Segmented Flexible Pillow With Pivoting Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows fail to accommodate various sleeping positions and ergonomic needs, especially when sharing a bed with a partner, as they lack flexibility to support the head and limbs effectively while allowing arm placement without pressure.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pillow device comprising pivotable pillow members that can form a flat or arch configuration, allowing each member to rotate relative to adjacent ones via a pivotal connection, creating an open interior for limb placement and adjustable support for the head and neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed-shape pillow is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate various sleeping positions and ergonomic needs
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple individual pillow members (first pillow member, second pillow member, third pillow member, fourth pillow member) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each pillow member can be arranged in different orientations to accommodate various sleeping positions such as back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping, while maintaining a relatively simple individual structure for each member.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow members are connected through pivotal connections that allow relative movement and reconfiguration. This dynamic structure enables the pillow to transition between different configurations (flat configuration, arch configuration, nested configuration) to adapt to different sleeping positions and ergonomic needs, while the connection mechanism remains relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-shape pillow is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot provide adjustable support for head and neck positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is segmented into multiple pillow members that can be independently manufactured using simple processes and then assembled through pivotal connections. This allows each member to be manufactured separately with simple tools and techniques, while the assembled structure provides adjustable head and neck support for various sleeping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connections between pillow members enable dynamic reconfiguration to provide adjustable support for head and neck positioning. The connections allow the pillow members to be arranged in different orientations and configurations to match various sleeping positions, while the connection mechanism itself remains simple to manufacture and assemble.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pillow is used when sleeping with a partner, then the structure remains simple, but one user cannot rest on the other without causing pressure on limbs
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple pillow members that can be arranged in a nested configuration where pillow members are positioned one inside another. This segmented structure creates an open interior space that accommodates limbs without pressure, while each individual pillow member maintains a simple structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connections allow the pillow members to be dynamically reconfigured into a nested arrangement when sleeping with a partner. This dynamic reconfiguration creates an open interior space that prevents pressure on limbs, while the connection mechanism remains simple and does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid pillow structure is used, then the shape is stable and easy to manufacture, but it cannot form flat or curved shapes to accommodate different sleeping positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow members are connected through pivotal connections that enable dynamic reconfiguration between flat configuration and arch configuration. This dynamic structure allows the pillow to adapt to different sleeping positions such as back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping, while the connection mechanism remains relatively simple and does not significantly increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow is segmented into multiple independently positionable pillow members that can be arranged in different configurations. This segmentation allows the pillow to form various shapes (flat or curved) to accommodate different sleeping positions, while each individual member maintains a simple structure that is easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pillow device is provided that is formed of a plurality of pillow members connected in an aligned arrangement. The pillow members are connected along their sides and are pivotable relative to one another to form either a flat or arch configuration. The device is useful for serving as a one of a flat pillow, one that can conform to an underlying shape, or one that can form a free-standing arch shape with an open interior. In one embodiment, the pillow members include a first side portion that is aligned with an adjacent pillow member, and with a second side portion that is faceted inward to allow adjacent pillows to form against one another when in an arch configuration. Another embodiment contemplates rounded pillow members. When in an arch configuration, the open interior accommodates a user's arm for sleeping on one's side or when sleeping with a partner.