfortably in a natural position against the headrest.
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 pillow offers ergonomic support for all head positions without causing undue strain, preventing forward head positioning and allowing for comfortable use with headphones, while the adjustable design and storage features enhance usability during travel.
Implementation Method 1
The inner peripheral walls of the base and raised cushions are mutually flush, providing a comfortable surface for the neck. Both made from memory foam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a U-shaped travel pillow having a base cushion and raised cushion fixed to the top side of the base cushion. The inner peripheral walls of the base and raised cushions are mutually flush, while the rear walls are mutually flush and substantially flat for better contact with flat surfaces, such as a headrest, seat, or chair. Furthermore, the rear wall of the raised cushion is thinner than the sides, providing more liberty to adjust head position by easily adapting to the shape of the headrest, seat or chair. A removable cover is adapted to cover the base and raised cushions, while a drawstring with an adjustable cinch mechanism can be used for adjusting the travel pillow around the neck.