Adjustable-Stiffness Bed Element With Orthogonal Mechanism Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible elements for beds and seats with adjustable stiffness are complex and large in size, making them inefficient for adapting to different users' preferences and anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A flexible element with a compression spring and a mechanism that can be actuated by compression along the compression axis to move in a direction orthogonal to it, featuring a resilient hinge and an adjustment device that restricts or releases turning movement, allowing for easy adjustment of stiffness without increasing the element's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism is added to adjust stiffness by restricting mechanical deformation, then stiffness adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mechanism movable rather than fixed. The mechanism can transition between a restricted position (where it opposes compression and provides stiffness) and a retracted position (where it does not oppose compression). This dynamic positioning capability enables stiffness adjustment without requiring complex multi-component systems, as the same mechanism serves both structural and adjustment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when in the restricted position, enables stiffness adjustment when moved to the retracted position, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stiffness adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If restrictions are applied to mechanical deformation to adjust stiffness, then stiffness control is improved, but the size of the element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed to nest within or alongside the compression spring structure. When in the retracted position, the mechanism occupies minimal space and does not increase the overall footprint of the flexible element. The nesting arrangement allows the mechanism to be stored compactly when not in use, avoiding volume increase while maintaining the ability to restrict deformation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism moves in a direction other than the compression axis (e.g., laterally or radially) to achieve stiffness adjustment. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to exit the compression path and avoid increasing the length of the element along the compression axis. By operating in a different dimension, the mechanism provides adjustment capability without proportionally increasing overall element volume.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanism moves in a direction orthogonal to the compression axis, then stiffness adjustment ease is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed to be actuated automatically by the compression of the spring itself. As the spring compresses along the compression axis, it generates forces that naturally drive the mechanism to move in the orthogonal direction. This self-actuating behavior eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thereby maintaining ease of operation while minimizing structural complexity.
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 provides a simple, compact, and adjustable flexible element that can be easily integrated into beds or seats, offering adjustable stiffness by restricting or releasing the movement of the mechanism, enhancing user comfort and reducing the risk of buckling.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring, also comprising a mechanism that is coupled to the compression spring so as to be actuated by compression of the compression spring along the compression axis
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism may in particular comprise a resilient hinge cantilevered out from the compression spring in a direction orthogonal to the compression axis, with a twist axis orthogonal to the compression axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of beds or seats. In particular, the invention relates to a flexible element (10) stiffness that is adjustable stiffness along a compression axis (Z), the element including a compression spring (50). In order to enable the stiffness of the stiffness element (10) to be adjusted, it further comprises both a mechanism (150) coupled to the compression spring (50) so as to be actuated by compression of the compression spring (50) along the compression axis (Z) to move in a direction other than the direction of the compression axis (Z), and also an adjustment device for selectively restricting or releasing the movement of the mechanism (150). The invention also provides a unit (200) comprising a plurality of such flexible elements (10), and a method of adjusting the stiffness of the flexible element (10).