Adjustable width mattress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattresses and bed systems require multiple sizes to accommodate different bed widths, which can be inconvenient and impractical, especially in healthcare settings where patients of varying sizes need support.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable-width mattress design featuring a central air cell and expansion portions with self-inflating foam structures, allowing the width to be varied by compressing the expansion portions and redistributing air through fluid communication channels, enabling the mattress to adapt to different bed widths without changing its length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single mattress is designed to fit multiple bed widths, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into a central portion and two expansion portions that can independently inflate or deflate. This segmentation allows the mattress width to be adjusted by controlling the expansion portions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress incorporates dynamically adjustable expansion portions that can change volume based on inflation/deflation requirements. This dynamic capability enables width adaptation without requiring multiple static mattress designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expansion portions are added to enable width adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Self-inflating foam structures are integrated into the expansion portions, allowing the mattress to automatically inflate or deflate without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The foam's inherent properties enable it to expand when air pressure decreases and contract when air pressure increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress uses pneumatic principles with air cells connected through fluid communication channels. By controlling air pressure within these channels, the expansion portions can be inflated or deflated to adjust mattress width, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for width adaptation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mattress structure is made adjustable, then the adaptability to different bed sizes is improved, but the ease of operation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The self-inflating foam structures eliminate the need for external power sources, pumps, or complex control mechanisms. Adjustment is achieved by simply controlling air pressure in the fluid communication channels, making the operation intuitive and simple while maintaining high adaptability.
4Reliability
If multiple mattresses of different sizes are used to accommodate different patients, then the support precision is improved, but the loss of time for changing mattresses increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single mattress design serves multiple functions by accommodating different bed widths through adjustable expansion portions. This universal design eliminates the need to change mattresses when switching between different patient sizes or bed configurations, saving time while maintaining appropriate support precision for each occupant.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamically adjustable width allows the mattress to be quickly reconfigured for different occupants without requiring physical replacement. The rapid inflation/deflation capability enables quick adaptation to different bed sizes, reducing the time loss associated with mattress changes while preserving support precision.
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
Enables a single mattress to fit various bed sizes, accommodating different occupant sizes without the need for multiple mattresses, facilitating easier use in healthcare settings and allowing adjustment without external power or removing the occupant.
Implementation Method 1
an air cell containing a foam inflation structure
Implementation Method 2
An inward force applied to the expansion portion of the support surface in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse
Implementation Method 3
The first central portion is located between the second expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the first expansion portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable-width mattress comprising a central portion, that includes pneumatically-separated first center air cells and second center air cells; the first center air cells are pneumatically connected to a first expansion portion by first air channels; the first expansion portion includes a first outer cell and a first inner cell; the first outer cell and the first inner cell each encapsulate, respectively, a first and second foam element; the first outer cell and the first inner cell are attached to each other at a hinge line.