Body supporting system with adjustable firmness and related method and firmness adjusting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body supporting devices, such as mattresses, lack adjustable firmness, which fails to accommodate individual preferences and body shapes, leading to suboptimal support and comfort, especially when users change positions during sleep or rest.
Innovation Solution
A body supporting system with adjustable firmness, utilizing sensors to detect pressure profiles and adjust the firmness of specific areas using mechanisms like bimetal pieces, motors, and magnetic forces to ensure optimal spinal alignment and pressure distribution across the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the firmness of a mattress is configured during manufacturing using resilient elements, then the mattress provides stable support structure, but the firmness cannot be adjusted to accommodate different user preferences and body shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable regions (e.g., head region, shoulder region, hip region, leg region) with separate actuating mechanisms. Each region can be adjusted individually to provide customized firmness levels, allowing the mattress to adapt to different body shapes and user preferences without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static firmness configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. Actuating mechanisms (such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders) enable real-time modification of resilient element pre-tensioning forces, allowing the firmness to be changed during the mattress's operational life rather than being fixed at manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the resilient elements are pre-tensioned during manufacturing to provide firm support, then the mattress maintains structural stability, but it cannot adapt to users who prefer softer support or have different body requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with adjustable mechanisms (actuating means connected to resilient elements) during manufacturing, but the actual firmness adjustment is deferred to the user phase. This allows the mattress to be manufactured with standardized components while maintaining the capability for post-manufacturing customization through user-controlled adjustment of pre-tensioning forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mattress provides uniform support across the surface, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but it cannot accommodate different support requirements for different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mattress (head, shoulder, hip, leg areas) are equipped with independent adjustment capabilities, allowing each zone to have customized firmness levels. This enables localized adaptation to specific body part requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design of the adjustment mechanisms.
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 system provides customizable support that maintains spinal alignment and comfort by adjusting firmness in real-time, accommodating different body positions and reducing pressure points, thereby enhancing user experience and alleviating discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a bimetal piece and a resistor configured to heat the bimetal piece when supplied with current so as to bend the bimetal piece
Implementation Method 2
a resistor configured to heat the bimetal piece when supplied with current so as to bend the bimetal piece
Implementation Method 3
multiple magnets secured to an external surface of the upper pipe, and multiple electromagnets provided in and secured to the lower pipe... the multiple electromagnets are configured to be fed with electric current so as to cause the relative movement between the upper and lower parts
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure in general relates to body supporting systems and devices such as mattress, chair, car seat, etc., and their operating methods, and in particular to body supporting systems and devices with adjustable firmness, and related operating methods and firmness adjusting devices.