Interlocking Mattress Wedges for Repeatable Therapeutic Elevation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for providing therapeutic elevation for individuals with physical maladies, such as back pain and circulatory issues, using pillows are not adjustable or maintainable, leading to inconsistent comfort and relief.

Innovation Solution

A recumbent therapeutic mattress support system comprising interlocking triangular wedges that can be positioned between the mattress and box spring to achieve desired angular elevation, providing consistent support and comfort, and featuring a non-slip surface to prevent shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pillows are used to provide therapeutic elevation, then elevation and support are achieved, but the positioning cannot be repetitively adjusted to provide exact degree of elevation and consistent comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of elevation supportVSAvoidadjustability of elevation degree

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple wedge-shaped members of different thicknesses that can be individually selected and stacked. Each wedge provides a specific elevation angle, and by combining different numbers and types of wedges, the user can achieve precise, repeatable elevation positions. This segmentation allows consistent therapeutic positioning while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides wedges with different angular parameters (different thicknesses and angles). By selecting and combining wedges with specific angular parameters, the user can achieve exact elevation degrees required for different therapeutic conditions. The parameters are fixed in the wedge design, ensuring repeatability, while the combination flexibility provides adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple wedge members are used to achieve desired elevation, then adjustability and precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of elevation angleVSAvoidnumber of wedge components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge members are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The thinner wedges can be placed inside or alongside thicker wedges, creating a compact storage configuration. This nesting arrangement reduces the space required to store multiple wedge components while maintaining all the precision elevation options when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Each wedge member is designed with universal features including non-slip surfaces that work on various mattress and box spring combinations, and interlocking mechanisms that work with any wedge in the set. This universality means that any subset of wedges can be combined in various configurations, reducing the need for specialized components for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If wedges are positioned between mattress and box spring, then therapeutic support is provided, but the wedges may shift position causing inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of wedge positionVSAvoidshifting and movement of wedges

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The non-slip surfaces of the wedges, which could potentially create excessive friction or difficulty in initial placement, are designed to work with the natural movement and settling of the mattress and box spring. The friction becomes beneficial once positioned, preventing any subsequent shifting or sliding, thereby converting the potential harm of high friction into the benefit of stable, secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The wedges feature curved or contoured non-slip surfaces that conform to the natural curvature of mattresses and box springs. This curvature allows the wedges to better adhere to the surfaces and prevents shifting, while also making the wedges easier to maneuver into position by allowing slight rotational adjustment during placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables adjustable and maintainable therapeutic elevation for specific body parts, ensuring consistent comfort and pain relief, with easy storage and maneuverability of the wedges.

Implementation Method 1

which is formed with a non-slip surface which engages the box spring support and prevents the therapeutic wedges from shifting position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7784129B2Recumbent therapeutic mattress support

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 JAVARUSKI RUSSELL

AI summary

A recumbent therapeutic mattress support in the form of a plurality of interlocking wedges positionable between the box spring and the mattress of a bed, the user selectively interlocking two or more wedges to achieve the desired therapeutic elevation for either the head, neck and torso, or the legs in order to achieve the desired degree of support, comfort and relief from pain.