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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spring mattresses lack adjustability in firmness, leading to discomfort due to vibration transmission and inability to accommodate individual preferences in firmness, and they often suffer from moisture issues that can lead to mold and mite contamination.

Innovation Solution

A bed design featuring a cushion module with adjustable firmness through a system of interconnected cushions and a drying module that blows air to dry the mattress, allowing for customizable firmness and improved hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If coil springs are entangled to form a single cushion member, then the mattress structure is simplified, but vibrations from one spring are easily transmitted to another spring causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress structureVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independent spring modules arranged in a pocket configuration. Each module contains its own coil springs that are enclosed in individual pockets, preventing vibration transmission between adjacent springs while maintaining structural organization. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating vibration sources while preserving structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If spring modules are arranged in a pocket to reduce vibration propagation, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the mattress is not readily adjustable in firmness or cushion strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidfirmness adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress incorporates adjustable firmness mechanisms that allow users to modify the cushion strength of individual spring modules. The system includes adjustment mechanisms that can change the elastic properties of the springs or the support provided by the pocket structure, enabling the mattress to adapt to different user preferences and body types while maintaining the vibration-reducing pocket configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the mattress firmness is determined by spring elastic strength, then the structure is simple, but different users have to compromise on firmness as it cannot be customized for individual preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmness control systemVSAvoidfirmness customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress features independently controllable spring modules where each module or group of modules can be adjusted to provide different firmness levels. This allows different portions of the mattress to be customized for different users or body regions, with each module maintaining its own elastic properties and adjustment capabilities, thereby enabling personalized firmness without requiring complex centralized control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the mattress surface is in direct contact with the user, then comfort is provided, but sweat or bodily fluids permeate the surface causing moisture accumulation and mold contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidmoisture contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress incorporates a breathable membrane or film layer between the spring modules and the mattress surface. This flexible barrier allows sweat and bodily fluids to pass through while preventing direct contact between moisture and the spring structure, thereby reducing the risk of mold and mite contamination. The membrane maintains user comfort by allowing breathability while providing protection against harmful moisture accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 bed provides customizable firmness for individual comfort and reduces moisture-related issues by drying the mattress, enhancing user experience and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

a drying module to blow air, which may be heated, to the mattress set to dry the mattress set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a heater to heat the air that is blown to the mattress set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3892160B1bed
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3892160B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892160B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3892160B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bed includes a mattress set on which a user's body is placed, an adjustable bedframe to adjust a position or orientation of the mattress set for various sitting and sleeping positions, and a dryer to dry the mattress set. The dryer includes a fan, a filter, and a heater to discharge filtered hot air toward the dryer to reduce mildew and mites. A humidity sensing sheet may be provided to sense a humidity level at different regions or areas of the bed, and the dryer may be controlled to supply hot air to regions of the bed having a higher humidity level than a predetermined humidity level or humidity range.