Multi-Component Pillow Assembly for Adjustable Ergonomic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows lack ergonomic design and adaptability, resulting in inadequate user comfort as they do not provide varying support or adjust to different user positions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pillow design featuring an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve with loose filler material, and unitary foam pieces that can be positioned and retained to provide customized support, utilizing viscoelastic foam for pressure distribution and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pillows use uniform filler material throughout, then manufacturing is simple, but user comfort and ergonomic support are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple compartments or zones within the sleeve, each containing different types or densities of filler material. This segmentation allows different regions of the pillow to provide different levels of support and comfort, addressing ergonomic needs while maintaining a manageable structure through defined sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the pillow are filled with materials having different properties (e.g., density, softness, elasticity) to provide localized support. For example, firmer material may be placed in areas requiring neck support while softer material is used in areas for head comfort, creating variable local qualities throughout the pillow structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pillows use fixed structure, then manufacturing is easy, but adaptability to different user positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates movable or adjustable elements such as sliders, zippers, or removable panels that allow users to reposition filler material or adjust the pillow's shape and firmness. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different sleeping positions while the adjustment mechanisms are designed for straightforward user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow uses a nested structure with an inner sleeve containing filler material that can move independently within an outer sleeve. This nested arrangement allows the inner components to be adjusted or repositioned without disassembling the entire pillow, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pillows use single material type, then production is simple, but pressure distribution and comfort are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow combines multiple types of filler materials with different properties (e.g., memory foam, latex, down, synthetic fibers) within the same pillow structure. These composite materials work together to provide superior pressure distribution and comfort, with each material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow uses filler materials with varying physical parameters such as density, elasticity, and compressibility. By carefully selecting and positioning materials with different parameters in specific regions, the pillow achieves optimized pressure distribution across different body areas while managing the complexity of material selection through systematic parameter matching.
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 pillow offers enhanced user comfort by providing adjustable support and pressure distribution, accommodating different user positions through the combination of loose filler material and foam pieces, improving overall ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing viscoelastic foam for pressure distribution and comfort
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of disclosed pillow comprise a first sleeve within which is retained a plurality of loose pieces of filler material, a second sleeve in which the first sleeve is received, and a unitary piece of foam retained between the first and second sleeves. In some embodiments, the unitary piece of foam comprises viscoelastic foam, and can be elongated to run along a side of the first sleeve, can be substantially flat to cover a face of the first sleeve, or can take other shapes and be located in other positions as desired. Also, in some embodiments the unitary piece of foam is shaped to mate with the first sleeve. Additional unitary pieces of foam can be located adjacent the first sleeve and can be retained between the first and second sleeves to provide pillows having other support and cushioning characteristics.