Independent suspension spring assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring assemblies in mattresses do not allow for independent movement between adjacent springs, leading to uneven wear and sagging when flipped, as they lack the ability to accommodate different pressure points and preferences of sleepers.
Innovation Solution
A spring assembly design featuring first and second strings of springs with fabric pockets, where the first strings have vertical seams with slits on both surfaces and the second strings do not, allowing for adjustable movement and pressure distribution across different zones to support various body parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spring assemblies are used with uniform spring configurations, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mattress cannot accommodate different pressure points and sleeper preferences, leading to uneven wear and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different spring configurations in different zones of the mattress. First strings have vertical seams with slits allowing independent spring movement, while second strings have continuous fabric restricting movement. This allows different regions of the mattress to have different support characteristics tailored to specific body parts and sleeper preferences, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the mattress is flipped to extend its life, then the lifespan is extended, but conventional spring assemblies do not allow for independent movement between adjacent springs on both sides, causing uneven wear and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry by creating non-uniform spring string configurations where first strings have slits and second strings are continuous. This asymmetric design ensures that when the mattress is flipped, the different string types provide complementary support characteristics on each side, maintaining performance consistency and preventing uneven wear that would occur with symmetric conventional designs.
3Ease of operation
If uniform spring movement is allowed across the entire mattress, then the structure is simpler, but adjacent springs cannot move independently to support different body parts, reducing comfort and support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spring assembly into different types of strings (first strings with slits, second strings without slits) that are distributed throughout the mattress. This segmentation allows different regions to have different movement characteristics, enabling independent spring movement where needed while maintaining structural simplicity in other areas, thus resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A spring assembly is provided that includes a plurality of first strings of springs and a plurality of second strings of springs. Each of the first strings are joined to at least another one of the first strings or one of the second strings. Each of the first strings includes first and second plies of fabric that define a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the first string. The pockets are formed by vertical seams that join the plies. The vertical seams each include an upper slit that extends through a top surface of the first string and a lower slit that extends through a bottom surface of the first string. Each of the pockets have at least one spring positioned therein.