Pillow lifting structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pillows cannot adjust their height to accommodate different body types and sleeping postures, leading to discomfort and poor sleep quality due to inadequate support for the neck and head.

Innovation Solution

A pillow lifting structure utilizing a small motor and a simple mechanism, including a power unit with a motor, speed reducer, and X-shaped linking unit, allows for automatic height adjustment based on user detection, optimizing space and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pillow cannot adjust its height, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot meet different physiological needs and causes discomfort for different body types and sleeping postures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepillow height adaptabilityVSAvoidpillow structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static pillow structure into a dynamic one with adjustable height. The lifting mechanism includes a motor, transmission components, and a lifting plate that can move vertically to change pillow height. This allows the pillow to adapt to different sleeping postures (back, side, stomach) and body types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a motor-based lifting mechanism is added to adjust pillow height, then height adjustment capability is improved, but the volume and weight of the pillow increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepillow height adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpillow volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the motor, transmission mechanism, and lifting components within the existing pillow structure. The motor and gear system are housed in a compact casing that fits within the pillow's internal space, and the lifting plate is nested within the pillow layers. This minimizes the additional volume while maintaining height adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Extent of automation

If a motor and transmission mechanism are used for height adjustment, then automatic height control is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic height adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle through the lifting control module that automatically detects sleeping posture (back, side, or stomach sleeping) and autonomously adjusts the pillow height without user intervention. The system uses sensors to monitor posture changes and triggers the motor to lift or lower the pillow accordingly, achieving automatic adaptation while simplifying the user experience despite the underlying mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 height can be automatically adjusted to meet individual physiological needs, enhancing sleep comfort and quality by providing optimal support for different sleeping positions.

Implementation Method 1

The power unit is disposed on the bottom plate. The power unit includes a motor 21. An output end of the motor 21 is connected to a speed reducer 22

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

An output end of the motor 21 is connected to a speed reducer 22. An output end of the speed reducer 22 is connected to a driving gear 23

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear reduction: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3488736B1Pillow lifting structure
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 HUANG HSIEN TA
  • EP3488736B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3488736B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3488736B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pillow lifting structure includes a bottom plate (1). The bottom plate (1) is provided with a power unit (2). The power unit (2) is connected to a linking unit (3). The top of the linking unit (3) is covered with a cover (4). The power unit (2) actuates to deform the linking unit (3) for adjusting the height of the cover (4) in time so as to adjust the height of the top surface of the pillow. The X-shaped linking unit (3) of the pillow lifting structure is lifted by a driven arcuate gear (24) with a push arm (26). This action is a direct push, and there is no power consumption. Only a small motor (21) is required for actuation. Space and energy consumption are optimized by the direct push.