Inflatable travel sleep aid

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional comfort devices are primarily designed for leaning back, which limits their effectiveness for travelers who need to rest or sleep in a forward position, as they often sit during travel.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable multi-cylinder travel pillow that allows adjustable height and detachable top section for support, enabling comfortable rest or sleep while leaning forward or backward, with easy deflation and portability for travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional comfort devices are designed for leaning back, then they provide support for reclining positions, but they cannot support travelers who need to rest or sleep in a forward position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition support capabilityVSAvoiddevice design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both forward-leaning and backward-leaning positions. The conical shape with the wide base at the front and narrow end at the back allows it to effectively support the head in either orientation, making it universal for different travel positions without requiring multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow inverts the conventional design approach by providing support from the front rather than the back. The wide base is positioned at the front to support the forehead and face when leaning forward, while the narrow end supports the back of the head when leaning backward, reversing the traditional support direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If the pillow is designed as a large firm support mechanism, then it provides firm support for resting, but it becomes difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport firmnessVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow uses an inflatable design where air is pumped into the chamber to create firm support. When inflated, the pillow becomes rigid enough to support the head comfortably in various positions. When deflated, it collapses into a compact form that can be easily stored in a small pouch or bag, solving the portability problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow's physical parameters (volume, density, rigidity) are dynamically changed through inflation and deflation. By adjusting the amount of air inside the chamber, the pillow can transition between a compact state for transport and a firm, supportive state for use, allowing optimal performance in both conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10694873B2Inflatable travel sleep aid

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 MCENTEE STUART AUSTIN

AI summary

The invention is a sleep aid, and more particularly an inflatable sleep aid utilizing a series of c-shaped inflatable bladders joined in series to such that the height of the sleep aid is adjustable and forming a generally c-shaped channel to allow the user to comfortably breath.