Portable Neck Pillow Structure for Multi-Position Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel pillows fail to provide optimal support and comfort for the head and neck in various positions, particularly during travel and in medical settings, as they often push the head forward, allow lateral movement, or lack adequate depth to stabilize the head and neck in upright or reclined positions.
Innovation Solution
A portable head and neck support pillow with a unique design featuring a headrest, side rests, and a strap system that provides customizable support, incorporating a concave recess for the occiput and tapered sections to align the head and neck, made from bio-based materials and potentially including air bladders for inflation, to ensure stability and comfort across multiple positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing travel pillows are used to support the head and neck, then portability is maintained, but the head and neck cannot be properly stabilized in various positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into distinct functional segments: a U-shaped neck support portion with a headrest, and separate ear supports that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows each part to address specific support needs while working together to stabilize the head and neck in multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow extends support from the traditional single-plane neck cradle into three-dimensional space with lateral ear supports and a headrest that accommodates occipital curvature. This multi-dimensional approach enables stable support in upright, reclining, and supine positions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If existing travel pillows provide firm support, then head dropping is prevented, but lateral movement is allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow features asymmetric ear supports that extend laterally from the main U-shaped body, creating an asymmetric configuration that cradles the head from both frontal and lateral directions. This asymmetric design prevents lateral head movement while maintaining firm support against forward dropping.
3Volume of moving object
If existing pillows lack adequate depth, then portability is improved, but head and neck alignment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow concentrates depth and support structure precisely where needed: the U-shaped neck support has sufficient depth to maintain cervical alignment, the headrest has adequate depth to support the occiput, and ear supports provide localized lateral stabilization. This targeted depth distribution achieves proper alignment without excessive overall volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The support pillow assembly includes a portable support pillow designed to provide optimal head and adjacent neck support for the user in upright and/or reclined seated and supine positions. The pillow is optionally configured with a hole to securely support the occiput. The pillow may be configured in a taller or shorter profile. The pillow is tapered in a manner that maintains the user's neck and head in proper alignment. The support pillow assembly is constructed of single piece foam which is firm enough and contoured to prevent head turning and neck torsion. The support pillow is optionally configured with exterior support panels to provide additional utility, compressibility, stability, and comfort. The support pillow assembly optionally includes an adjustable strap that may be used to provide supplemental support to the head. It may be collapsed into a portable pillow comprising protective exterior supports, a cloth or similarly soft bag, or a protective case.