Bed Firmness Control Using Elastic Spring Deformation and Retraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed and seating arrangements with adjustable firmness are complex, heavy, costly, and difficult to use, often failing to provide adequate adjustability for individual user needs.
Innovation Solution
A firmness controlling apparatus comprising a rigid frame with non-elastic flexible elongate elements and elongate springs, where the non-elastic elements are connected to the frame via elastic elements, allowing for adjustable tension and curvature, enabling precise control of firmness through a retraction device, which can be easily integrated under various mattresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional firmness adjustment mechanisms (rotatable elements, linear motors, jacks, inflatable elements) are used, then firmness is adjustable, but the device becomes complex, heavy, and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the elastic elements by inducing deformation to different degrees. This allows firmness adjustment without complex mechanical structures - simply by controlling how much the elastic elements are deformed, the system achieves variable firmness while remaining simple and lightweight
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static firmness (fixed at manufacturing) to dynamic firmness (adjustable during use). By enabling the elastic elements to be deformed to different degrees on demand, the bed arrangement becomes dynamically adaptable to user preferences while avoiding complex adjustment mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are provided for zone-specific firmness control, then zone independence is improved, but the overall device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bed arrangement into multiple zones, each with its own set of elastic elements that can be independently deformed. This segmentation allows different firmness levels in different zones while using simple, inexpensive elastic elements rather than complex adjustment mechanisms in each zone
Solution Approach 2:
The same simple elastic elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable firmness adjustment, and allow zone independence. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, reducing overall complexity and production cost
3Measurement precision
If complex firmness adjustment mechanisms are used, then firmness control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to directly control the deformation of elastic elements through simple interfaces. The users themselves perform the adjustment function without needing to operate complex mechanical systems, making the device easy to operate while maintaining precise firmness control through direct user input
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 cost-effective, lightweight, and easy-to-use system for varying mattress firmness, improving sleeping and resting experiences by offering a wide range of continuously variable firmness with precise control, suitable for both new and existing bed arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
the firmness of the bed is dependent on the properties of the elastic elements, such as the spring constant, and how the elastic members have been mounted in the bed
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elongate springs extending in a flat or curved plane, each elongate spring having two ends
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A firmness controlling apparatus (1) for use in a bed arrangement or a seating arrangement is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rigid frame (11) having two opposed sides (11a,11b), and at least one non-elastic flexible elongate element (12) extending between the two opposed sides (11a,11b). Each end (12a,12b) of the non-elastic flexible elongate element (12) is directly or indirectly connected to one of the opposed sides (11a,11b), and at least one of the ends (12a,12b) is indirectly connected via an elastic flexible elongate element (13). A plurality of elongate springs (14) are provided and extend in a flat or curved plane, the ends (14a,14b) of each elongate spring (14) being attached to one of the at least one non-elastic flexible elongate elements (12) at two separated connections. A retraction device (15) is arranged to tighten and slack the non-elastic flexible elongate element(s) (12) between the two separated connections, thereby adjusting the distance between the two separated connections of each non-elastic flexible elongate element (12), and thereby controlling the curvature and height of the elongate springs (14).