Foldable Pillow Structure for Adjustable Cervical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cervical support pillows lack adjustability and versatility, failing to accommodate individual preferences in height and shape, and do not effectively support various sleeping positions or body parts beyond the neck.
Innovation Solution
A foldable right-angled pillow with two sections joined at a 90-degree angle via a seam, featuring recesses and tufted wells for customizable loft, and a zipper for adjusting fill to modify height and firmness, allowing it to be folded and used in multiple configurations to support the upper torso and limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pillow is designed with a fixed shape for cervical support, then cervical vertebra support is provided, but adjustability for individual preferences in height and shape is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple sections (first pillow section and second pillow section) that can be independently folded and positioned. This segmentation allows users to adjust the pillow's shape and height by folding different sections in different configurations, while each section maintains its cervical support function through the foldable seam design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow incorporates a foldable seam that enables dynamic reconfiguration of the pillow's shape and height. Users can fold and unfold the sections to create different angles and elevations, transforming the pillow from a fixed shape to an adaptable structure that responds to individual sleeping preferences and body positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pillow is designed with a fixed shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but versatility for various sleeping positions and body parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is constructed from multiple separable sections joined by foldable seams, maintaining relatively simple manufacturing for each individual section while enabling complex final configurations. The standardized foldable seam design simplifies assembly while the modular nature allows versatile arrangements for different sleeping positions and body support needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable pillow design creates a universal support structure that can serve multiple functions: supporting the head and neck in various positions, providing lumbar support, and accommodating different sleeping positions (back, side, stomach). The same basic structure with foldable sections adapts to diverse user needs without requiring multiple specialized pillows.
3Device complexity
If a pillow uses a traditional single-piece design, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ability to be folded and repositioned is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into first and second sections connected by a foldable seam, creating a simple modular structure. Each section can be independently folded and positioned, enabling easy reconfiguration without complex mechanisms. The foldable seam provides a straightforward hinge-like connection that maintains structural simplicity while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable seam introduces dynamic capability to the pillow structure, allowing users to easily fold and unfold sections to adjust the pillow's configuration. This dynamic element enables the pillow to be repositioned and reshaped without requiring complex mechanical systems, maintaining ease of operation while adding functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow which having a pillow user's most comfortable height and shape and which he can provide a comfortable sleep with a relaxed posture. The pillow has a first pillow section and a second pillow section joined at an angle that is between 75 and 105 degrees. A fold directing section is provided diagonally between an inner intersection and an outer intersection between the first pillow section and second pillow section.