Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beds face issues such as noise from spring vibrations, difficulty in cleaning, allergens like dust mites, thermal discomfort, and challenging user access due to fixed bed sides, particularly in beds with vertically arranged support members.
Innovation Solution
A bed design featuring a support surface defined by a plurality of individually movable support members, each mounted to move normal to the surface, with some being resiliently urged by springs and equipped with a damping system to reduce noise, and movable side elements that adjust to facilitate user entry and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional mattress is used, then the springs are well sound-insulated by outer layers, but dust, dirt, moisture and dust mites can collect and be absorbed in the mattress, making it difficult to keep clean
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful environment for dust and allergens by removing the enclosed mattress structure. Instead of having springs surrounded by fabric layers that trap contaminants, the springs are exposed in a open frame structure, eliminating the habitat where dust mites thrive and making the bed easier to clean.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a permeable support structure where air can flow freely through and around the springs. This porous-like open architecture prevents accumulation of moisture and allows easy access for cleaning, while still providing effective support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the support surface is defined by vertically arranged support members without sound-insulating material, then ventilation is improved and dust mites are reduced, but noise caused by users moving about on the bed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a damping material as an intermediary element between the springs and the surrounding environment. This material is positioned to damp vibrations and reduce noise without enclosing the springs in a way that would trap dust or block ventilation. The damping material serves as a mediator that addresses noise without compromising hygiene or airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies damping material locally at specific points where vibration transmission occurs, rather than surrounding the entire spring structure. This localized approach reduces noise effectively while maintaining open spaces for ventilation and preventing dust accumulation in enclosed areas.
3Ease of operation
If bed sides extend upwardly around the body support surface, then the inner workings are protected and users are prevented from rolling out, but it becomes more difficult for users to get in and out of the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the bed sides dynamic rather than fixed. The side elements are configured to move or adjust, allowing them to be positioned lower when users need to enter or exit the bed, and positioned higher during use to provide safety and protection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of access and safety.
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 design significantly reduces audible noise, improves cleanliness by minimizing dust and allergen accumulation, enhances thermal comfort through better ventilation, and eases user access by allowing adjustable side heights.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position by means of a spring
Implementation Method 2
a damping system is provided for damping vibrations of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to beds having a support surface defined by a plurality of support members (104, 204, 240). According to some aspects the support members are sprung (104, 204) and the bed includes a damping system (106, 206), for example a damping arm (124), for damping vibrations of the springs (118, 218). According to some aspects the support members (204, 240) have laterally extending pusher members (236, 238) arranged to engage with adjacent support members (204, 240); the pusher members (236, 238) comprising damping material (254). According to some aspects the support members (104, 204) are received by a guide member (320, 420) made up of two parts (320a, 320b, 420a, 420b) arranged to retain a spring by engaging between the coils of the spring (418). The present invention also relates to bed frames comprising a plurality of movable side elements (568, 768, 1068) mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface. The side elements (568, 768, 1068) are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing beds.