Adjustable foundation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable mattress assemblies lack the ability to seamlessly adjust their length and angle without compromising user comfort, often resulting in pinch points and limited access to nightstands during articulation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mattress assembly with a foundation frame, hinged sections, and a linkage assembly operated by actuators that allow for continuous adjustment of the head, back, intermediate seat, and leg/foot sections, enabling the intermediate seat section to lengthen or shorten while maintaining user proximity to the headboard and nightstand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mattress frame sections are pivoted to achieve articulation, then the user can adjust to different positions (seated, flat, angled), but pinch points are created and user access to nightstands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate seat section is made dynamically adjustable in length through a telescoping mechanism with first and second portions that can extend and retract. This dynamic adjustment allows the seat section to lengthen when the head and back section is elevated, maintaining proper user positioning and preventing pinch points while preserving access to nightstands.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate seat section is divided into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation enables the section to adjust its length independently, solving the contradiction between maintaining articulation benefits and preserving user access to nightstands.
2Ease of operation
If the head and back section is elevated to improve user comfort, then user proximity to headboard and nightstand may be compromised, but fixed length foundations create pinch points
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping intermediate seat section dynamically adjusts its length in response to articulation movements. When the head and back section is elevated, the intermediate seat section extends to maintain proper spacing and prevent pinch points, while when flat, it retracts to maintain user proximity to the headboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly provides mechanical feedback that automatically adjusts the intermediate seat section length based on the articulation angle of the head and back section. This feedback mechanism ensures the foundation maintains optimal configuration without requiring external control, preventing pinch points while preserving user comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable foundation and process includes a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate section at another end, wherein the intermediate section includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is hingedly connected to the head and back section and the second portion is hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. The intermediate or seat section is configured to increase in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from a flat position or an increase in inclination of any section. Likewise, the intermediate or seat section 20 is configured to decrease in length upon articulation of the head and back section 18 and/or the leg and foot section 22 from an inclined position to a flat position or a decrease in length upon declination of any section. By doing so, a prone user does not have to shift his position on the mattress in order to accommodate the inclination or declination.