Arrangement with a plurality of spring elements for a cushion support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arrangements of spring elements for upholstery pads face challenges in simple assembly and efficient mounting, particularly in combining multiple spring elements to form a cushion base.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement features spring elements connected via integrally formed one-piece connecting elements, allowing for easy mounting and combination, with spring arms between the base and support plate that can be designed to open into the base or support plate directly or via connecting pieces, enabling varying spring constants and hardness levels by combining elements with different spring constants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring elements are fixed separately to the base using screws or nails, then the spring elements are securely attached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of spring elementsVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spring elements with individual bases into a single modular unit where several spring elements are arranged side-by-side and fixed to a common base plate as one assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate fastening operations required, thereby decreasing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment of each spring element through the unified base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assembling multiple spring elements onto a base plate before final installation. The spring elements are positioned and secured to the base plate in advance, creating a pre-fabricated modular unit that can be quickly installed as a complete assembly, thus reducing on-site assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple spring elements are assembled individually, then each element can be precisely positioned, but the overall assembly process becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of spring elementsVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple spring elements into a coordinated assembly on a shared base plate, allowing precise positioning to be achieved through the structured arrangement of the modular unit rather than through individual positioning operations. The base plate provides a reference framework that ensures correct positioning of all spring elements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the cushion base into modular units, each containing a specific number of spring elements arranged in a predetermined pattern. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each module with precise positioning built-in, while multiple modules can then be efficiently assembled to create the complete cushion base, improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If spring elements are connected using separate connecting elements like clamps or plug-in fasteners, then the relative position of spring elements is secured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative position stability of spring elementsVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of connecting elements into the base plate structure itself. The base plate is designed with integrated features that directly secure the spring elements in their relative positions without requiring separate clamps or plug-in fasteners. This integration maintains the stability of spring element positioning while eliminating the additional components and assembly steps that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the assembly and mounting process, allowing for efficient combination of multiple spring elements to form a cushion base with customizable hardness levels, enhancing usability and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

spring arms arranged between them. The spring elements of the arrangement are arranged next to one another in such a way that the support plates of the multiple spring elements jointly span a support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3203880B1Arrangement with a plurality of spring elements for a cushion support
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 FROLI KUNSTSTOFFWERK HEINRICH FROMME INHABERIN MA
  • EP3203880B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3203880B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3203880B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement of spring elements (1) for a cushion support, comprising: a plurality of spring elements, spring arms (5) being arranged between a base (3) and a flat support (4), the spring elements being arranged lying next to each other such that the flat supports of the plurality of spring elements together span a support surface; and connecting elements (2) via which the spring elements are interconnected such that the spring elements are held in place relative each other in their relative position, the connecting elements being one-piece and being integrally molded on the spring elements. The invention further relates to a stack of spring element arrangements.