Embedded Deck Board Mattress for Retainer-Free Adjustable Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable beds require external retaining mechanisms to keep the mattress in place during articulation, which are unsightly and complicate the use of traditional bedding, making them appear more like hospital beds in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
An articulating mattress with embedded rigid deck boards and a suspension material like pocketed coil springs, encased in a fabric shell, allowing for movement without the need for external retaining mechanisms, as the deck boards are hinged and secured within the mattress structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external retaining mechanisms (foot retainer bars, snaps, zippers, buckles, Velcro, clips, pockets, non-slip fabrics) are used to prevent mattress shifting, then the mattress remains in place during articulation, but the bed appears unsightly and more like a hospital bed in residential environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mattress structure with the decking structure by integrating rigid deck boards directly into the mattress assembly. The deck boards are positioned at the periphery of the mattress and can be directly coupled to the articulating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external retaining mechanisms. This integration maintains mattress retention while achieving a clean, traditional bed appearance suitable for residential environments.
2Reliability
If traditional retaining mechanisms are used to secure the mattress, then the mattress stays in place, but the use of traditional bedding materials such as sheets or blankets is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the deck boards into the mattress structure itself rather than using separate external retainers, the patent allows traditional bedding materials to be used without interference. The embedded deck boards provide retention functionality while maintaining a smooth mattress surface that works seamlessly with conventional sheets and blankets.
3Ease of operation
If the mattress is made flexible for comfort, then it provides better user comfort, but it becomes difficult to retain the mattress in place during articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mattress structure by incorporating rigid deck boards as distinct structural elements within the flexible mattress assembly. The deck boards are positioned at the periphery and provide the necessary rigidity for retention and articulation, while the remaining mattress material can remain flexible for comfort. This segmentation allows the mattress to simultaneously achieve both flexibility for comfort and rigidity for retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid deck boards with flexible mattress materials. The deck boards provide structural integrity and retention capability, while the flexible mattress materials provide comfort. This composite approach allows the mattress to exhibit both rigid and flexible properties in different regions, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and retention.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable bed is provided that has an articulating mattress a number of articulating sections. The bed has an adjustable base with a mechanism to move the articulating mattress into a plurality of positions. The articulating mattress has a number of rigid deck boards. Each articulating section has a corresponding deck board. Adjacent deck boards are hinged together so they can move or rotate with respect to one another. A suspension material, such as pocketed coil springs and/or foam, is disposed above each of said deck boards. A surrounding covering material that encases the deck boards and the suspension material to provide a mattress that can be moved to a number of different positions without any further retaining mechanisms being needed.