Inflatable Pillow Mesh Structure for Airflow and Head Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows and headrests lack air circulation, leading to warmth and discomfort for the user's head and neck due to non-permeable surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable pillow with a wedge shape and mesh design that allows air to circulate, featuring separated inflatable side panels connected by an internal tube and a mesh in between, with valve stems for inflation and deflation, providing support and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional non-permeable plastic surfaces are used for pillows and headrests, then structural integrity and support are maintained, but air circulation is blocked causing heat buildup and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous mesh materials to replace conventional non-permeable plastic surfaces. The mesh structure allows air to pass through while maintaining structural integrity, enabling heat dissipation and preventing the heat buildup and discomfort associated with solid plastic surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different materials with complementary properties: mesh materials for breathability and thermal management, plastic components for structural support and durability, and inflatable elements for adjustable comfort. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between support and air circulation.
2Temperature
If inflatable structures with mesh design are used, then air circulation and cooling are improved, but structural support and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mesh materials with inflatable plastic structures to achieve both cooling and support. The mesh provides breathability while the inflated plastic components maintain structural integrity and support, resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable structure uses pneumatic pressure to maintain shape and support. The trapped air provides structural rigidity while the mesh portions allow air circulation, enabling the pillow to simultaneously achieve cooling through airflow and support through pneumatic pressure.
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 inflatable pillow maintains comfort by reducing heat buildup and providing optimal support and airflow, suitable for various uses including travel and outdoor activities.
Implementation Method 1
allows air to circulate around the user's head
Implementation Method 2
allows air to circulate around the user's head
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow 10 has two side panels (15A, 15B), an inner wedge (20) positioned between and connected to the two side panels, a mesh (25), and at least one valve stem (30). The inner wedge is enclosed by the side panels and the mesh. When the side panels and the inner wedge are inflated they become rigid and hold the mesh taut. The mesh allows air to circulate around the head of the user when the user lays his or her head on the pillow. There may be a single valve stem, in which case there are passageways between the side panels and the inner wedge to allow air to flow between them. There may also be two or three valve stems, and one or no passageways.