Flippable Mattress Topper With Dual-Sided Thermal Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mattress toppers lack the ability to adapt to different user preferences for temperature comfort, as they do not provide a solution for both warming and cooling sensations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A mattress topper with a core made of visco-elastic foam layers, encased in a cover with opposing sides made of materials that provide a warm or cool feeling, allowing for adjustable thermal comfort by flipping the topper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional mattress topper uses a single material for the cover, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot provide both warming and cooling sensations for different user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple portions (first cover portion and second cover portion) that can be flipped between positions. Each portion is made of different materials with different thermal properties - one providing warming sensation and the other cooling sensation. This segmentation allows the mattress topper to adapt to different user thermal preferences without requiring a completely complex multi-layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple cover portions with different thermal characteristics into a single integrated cover assembly that envelops the core. By merging these different material portions into one unified cover structure with flipping capability, the design achieves versatility in thermal comfort while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mattress topper provides multiple thermal sensations through different materials, then user comfort is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into separate first and second cover portions that can be manufactured independently using different materials. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific thermal function while simplifying the manufacturing process, as each portion can be produced separately and then assembled into the complete cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly is designed to perform multiple thermal functions (warming and cooling) through a single multi-functional structure. The flipping mechanism allows the same cover assembly to provide different thermal sensations, eliminating the need for multiple separate covers or complex adjustable systems, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.
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 mattress topper offers enhanced user comfort by providing both warming and cooling sensations based on the side facing up, catering to individual preferences and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first cover portion positioned adjacent (i.e., covering) the first side and formed of a first material having material properties capable of providing a relatively warm feeling to a user on the mattress topper
Implementation Method 2
a second cover portion positioned adjacent (i.e., covering) the second side and formed of a second material having material properties capable of providing a relatively cool feeling to a user on the mattress topper
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A topper assembly for a body support includes a foam core, and a cover having a first cover portion formed of a first material having properties that provide a relatively warm feeling, and a second cover portion formed of a second material having properties that provide a relatively cool feeling. A method of making the topper assembly including creating a foam core, and covering the foam core with a cover having a first cover portion formed of a first material having properties that provide a relatively warm feeling, and a second cover portion formed of a second material having properties that provide a relatively cool feeling.