Inflatable Bedding Support to Reduce Foot Pressure and Discomfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mattresses cause discomfort and pressure on the feet due to the weight of bedding, especially for individuals with medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis, and existing solutions are either cumbersome or ineffective in keeping bedding away from the feet.
Innovation Solution
A bedding support device featuring an inflatable housing assembly with a C-shaped shell that raises the bedding off the mattress, creating a tent-like area for the feet, using a flexible shell, riser, and overhang portion, anchored by a Velcro-fastened backing member, allowing adjustable inflation to maintain comfort and warmth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional mattresses are used with bedding, then the bedding provides warmth and coverage, but the weight of the bedding presses against the feet causing discomfort and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the bedding weight pressing on the feet by introducing a support device that bears this weight separately. The C-shaped shell structure with overhang portion creates a tent-like space that lifts the bedding away from the feet area, while the base anchors the device to the mattress to support the bedding weight independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the bedding support device with C-shaped shell) between the bedding and the feet. This intermediary structure supports the bedding weight and prevents direct contact between the bedding and the feet, while still allowing the bedding to provide warmth from above.
2Temperature
If heavy bedding is used for warmth, then the foot area receives adequate heat, but the weight becomes unbearable for the toes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the thermal function from the weight-bearing function. The C-shaped shell structure extracts the weight-bearing function from the bedding, allowing the bedding to provide heat without imposing its full weight on the feet. The base and riser structure supports the weight independently.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hard foot end guards are used to prevent bedding from slipping, then the bedding stays in place, but the hard surface is uncomfortable for the feet and does not provide warmth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hard foot end guard with a flexible C-shaped shell structure. The shell is made of flexible material that can be inflated or adjusted to create a soft, comfortable surface for the feet. The flexible nature of the shell provides both comfort and the ability to adapt to different foot positions while still preventing bedding from slipping.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the bedding is kept away from the feet using support devices, then pressure on feet is reduced, but the devices are often cumbersome or ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support device into distinct functional components: a base for anchoring to the mattress, a riser for vertical support, and a C-shaped shell with overhang portion for creating the tent-like space. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple and effective.
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 device effectively reduces pressure and discomfort by keeping bedding away from the feet, providing warmth, and is easy to install and adjust, addressing the needs of individuals with foot sensitivity and medical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable housing assembly includes a flexible shell which is inflated so as to raise the bedding away from the top of the mattress in order to provide a tent-like area for placement of the individual's feet
Implementation Method 2
The flat member and the housing assembly are anchored to the mattress using a Velcro-fastened backing member
Data Source
AI summary
A bedding support device for use on a mattress to retain bedding, such as a sheet, away from the feet of an individual includes an inflatable housing assembly having a base, a riser unitary with the base, and an overhang unitary with the riser portion and spaced away from the base to define an open space for accommodating the feet of the individual when the inflatable housing assembly is inflated and a flat member positioned between the mattress and box springs. A backing member affixed to the housing assembly includes a fastener, and a backing member affixed to the flat member includes a fastener for engaging the fastener of the inflatable housing assembly for anchoring the inflatable housing assembly in a stable position onto the top of the mattress. The device is easily deflated for storage and/or packaging and can be used on any size bed.