Adjustable width user support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattresses lack adjustability in width, which can lead to inadequate support and increased risk of decubitus ulcers in bedridden patients and discomfort due to moisture and heat buildup, as they do not accommodate varying user needs effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable width foam mattress design featuring collapsible side edges with elongated openings that switch density upon expansion and compression, allowing for lateral adjustment, and optionally incorporating inflatable/deflatable members for assisted expansion and compression, integrated into a system with a central core support and side bolsters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static support mattress is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the width cannot be adjusted to accommodate varying user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into a central core support section and a pair of side bolsters that can be laterally adjusted. The side bolsters are separated from the central section, allowing independent movement and width adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through foam elements that connect them.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the side bolsters can move laterally between expanded and compressed positions. This dynamic capability allows the mattress width to be adjusted to fit different user sizes and preferences while maintaining support functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mattress width is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying user sizes and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is segmented into adjustable side bolsters and a fixed central core, allowing the side portions to be manufactured with collapsible structures while the central portion remains standard. This segmentation enables width adjustment capability without requiring complete redesign of the entire mattress manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress width parameter can be changed by adjusting the lateral position of the side bolsters between expanded and compressed states. The foam elements with collapsible structures enable this parameter change while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes for the core components.
3Length of moving object
If side foam elements are compressed laterally, then the width is reduced for better fit, but the density distribution must remain uniform to maintain support quality
Solution Approach 1:
The foam elements are designed with specific local properties including collapsible structures with elongated openings that enable controlled compression. These local structural features allow the foam to compress uniformly while maintaining overall density distribution, ensuring support quality is preserved during width adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam elements incorporate porous structures with elongated openings that facilitate uniform compression during lateral collapse. The porous design allows the foam to densify evenly throughout the compression process, preventing density gradients that would compromise support uniformity while enabling width reduction.
4Ease of operation
If inflatable members are added to assist expansion and compression, then the width adjustment is easier to control, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Inflatable members are integrated into the side bolsters to provide controlled expansion and compression through air pressure. This pneumatic system enables easy width adjustment by simply inflating or deflating the chambers, significantly improving ease of operation while adding a controlled mechanism for width modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable members enable the mattress to self-adjust its width through controlled inflation and deflation, reducing the need for manual manipulation. The system serves itself by using the inflatable chambers to automatically expand or compress the side bolsters to the desired width, simplifying the adjustment process.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for an adjustable width foam mattress which involves the use of modified lateral or side edges of an engineered foam mattress. Such lateral portions include collapsible structures for lateral adjustment of the overall width of the mattress. While different shapes are possible, one exemplary arrangement includes plural elongated octagonally-shaped openings. The long sides of such elongated structures form stops against each other as they fill the void of the opening. The relatively shorter sides of such structures articulate during collapse to accommodate such movement. As a result, and as the long sides fill in voids, the support structure essentially switches uniformly from one density to another, when moved from its expanded to its compressed position. An inflatable/deflatable member may be used to assist with expansion and compression of a lateral support structure.