Self-Inflating Pillow Core for Adjustable Firmness and Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pillows do not allow for personalized customization of comfort level and thickness to individual preferences, as users may require different firmness and thickness based on sleep position, which existing pillows fail to accommodate effectively.

Innovation Solution

A pillow design featuring a self-inflating inner core with a fluid impermeable cover and a two-way valve that allows for adjustment of firmness and thickness by self-inflation or deflation, enabling users to customize comfort levels based on personal preference without the need for an external pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed-density foam pillow is used, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the pillow cannot be adjusted to different firmness and thickness preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of firmness and thicknessVSAvoidpillow structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow is divided into multiple independent chambers, each containing foam of different densities. This segmentation allows users to select and activate only the chambers needed for their preferred firmness and thickness, providing customization without requiring a completely complex adjustable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pillow incorporates deflation valves that allow users to dynamically adjust the air content in each chamber, changing the firmness and thickness in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the pillow to adapt to different user preferences and sleeping positions without requiring multiple separate pillows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an adjustable firmness mechanism is added to allow customization, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment of comfort levelVSAvoidvalve and housing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment functionality is extracted into separate, independently controllable chambers with individual valves. This allows users to adjust only the specific chambers that affect their comfort, rather than having to adjust an entire pillow structure, simplifying the operation while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Different chambers contain foam of different densities and are positioned to address specific anatomical needs (neck support, head support, etc.). Users can locally adjust only the chambers that correspond to their specific comfort needs, making the adjustment process more intuitive and easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chambers with different foam densities are used, then customization capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmness and thickness adjustmentVSAvoidmulti-chamber construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pillow is divided into multiple independent chambers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each chamber can be filled with foam of a specific density, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes that simplify production despite the variety of configurations available to users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber structure and valve mechanism are designed to be universal across different pillow configurations. The same basic chamber design and valve type can be used in different combinations and arrangements, reducing the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables users to adjust the pillow's firmness and thickness according to their preferences in real-time, providing personalized comfort and support throughout the night, regardless of sleep position, without the requirement for an external pump.

Implementation Method 1

a self-inflating inner core located within the outer casing; wherein the inner core further comprises an air impermeable cover enclosing resilient open cell foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-inflation: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

the inner core is in fluid communication with an external environment beyond the outer casing through the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication: Valve

Implementation Method 3

resilient open cell foam with a density of about 1.8-2.2 pounds per cubic foot and/or an uncompressed IFD of about 16-20

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilience: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the comfort material might comprise visco-elastic foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisco-elasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9314118B2Comfort customizable pillow

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

Embodiments typically might relate to pillows that are comfort customizable based on user preference. For example, embodiments might include an outer casing and a self-inflating inner core. A user might adjust the firmness and/or thickness of the pillow by altering the amount of fluid, such as air, within the inner core. Typically such adjustments might be performed without use of a pump, given the self-inflating nature of the inner core.