Adjustable Mattress Finger Structure for Variable Patient Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical beds lack an adjustable mattress solution that can independently accommodate taller and larger patients, limiting their comfort and support.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable mattress with a body portion and extension portion featuring inter-fitting fingers that can change dimensions by resilient compression, allowing incremental adjustments in width and length, and an expandable outer cover to accommodate varying sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If medical beds use fixed-size mattresses, then the bed structure remains simple, but taller and larger patients cannot be properly accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different patient sizesVSAvoidmattress structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into a body portion and an extension portion that can be separated and reconnected at different positions. The extension portion includes multiple segments that can be attached to extend the mattress length, allowing customization for taller patients without requiring a completely different mattress design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mattress transitions from a static fixed-size design to a dynamic adjustable design where the extension portion can be moved between retracted and extended positions. This allows the mattress to adapt its length based on patient requirements while maintaining a compact form when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mattress is made adjustable to accommodate different patient sizes, then patient comfort improves, but the mattress structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable mattress dimensionsVSAvoidinter-fit engagement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete attachment positions along the body portion, allowing the extension portion to be connected at specific intervals rather than requiring continuous adjustment. This simplifies the mechanism while providing sufficient size variation for different patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inter-fit engagement mechanism uses self-aligning features where the extension portion automatically engages with the body portion at predetermined positions without requiring complex locking mechanisms or tools. The design leverages the natural geometry of the components to achieve secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mattress uses a fixed outer cover, then manufacturing is simpler, but the cover cannot accommodate varying mattress dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover size accommodationVSAvoidouter cover production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outer cover is designed as an expandable structure that can transition between different size configurations to match the mattress dimensions. The cover includes expansion sections that can be deployed when the mattress is extended and retracted when the mattress is in its compact form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outer cover is designed to nest within itself or fold back on itself to accommodate the extended portions of the mattress. This allows a single cover design to wrap around varying mattress lengths without requiring multiple cover sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 adjustable mattress provides customizable support and comfort for patients of different sizes by allowing incremental adjustments in width and length, ensuring proper fit and comfort on adjustable bed systems.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second pluralities of fingers are inter-fittingly engaged with one another via resilient compression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilient compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9149400B2Adjustable mattress and adjustable bed system incorporating the same

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 MEDICAL DEPOT INC

AI summary

An adjustable mattress includes a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion includes a first plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending outwardly from at least one edge thereof. The extension portion includes a second plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending outwardly therefrom. The first plurality of fingers are configured for inter-fit engagement with the second plurality of fingers. The extension portion is movable relative to the body portion to vary a degree of inter-fit engagement of the fingers between a first position, wherein the adjustable mattress defines a first dimension, and a second position, wherein the adjustable mattress defines a second dimension.