Gel Elastomer Pillow Structure for Pressure-Responsive Neck Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows lack optimal support and comfort, often becoming too soft over time due to the loss of shape and inability to maintain spinal alignment, especially when pressure exceeds a threshold, leading to discomfort and loss of support.
Innovation Solution
A pillow featuring a gelatinous elastomer cushion with deformable wall members that buckle under pressure, distributing the load and maintaining support, combined with a pillow cover that minimizes the feel of these deformable elements, ensuring comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pillow materials (synthetic foam, fiber, down) are used, then the pillow is soft and comfortable initially, but it loses shape and support over time when pressure exceeds threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates deformable wall members that dynamically respond to applied pressure by buckling when pressure exceeds a threshold level. This dynamic behavior allows the pillow to adapt its structural rigidity based on load conditions, maintaining support during normal use while providing comfort through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow structure changes its mechanical parameters (rigidity, shape) in response to pressure changes. The deformable wall members transition between rigid and buckled states based on pressure threshold, enabling the pillow to maintain optimal support characteristics across different usage conditions.
2Reliability
If the pillow cushion is made entirely of gelatinous elastomer, then it maintains shape and support, but the deformable wall members create an uneven surface that reduces comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow cover is designed with differentiated local properties: it includes a smooth outer surface that contacts the user for comfort, while the inner surface interfaces with the deformable wall members. This local quality differentiation allows the cover to minimize the feel of deformable elements while preserving their structural function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow cover acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the deformable wall members. It smooths out the uneven surface created by buckling wall members, transferring only the necessary structural support function while filtering out the uncomfortable tactile sensations of the deformable elements.
3Reliability
If deformable wall members are added to distribute pressure, then support is maintained under load, but the structural complexity of the cushion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gelatinous elastomer cushion is segmented into multiple functional zones: solid portions that provide structural integrity and deformable wall members that provide pressure distribution. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow cushion combines different material phases within the gelatinous elastomer: solid portions and deformable wall members with different mechanical properties. This composite structure enables the cushion to exhibit both rigidity and deformability in appropriate locations, achieving pressure distribution without excessive complexity.
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 provides enhanced comfort and support by distributing pressure through buckling deformable wall members, maintaining shape and spinal alignment, and preventing the pillow from becoming too soft, thus ensuring consistent support throughout the night.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable wall members are configured to buckle when a pressure applied to a cushioning surface of the pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to the first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level.
Implementation Method 2
The pillow cushion consists essentially of a gelatinous elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow includes a pillow cushion consisting essentially of a gelatinous elastomer that is sized and configured to support a head and neck of a person using the pillow cushion. The pillow cushion has a first major surface, a second major surface, and deformable wall members extending between the first major surface and the second major surface. The deformable wall members are located and configured to define voids therebetween such that the deformable wall members may be displaced into adjacent voids upon deformation of the deformable wall members. The deformable wall members are configured to buckle when a pressure applied to a cushioning surface of the pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to the first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level. A pillow cover covers the pillow cushion. A method of fabricating a pillow includes enclosing such a cushion in a pillow cover.