Adjustable Bed Base Slat Structure With Leaf-Spring Prestressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mattress bases fail to provide adjustable deflection or hardness for optimal lying comfort across different weights and preferences, lacking simple and effective adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a leaf-spring-shaped element with adjustable prestressing via adjustment means, such as adjustment wheels, between bridge elements to modify the spring stiffness of support elements, allowing for easy and intuitive adjustment of deflection hardness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed stiffness mattress base is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different weights and preferences for optimal lying comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different weights and preferencesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mattress base stiffness adjustable rather than fixed. The support elements incorporate adjustment mechanisms that allow the stiffness to be dynamically changed according to different users' weights and preferences, transforming a static structure into an adaptive system that can respond to varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the stiffness parameter of the support elements through adjustable components. By changing the stiffness parameter, the mattress base can adapt to different users, and this parameter adjustment is achieved through mechanical means that modify the physical properties of the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment mechanisms are added to modify deflection hardness, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of deflection hardnessVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment function into separate, modular components. Each support element is equipped with its own adjustment mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of different sections of the mattress base. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing compared to a fully integrated system, as each segment can be produced and adjusted independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through user-adjustable mechanisms that allow end-users to modify the deflection hardness according to their needs without requiring professional intervention. The adjustment mechanisms are designed to be operated by users themselves, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures or specialized tools, thereby reducing manufacturing and service costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustment mechanisms are used, then adjustment precision improves, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical adjustment systems with simpler mechanisms. Instead of using intricate gear systems or multiple linkage components, the invention employs direct-adjustment mechanisms that achieve precise stiffness modification through simpler mechanical means, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables simple, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing adjustment of mattress base stiffness, ensuring optimal lying comfort for various weights and preferences by allowing for customizable deflection hardness.

Implementation Method 1

a leaf-spring-shaped element is attached which runs essentially along the two bridge elements and can be preloaded differently with respect to the bridge elements via adjustment means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2186445B1Base mattress for a bed
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 RECTICEL BEDDING SCHWEIZ
  • EP2186445B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2186445B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2186445B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The mattress has two longitudinal supports (1, 2) spaced apart from each other and running in a longitudinal direction of a bed. Support elements (3) are arranged transverse to the supports. A retaining unit (13) is attached to outer end regions of side parts (5, 6) of the support elements. A support surface (15) of the mattress forms top of the support elements. A flat spring shaped element (11) running along bridge elements (7) is attached to an area of connection of the bridge elements. The flat spring shaped element is tensioned with respect to the bridge elements by a tensioner (12).