Inflatable Tray-Table Pillow for Stable Forward-Leaning Sleep
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for supporting the upper torso and head in an upright forward leaning seated position during air travel are either unstable, costly, or inadequate in providing comfort and lateral support, with most devices only supporting the head and requiring complex inflation methods.
Innovation Solution
A simple, single-chamber inflatable pillow with a predetermined shape that securely fits on an airplane tray, providing stability by leaning against the seat back and allowing the user to fold their forearms behind it, manufactured from flexible materials and easily inflated using a foot or hand-pumped bellows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple internal chambers and partitions are used to provide support, then support functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support functions (head support, neck support, upper back support, and arm support) into a single integrated inflatable pillow structure. This single-chamber design eliminates the need for multiple internal partitions and chambers, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive support functionality through the pillow's unified contoured shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow is designed as a multi-functional support device that simultaneously supports the head, neck, upper back, and arms within a single structure. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple support functions that would traditionally require separate devices or multiple chambers, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If complex inflation systems are used to inflate the device, then inflation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates a self-inflating mechanism using a chemical foam cartridge that automatically inflates the pillow when activated. This eliminates the need for manual pumping or complex electrical inflation systems, making the device easy to operate while ensuring reliable inflation through the chemical reaction that generates gas to fill the pillow chambers.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed to be compact for storage, then portability is improved, but comfort and support capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow utilizes a phase transition approach where the filling material transforms from a compact state to an expanded inflatable state. When the chemical foam cartridge is activated, it generates gas that inflates the pillow chambers, transitioning the device from a small, portable form factor to a large, comfortable support structure. This allows the pillow to be compact for travel but provide full support capability when in use.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable pillow, having a predetermined shape when inflated, such that the bottom face of the pillow sits securely on an airplane table tray, the pillow's back face, above the arm space, leans fully against the seat back that the table tray is mounted on, providing lateral stability for the upper region of the pillow, unique over the prior art, and an angled front face upon which the confined traveler can lean forward from their seated position and get full support for their upper torso and head so they can comfortably rest or sleep. The pillow is composed of flexible, air-retentive material and has a valve for inflating and deflating the pillow. In its deflated state the pillow is compact enough to fit in most carry-on bags for ease of transport and storage. A simple bellows is provided with the pillow for inflating the pillow. An arm space is provided behind the pillow along the table tray for the users forearms to be folded there, allowing the user to lean onto the front face of the pillow and hug the pillow, providing physical and psychological security for the passenger.