Comfort system for use with a mattress

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mattress systems do not adequately address the diverse comfort and hygiene needs of individuals, particularly those with medical conditions such as bedsores, night sweats, or incontinence, as they lack customizable and adaptive solutions.

Innovation Solution

A comfort system comprising a base layer and a top layer, where the base layer is positioned below the mattress and the top layer is placed over the mattress, both featuring extendable appendages with snap fasteners for secure attachment. The top layer is made of materials tailored to specific body zones and medical needs, allowing for customizable comfort and hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-layer bedding system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot address diverse comfort and hygiene needs of individuals with different medical conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability for different medical needsVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bedding system is divided into multiple independent layers (base layer, intermediate layer, top layer) that can be separately selected, removed, or replaced. Each layer serves a specific function (e.g., moisture-wicking, cushioning, temperature regulation), allowing customization based on individual medical needs without requiring a complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base layer is designed with universal features including appendages with closure means that can accommodate different mattress sizes and configurations. The closure system uses standardized snap fasteners that work across all layers and configurations, providing a universal interface for assembling different layer combinations to address various medical conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If material is selected for specific body zones and medical conditions, then comfort and hygiene are improved, but the selection and configuration process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness for medical conditionsVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different layers are made from materials with specific properties tailored to particular body zones and medical conditions. For example, the top layer may use moisture-wicking fabric for back areas prone to bedsores, while the intermediate layer provides pressure relief for heel areas. Each layer's material selection is optimized for its specific function and location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The layers are pre-configured with appendages and closure means during manufacturing, so that users can easily assemble the appropriate combination for their needs without complex configuration steps. The closure systems are pre-positioned to align with corresponding attachment points, enabling quick assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers with appendages and closure means are used, then secure attachment and customization are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable attachment optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into modular components (appendages with closure means on base layer, corresponding closure means on top layer) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This modular approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating integrated attachment systems for entire bedding assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure means (snap fasteners) are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to more permanent or complex attachment mechanisms, while still providing secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12220076B1Comfort system for use with a mattress

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 WICKED SHEETS LLC

AI summary

A comfort system for use with a mattress comprises: a base layer configured for placement below the mattress, including a central portion that is configured to extend from a first side of the mattress to a second side, with one or more appendages extending from the central portion; and a top layer configured for placement over an upper surface of the mattress, including a central portion that is configured to extend from the first side of the mattress to the second side, with one or more appendages extending from the central portion. Each of the appendages of the top layer includes a closure means that is adapted to engage a corresponding closure means on one of the appendages of the base layer. The comfort system can be moved along the length of the mattress, and the material of the top layer can be selected for a particular malady or use.