Pillow with Embedded Support Structure to Prevent Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows fail to provide adequate support for the head and neck due to compression by the underlying mattress, leading to compromised support and potential neck tension and breathing issues.
Innovation Solution
A pillow design featuring a compressible first layer with an embedded support structure that restricts compression, including a central aperture for the head and a notch for the neck, along with an elastic layer and a frame system of posts and rods to distribute weight uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pillow is made with soft fill material to provide comfort, then the comfort is improved, but the support capability deteriorates due to compression by the mattress
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional layers: a comfort layer with soft fill material for comfort, and a separate support structure with rigid or semi-rigid elements (foam core, inflatable chamber, or rigid board) for maintaining shape and providing support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow uses composite construction combining different materials with contrasting properties: soft compressible materials (down, feathers, fiberfill) for comfort contact with the head, and rigid or semi-rigid materials (polyurethane foam, inflatable rubber, rigid board) for structural support. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between softness and support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pillow compresses into the mattress surface to conform to the body, then the conformability is improved, but the shape stability deteriorates leading to compromised support
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow structure is segmented into an outer comfort layer that can compress and conform to the head and neck contours, and an inner support structure that maintains the overall pillow shape and prevents excessive compression into the mattress. The support structure acts as a stable core while the outer layer provides adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pillow have different mechanical properties: the surface layer in contact with the head is made soft and compliant for conformability, while the deeper structural layers are made rigid or semi-rigid for shape stability. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of conformability and shape retention.
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 support structure maintains the pillow's shape, preventing excessive compression and ensuring proper alignment of the head and neck, reducing neck tension and improving breathing by distributing weight uniformly.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure includes a pair of posts arranged spaced apart and substantially parallel to lateral edges of the first layer and at least one rod coupled to the pair of posts and extending between the pair of posts
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow is disclosed. The pillow includes a first layer adapted to be compressed under loading and a support structure engaged to the first layer and adapted to support at least a portion of the first layer. The support structure is configured to restrict a compression of the first layer under loading.