System for treating snoring among at least two users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-snoring devices, particularly active anti-snoring pillows, are ineffective in addressing multifactorial snoring and snoring induced by seasonal changes, and they often incorrectly activate non-snoring partners, leading to residual snoring and adherence issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two active pillows with mechanisms for distinct motions, where one motion reduces snoring and another reduces the noticeability of snoring, using acoustic analysis to determine which partner is snoring and generating signals to produce appropriate motions in each pillow, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single active anti-snoring pillow with acoustic sensor is used to detect and respond to snoring, then the device can trigger active mechanical motion to reduce snoring, but it has a high risk of incorrectly activating non-snoring partners
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bedroom environment into multiple acoustic zones, each associated with a specific sleeping position and user. By segmenting the acoustic detection space and using multiple sensors positioned at different locations, the system can distinguish which user is snoring based on the spatial origin of the acoustic signal, thereby avoiding false activation of non-snoring partners.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active anti-snoring pillows use acoustic sensors to detect snoring, then they can trigger mechanical motion to reduce snoring, but they cannot effectively address multifactorial snoring and seasonal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple detection capabilities (acoustic sensors for snoring detection, environmental sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring) within a single pillow system. This allows the pillow to adapt its response based on the detected condition type - whether positional snoring, multifactorial snoring, or seasonal changes - and apply appropriate countermeasures such as mechanical motion, heating, or cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time detection results. When positional snoring is detected, it activates mechanical motion; when environmental factors are identified as causes, it adjusts temperature or humidity control; when both factors are present, it coordinates multiple responses. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to effectively address various snoring types without requiring separate dedicated devices for each condition.
3Reliability
If active anti-snoring pillows provide only anti-snoring motion, then they can reduce snoring effectively, but they cannot reduce the noticeability of snoring to bed partners
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two distinct functions into a single integrated pillow: anti-snoring motion generation and distracting motion generation. The anti-snoring motion (e.g., head elevation or positioning adjustment) addresses the snoring itself, while the distracting motion (e.g., gentle body movement or vibration) reduces the noticeability of snoring sounds to bed partners. Both functions operate simultaneously or sequentially based on detection results, providing comprehensive solution to both the snorer's and partner's concerns.
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
Effectively reduces snoring for both users while minimizing disturbance to non-snoring partners, providing improved sleep quality by accurately differentiating and addressing snoring sources.
Implementation Method 1
Each active pillow has a mechanism which produces at least two distinct motions... using acoustic analysis to determine which partner is snoring
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating snoring among two users includes determining that snoring by at least one of the users is occurring, and responsive thereto, either: (a) determining that only one of the at least two users is snoring and responsive thereto generating a signal to produce an anti-snoring motion in an active pillow associated with the one user and generating another signal to produce a distracting motion in another active pillow associated with the other user; or (b) determining that both of the users are snoring and responsive thereto generating signals to produce anti-snoring motions in each of the active pillows.