Microbead and Memory Foam Pillow for Anatomical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lying underlays, such as pillows and mats, fail to adequately adapt anatomically to the body and restore their initial position after deformation, leading to potential anatomical damage, discomfort, and health issues like headaches and insomnia, as they do not sufficiently exploit the flow properties of microbeads for improved well-being and health.
Innovation Solution
Combining microbeads with visco-elastic foam in a systemic unit, where the microbeads absorb body pressure and flow back into their original position when pressure is relieved, enhancing the memory effect and providing stabilization, particularly in the head and neck area, through a double-layer structure with a cotton-elastane cover to support flow properties and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microbeads are used alone in mattress pads, then flow properties under pressure are improved, but the memory effect and anatomical adaptation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microbeads with visco-elastic foam in a layered structure where the microbead layer provides flow properties and pressure distribution while the visco-elastic foam layer provides memory effect and position stabilization. This merging of two different materials resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to contribute its strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure with a first layer of microbeads and a second layer of visco-elastic foam, utilizing the complementary properties of both materials. The microbeads offer excellent flow characteristics while the visco-elastic foam provides sustained support and memory effect, together achieving both adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If visco-elastic foam is used alone, then memory effect is improved, but flow properties and pressure absorption at specific points are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visco-elastic foam with microbeads in a layered configuration where the foam provides the memory effect for position stabilization while the microbead layer enhances pressure absorption and flow properties. This combination allows the system to achieve both reliability and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different materials to different layers to optimize local functions: the microbead layer handles pressure absorption and flow at the contact surface, while the visco-elastic foam layer provides deep support and memory effect. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between pressure absorption and memory effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat lying surface is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but anatomical comfort and blood circulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic surface using freely movable microbeads that automatically adjust to body contours, transforming a static flat surface into an adaptive anatomical support. The microbeads flow and redistribute under body weight to create optimal pressure distribution, eliminating harmful pressure points while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microbead layer serves itself by automatically adapting to body shape through the natural flow properties of the beads under gravity and pressure. No complex mechanical structures or active control systems are needed - the material self-adjusts to provide anatomical comfort, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and anatomical suitability.
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
This combination significantly increases comfort and curative effects by providing anatomical adaptation, muscle relaxation, and improved blood circulation, with the microbeads and visco-elastic foam working together to absorb body contours and maintain a supportive, restorative position.
Implementation Method 1
The flow properties of microbeads under pressure or deformation are particularly advantageous
Implementation Method 2
The well-known memory effect of visco-elastic foam can be amplified particularly advantageously
Implementation Method 3
connecting the microbeads to a visco-elastic foam
Implementation Method 4
the microbeads flow back easily and dissipatively into the starting position when the pressure is relieved
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lying underlay, in particular a pillow or a mat, preferably a pillow, for holding a body on a first (upper) side of a cover (13), in particular a pillow cover, which contains freely movable microbeads and a viscoelastic foam (10). .