Removable Mesh Pillow Core for Washable Comfort and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pillow designs are difficult to clean effectively, as they often fail to allow hot water and air to penetrate to the core, leading to incomplete killing of bacteria and molds, and are either not washable or require complex processes, compromising comfort and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A pillow design featuring a removable inner shell case with open mesh material and a polyurethane foam backing layer, allowing for easy washing and drying, with an outer shell case that enhances water and air penetration through perforations and a mesh internal layer, ensuring thorough cleaning and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pillows use higher density materials (e.g., 300, 200 or 100 count cotton, synthetic, blended, or other tightly woven materials) for pillow cases, then comfort and quality are improved, but water and air penetration to the center of the pillow is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into an outer shell case and an inner shell case that can be separated. The inner shell case containing the fill material can be removed and washed independently, allowing the outer shell to maintain high-density comfortable material while the inner components enable effective cleaning through water and air penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shell case is made from breathable, porous material that allows water and air to penetrate through to the center of the pillow during washing and drying. This porous structure enables effective cleaning while the outer shell maintains comfort with higher density materials.
2Ease of operation
If pillows are designed to be washable in conventional washing machines, then ease of cleaning is improved, but effective killing of bacteria and molds is compromised due to inability of hot water and air to penetrate to the core
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pillow into removable inner and outer shell cases, the design enables conventional washing machine compatibility while allowing water and air to reach the core fill material effectively during the wash cycle, thus killing bacteria and molds.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shell case uses breathable porous material that facilitates penetration of hot water and air to the center of the pillow during washing, ensuring effective sterilization while maintaining ease of cleaning in conventional machines.
3Reliability
If pillows are made with regular polyester, feathers, and/or down fill, then comfort is improved, but drying difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shell case is constructed from breathable porous material that allows rapid air circulation and water evaporation during drying. This enables pillows with comfortable fill materials like polyester, feathers, and down to dry quickly without compromising comfort.
4Ease of operation
If chemicals and various materials are used to solve washing problems, then cleaning capability is improved, but comfort is compromised as chemicals settle and make the pillow uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of inner and outer shell cases allows effective cleaning through physical water and air penetration without relying on chemicals. The removable inner shell can be thoroughly washed and dried, eliminating the need for chemical treatments that would compromise comfort.
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 design enables thorough cleaning and drying of the pillow core, maintaining comfort and support while effectively managing microorganism growth, providing superior cushioning and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for easy washing and drying, with an outer shell case that enhances water and air penetration through perforations
Implementation Method 2
polyurethane foam backing layer, allowing for easy washing and drying
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards a pillow with a removable core that includes a plurality of cut foam pieces of various or similar shapes/sizes. The pillow may include an outer shell case and an inner shell case (i.e., the removable core). The outer shell case may be made of a plurality of layers, including a backing layer positioned between an external layer and an internal layer. The backing layer may comprise a foam material. And the internal layer and the inner shell case may comprise an open mesh material. The inner shell case may be removably inserted into the outer shell case. A plurality of foam pieces may be disposed inside the inner shell case.