Portable Head and Neck Pillow With Occiput Recess for Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional travel pillows fail to provide optimal support and comfort for the head and neck in various positions, particularly during travel or in medical settings, as they often push the head forward, allow lateral movement, or lack adequate depth for proper alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A portable head and neck support pillow with a unique design featuring a headrest, side rests, and a strap system that includes a concave recess for the occiput, tapered sections for alignment, and adjustable components to accommodate different positions, made from materials like memory foam or biodegradable materials, ensuring stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional travel pillows are used to support the head and neck, then portability is improved, but head and neck alignment and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional zones: a headrest portion with a curved interior for the head, a neck support portion with an arch shape for the neck, and side rest portions for lateral support. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining overall portability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pillow have different densities and firmness levels. The neck support portion has a specific density range (1.5-3.0 lbs/cu ft) to provide firm support, while the headrest portion has a different density (2.0-4.0 lbs/cu ft) for comfort. This local variation in material properties optimizes both support and portability.
2Strength
If firm support is provided to prevent head dropping, then neck support is improved, but lateral movement restriction and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side rest portions extend from the shoulders to the top of the head and are positioned to restrict lateral movement while allowing natural head positioning. The curved interior of the headrest portion cradles the head without forcing it into an unnatural position, balancing support with comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest portion has a curved interior that matches the natural contour of the head, providing firm support while accommodating lateral variations in head position. The arch-shaped bottom portion contours to the neck and shoulders, allowing natural movement while maintaining support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pillow supports multiple positions (supine, upright, reclined), then versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is designed with a universal structure that can support the head and neck in multiple positions: supine (lying on back), upright (sitting), and reclined (leaning back). The combination of the headrest portion, neck support portion, and side rest portions creates a multi-functional device that adapts to different user needs without requiring multiple separate pillows.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with distinct functional zones (headrest, neck support, side rests) allows the pillow to adapt to different positions. Each segment can independently accommodate various angles and positions, providing versatility without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adequate depth is provided for proper alignment, then head and neck support is improved, but pillow size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow provides adequate support depth through segmentation rather than uniform thickness. The neck support portion has sufficient depth to maintain alignment, while the headrest and side rest portions are optimized for their specific functions. This segmented approach achieves proper alignment without requiring excessive overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow uses local variations in density and thickness to provide adequate support depth where needed. The neck support portion has a density of 1.5-3.0 lbs/cu ft and sufficient thickness for alignment, while other portions are optimized for comfort and portability. This local optimization achieves alignment without excessive overall volume.
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 effectively supports the head and neck in supine, upright, and reclined positions, preventing lateral movement and promoting proper alignment, thus enhancing comfort and sleep quality during travel and in medical recovery settings.
Implementation Method 1
made from materials like memory foam or biodegradable materials
Data Source
AI summary
The support pillow assembly includes a portable support pillow designed to provide optimal head and adjacent neck support for the user in upright and/or reclined seated and supine positions. The pillow is optionally configured with a hole to securely support the occiput. The pillow may be configured in a taller or shorter profile. The pillow is tapered in a manner that maintains the user's neck and head in proper alignment. The support pillow assembly is constructed of single piece foam which is firm enough and contoured to prevent head turning and neck torsion. The support pillow is optionally configured with exterior support panels to provide additional utility, compressibility, stability, and comfort. The support pillow assembly optionally includes an adjustable strap that may be used to provide supplemental support to the head. It may be collapsed into a portable pillow comprising protective exterior supports, a cloth or similarly soft bag, or a protective case.