Two-Layer Cushion Design for Post-Breast Surgery Prone Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pillows for post-breast surgery patients do not provide adequate comfort and protection for the operated breast while allowing them to sleep in a prone position, as they either lack sufficient support or cause pressure points.
Innovation Solution
A two-layered pillow design featuring a firmer layer of foamed plastic and a softer viscoelastic layer, with adjustable height and ergonomic contours, to ensure the operated breast is protected and pressure points are minimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pillows are used after breast operation, then the patient can rest, but the pillow does not provide adequate support for the breast and armpit area causing discomfort and potential harm to the operated breast
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional regions: a first pillow body for the head, a second pillow body for the arm, and a filling portion between them. This segmentation allows each region to provide specialized support - the first pillow body supports the head, the second pillow body supports the arm in a raised position, and the filling portion provides lateral support to prevent the breast from shifting, thereby achieving reliable and comfortable support simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pillow have different structures and filling densities tailored to specific needs. The first pillow body has a first filling portion for head support, the second pillow body has a second filling portion for arm support, and there is an additional filling portion between them for breast support. This local differentiation ensures that each area provides the appropriate quality of support for its specific function
2Ease of operation
If the patient lies flat after breast operation, then breathing is easier, but the breast suture line experiences tension causing discomfort and potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow structure proactively prevents suture line tension by elevating the arm and providing lateral breast support before the patient lies down. The second pillow body raises the arm to a comfortable position that prevents weight bearing on the breast, while the filling portion between the pillow bodies provides lateral support to prevent breast shifting. This preliminary positioning prevents the harmful tension from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional flat lying position to a three-dimensional elevated positioning. By raising the arm pillow and creating vertical elevation, the breast is positioned in a different spatial dimension that reduces tension on the suture line while maintaining comfortable breathing. This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of easy breathing and reduced suture tension
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
The pillow provides exceptional stability and comfort, ensuring the operated breast does not come into contact with the underlying surface while distributing weight evenly, reducing pressure on sensitive areas like the neck and abdomen.
Implementation Method 1
a first filling portion made of an elastic material to fill in a first pillow body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a cushion for use when lying in the prone position, wherein the cushion (10) comprises a main body (12) having a recess (14). The problem addressed by the present invention is that of providing a cushion that can be used after a breast operation for lying or sleeping in a prone position and also provides high lying comfort and protection for the operated-on breast. To this end, the main body (12) is formed in two layers and has a first, harder layer (36) made of foamed plastic and a second, softer layer (38) made of a viscoelastic material.