Pillow Ear-Cover Pad Structure for Sleep Noise Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for reducing outside noise during sleep, such as earplugs and white noise machines, are either uncomfortable, ineffective at blocking persistent noises, or restrict head movement, posing risks like suffocation.
Innovation Solution
A noise reduction system comprising support bands and a pad attached to a pillow, allowing the head to move freely while covering the ear to suppress noise, with adjustable and detachable components made from noise-reducing materials like TEMPURPEDIC or memory foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ear plugs are used to block outside noise, then noise reduction is improved, but comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulkiness, discomfort, and frequent replacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the noise-blocking function from the ear canal (where earplugs operate) and relocates it to the external ear area using a pillow-mounted pad structure. This allows noise reduction without inserting objects into the ear, thereby maintaining comfort while achieving the desired noise blocking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow-mounted pad serves as an intermediary structure between the noise source and the user's ear. Instead of placing material directly in the ear canal, the system uses a padded barrier positioned near the ear that blocks noise transmission while allowing the ear to remain exposed and comfortable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pouch-type pillows or head-wrapping straps are used to block outside noise, then noise reduction is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted head movement and suffocation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the noise-blocking function into a localized pad component mounted on the pillow, rather than wrapping the entire head. This segmentation allows the noise-blocking function to be applied only where needed (near the ear) while leaving the rest of the head free to move naturally, eliminating suffocation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise-blocking function is applied locally at the ear area through a targeted pad placement, rather than globally wrapping the entire head. This local application provides sufficient noise reduction for the sensitive ear area while maintaining overall head mobility and breathing comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pouch-type pillows are used to block outside noise, then noise reduction is improved, but temperature control deteriorates due to increased head temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-blocking function is segmented into a localized pad rather than a full head enclosure. This segmentation creates open spaces around the head that allow air circulation and heat dissipation, preventing temperature buildup while maintaining noise reduction at the critical ear area.
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 effective noise suppression during sleep without restricting movement, ensuring comfort and safety by allowing proper air circulation and adjustable noise reduction levels.
Implementation Method 1
the pad is configured to cover an ear of the user to reduce noise perceived by the ear of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A noise reduction system for attachment to a pillow having a top surface is disclosed, wherein a head of a user can be configured to be placed on the top surface of the pillow. The system includes a plurality of support bands, each having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands is configured to be coupled to the pillow and a pad configured to be coupled to each proximate end of each of the plurality of support bands. Upon coupling of the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands to the pillow, the pad is configured to be disposed above the top surface of the pillow at a predetermined height. The head of the user is configured to be placed between the top surface of the pillow and the pad, wherein the pad is configured to cover an ear of the user to reduce noise perceived by the ear of the user.