Upright Sleep Pillow Structure for Stable Head and Torso Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows fail to provide adequate support for the head, neck, chin, torso, and arms when sleeping in an upright or semi-upright position, leading to discomfort and difficulty in achieving quality sleep, especially during travel or medical procedures, and often lack sanitizable and aesthetically acceptable designs.
Innovation Solution
The upright sleep system comprises a base pillow with a passage for arm support and an adjustable, inflatable top pillow connected by a tether, featuring interchangeable pillowcases and various shapes, including a bow-tie design, to ensure stability and comfort, with options for self-inflation and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pillows are used to support head, neck, and torso in upright position, then basic cushioning is provided, but adequate support and stability are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional zones including a head support region, neck support region, torso support region, and arm support region. Each zone is configured to provide specific support characteristics, with the head support region having a first thickness and the torso support region having a second thickness different from the first, enabling stable support in upright positions
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pillow have different structural properties tailored to specific body parts. The head support region includes a depression for cradle support, the neck region has specific thickness characteristics, and the torso region has different thickness to accommodate body contours. This local differentiation provides reliable support while maintaining ease of positioning
2Volume of moving object
If conventional travel pillows are used to provide compact head and neck support, then portability is improved, but adequate support for head, neck, chin, and torso is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is segmented into distinct functional regions (head, neck, torso, arm support zones) that can be configured to provide comprehensive support. The head support region with its depression and the separately configured torso support region work together to provide adequate support for multiple body parts simultaneously in a compact form
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow utilizes three-dimensional spatial configuration with varying thicknesses at different locations (first thickness at head region, second thickness at torso region). This dimensional approach allows comprehensive support for head, neck, chin, and torso while maintaining a compact overall volume suitable for travel
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional pillows are used for extended periods, then basic cushioning is maintained, but sanitation and hygiene deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates light-responsive color-changing material that changes color based on contamination level or cleaning status, providing visual feedback to users about sanitation quality during extended usage periods
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow includes self-cleaning or self-sanitizing capabilities through integrated mechanisms such as UV treatment, antimicrobial coatings, or removable washable covers that automatically indicate when cleaning is needed, maintaining sanitation quality throughout extended use
4Ease of operation
If conventional pillows are used in upright sleeping position, then basic head support is provided, but nodding and inability to maintain comfortable position occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into head support region, neck support region, and torso support region with each zone providing specific support characteristics. The head support region includes a depression for cradle support that prevents nodding, while the neck and torso regions provide stable positioning support
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions have optimized properties for their specific function: the head region has a depression shape for cradle support to prevent nodding, the neck region has specific thickness for stability, and the torso region has different thickness for positioning support, collectively enabling comfortable and stable upright sleeping
Data Source
AI summary
An upright sleep system includes a base pillow and a top pillow. The base pillow includes a tapered shape, including a top edge having a top edge thickness and a bottom edge having a bottom edge thickness less than the top edge thickness. A user may rest his or her head against the top pillow or base during use, and the base pillow supports both the top pillow and the user's torso and arms. By utilizing the upright sleep system the users head, neck, chin, torso and arms can all be supported. The base pillow and tether provide a stable support for the top pillow to prevent the top pillow from becoming dislodged while the user rests. A base passage in the base pillow is shaped to receive a user's arm or arms to further enhance comfort and support. In some embodiments, the base and top pillow include an inflatable, airtight chamber.