Adjustable padding device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable upholstery devices lack the ability to integrate a loading/relieving mechanism within a common casing, limiting their functionality and appearance as conventional mattresses without electromotive adjustment devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electromechanical loading/relieving device with an electric motor connected to pressure elements, allowing for adjustable pressure loading or relief, and a control device for manual operation, which can act on multiple spring elements in a timed sequence to achieve massage-like effects, while maintaining a low profile and simple construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a loading/relieving device is integrated into the common casing of an adjustable upholstery device, then the functionality is expanded to include massage functions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading/relieving device is integrated into the common casing that already houses the electromotive adjustment device, merging multiple functions into a single housing structure. This combines the adjustment mechanism and the loading/relieving mechanism in one unified housing, expanding functionality while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common casing serves multiple functions: it houses the electromotive adjustment device, accommodates the loading/relieving device, and provides the structural framework for the entire upholstery system. This multi-functional design allows the device to perform both adjustment and massage functions without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If an electromechanical loading/relieving device is used with multiple pressure elements, then pressure control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading/relieving device is divided into multiple independent pressure elements (first pressure element and second pressure element) that can be controlled separately. Each pressure element can be adjusted independently to apply pressure to different spring elements, enabling precise pressure control at multiple locations without requiring a single complex high-precision mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure elements are designed to be dynamically controllable through the electromechanical mechanism, allowing the system to adjust pressure distribution in real-time. The control device can vary the pressure applied by each element independently, creating dynamic pressure patterns that improve control precision while using simple mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the pressure elements are loosely connected to spring elements, then ease of repair is improved, but the reliability of pressure transmission may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoidpressure transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure elements are pre-positioned to loosely engage with the spring elements, allowing them to make contact when needed without permanent attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures that when pressure is applied, the elements naturally align and transmit force effectively, while maintaining the ability to be easily removed or replaced for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enhances the functionality of adjustable upholstery devices by enabling pressure loading or relief within a conventional mattress appearance, providing a massage effect and simplifying maintenance with a loose connection between pressure elements and spring elements, thus offering improved user control and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The loading and relieving device is an electromechanical loading and relieving device. The loading and relieving device has at least one electric motor which is operatively connected to at least one pressure element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

spring elements are arranged, on which the padding is supported when the support device is used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3277129B1Adjustable padding device
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 OCTO GRP AG
  • EP3277129B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustable padding device for a piece of furniture used for sitting and/or lying, which comprises at least one flat elastically deformable padding element (4) and one adjustable supporting device (2) having a main body for supporting the padding element (4) in a planar manner. The padding device also has at least one electric-motor adjusting device, arranged on the supporting device (2), for adjusting at least part of the supporting device in the inclination and/or height of said part of the supporting device, wherein the padding element (4) is connected to the supporting device (2) and to the adjusting device in order to form a unit and wherein the padding element (4) is accommodated together with the supporting device (2) and the adjusting device in a common casing (6), which substantially completely surrounds the unit consisting of the padding element (4) and the supporting device (2) together with the adjusting device. According to the invention, a loading/relief device (8) is provided for achieving pressure loading or pressure relief of the padding element (4), wherein the loading/relief device (8) is accommodated in the common casing (6).