Functionally supportive pillows and methods of preparation thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pillows fail to provide sufficient support and structural integrity while maintaining comfort, as they do not conform adequately to the body's shape, leading to a need for durable and comfortable functionally supportive pillows that offer increased support.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically responsive pillow design featuring an inner core of stretchy and durable synthetic fabric enclosing bead material, combined with an outer shell of stretchy and durable fabric, allowing for dynamic response to pressure and increased functional support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ordinary cushions and pillows are used, then comfort is provided, but support and structural integrity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport and structural integrityVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow is divided into an inner core containing bead material and an outer shell, creating a segmented structure that combines the support properties of beads with the comfort and durability of fabric layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow uses composite construction combining bead material (for support) with fabric materials (for comfort and durability), creating a multi-material system that delivers both structural integrity and comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If bean bag chairs are used, then comfort is provided, but sufficient support is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesupportVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow is divided into an inner core containing bead material and an outer shell, creating a segmented structure that combines the support properties of beads with the comfort and durability of fabric layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shell is constructed from stretchy and durable fabric that conforms to the body while maintaining structural integrity, providing a flexible yet supportive enclosure for the bead material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Shape

If stretchy fabric is used for the inner core, then body conformation is improved, but durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody conformationVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric is engineered with synthetic fibers that combine stretch properties for body conformation with durability enhancements through treatment processes, creating a multi-functional material that delivers both comfort and longevity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If the pillow provides increased body conformation, then support is improved, but the pillow may become less adaptable to different positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional supportVSAvoidadaptability to positions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bead material is contained in an inner core that allows dynamic movement and redistribution of beads in response to applied pressure, enabling the pillow to adapt its shape and support characteristics to different body positions and pressures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves greater than 50% body conformation, providing enhanced durability and support in various positions, including sitting, lying, and reclining, while being space-efficient and suitable for special requirements such as pregnancy or orthopedic needs.

Implementation Method 1

the bead material comprises a plurality of rounded particulates of polymeric foam capable of free flowing movement in the absence of constant pressure applied to the pillow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree flowing movement:

Implementation Method 2

the inner core is defined by a first fabric material shaped into a pre-defined form capable of enclosing the bead material, wherein said first fabric consists of one or more synthetic fibers engineered to be stretchy and durable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10869558B2Functionally supportive pillows and methods of preparation thereof
Publication Date: 2020.12.22 YOGIBO LLC
  • US10869558B2 patent drawing
  • US10869558B2 patent drawing
  • US10869558B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a functionally supportive pillow comprising a dynamically responsive combination of an inner core enclosing a bead material and an outer shell, such that the combination of the inner core with the outer shell creates a dynamic response to applied pressure to the pillow for increased functional support of said pillow.