Support Cushion with Depressor Structure for Prone-Position Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices fail to provide adequate airflow and comfort for individuals resting in prone or lateral recumbent positions, leading to restricted breathing, muscle strain, and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A personal support apparatus featuring a depressor structure that protrudes from a support cushion to create a cavity between the user's nose, mouth, and jaw, increasing airflow and reducing pressure, while also providing shoulder support and allowing the neck to rotate into a natural position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a user rests in a prone or lateral recumbent position on a traditional mattress or pillow, then the user can achieve a resting position, but breathing is restricted and airflow is blocked due to the face pressing against the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful contact between the user's face and the sleeping surface by introducing a depressor structure that creates a cavity, effectively removing the obstructing surface from the breathing area while maintaining the resting position
Solution Approach 2:
The depressor structure acts as an intermediary element between the user's face and the sleeping surface, creating a spatial buffer zone that allows breathing while maintaining structural support for the head and neck
2Stability of the object's composition
If the jaw, mouth, and nose press against the pillow or mattress to maintain head support, then head positioning is stable, but breathing passageways are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the head support function from the breathing function by creating a cavity structure, allowing the head to be supported while the breathing passageways remain open and unobstructed
Solution Approach 2:
The depressor structure introduces a vertical dimension to the sleeping surface by creating a cavity depth, transforming the flat two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional structure that accommodates both head support and breathing requirements
3Shape
If the neck and jaw are twisted into an unnatural position to maintain head support on a flat surface, then head positioning is achieved, but cervical strain and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specifically shaped cavity that conforms to the natural contours of the head and neck, providing support exactly where needed while allowing the neck to maintain a neutral, natural position
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing support devices with airway openings are used, then some airflow is improved, but the devices are complex and require rigid support means and filters that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The depressor structure creates airflow pathways through the geometry of the cavity itself, allowing the structure to serve its own airflow function without requiring separate rigid conduits, filters, or complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible or compliant depressor structure that can be made of soft materials, eliminating the need for rigid support means while maintaining the cavity shape through material flexibility rather than structural rigidity
Data Source
AI summary
A personal support apparatus for use when resting on a sleeping surface in certain positions, particularly prone or face-down positions and side-resting positions. The apparatus comprises a support cushion and a bracket member with a depressor tongue that forms a depression or cavity in the sleeping surface when the user is resting on the cushion, helping to increase airflow to the user and facilitate breathing, all while reducing strain, increasing comfort, and optimizing rest. Alternate embodiments include multiple support cushions and a raised cradle member for supporting a user's forehead or other body parts.