Systems and methods for adjusting the firmness and profile of a mattress assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mattress systems are static and fail to adapt to user needs, leading to issues like pressure points, spine misalignment, poor blood circulation, and fatigue due to inadequate adjustability of the sleep surface.
Innovation Solution
A mattress assembly with a two-dimensional array of bladders, each containing a spring and connected to a pump and pressure sensors, controlled by a controller to adjust firmness and profile in response to user input, pressure changes, and predetermined routines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static mattress systems are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the adaptability to user needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable zones with arrays of bladders, allowing each region to be adjusted separately to match user body contours and pressure distribution patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system that can change firmness and profile in real-time based on user input, pressure sensor feedback, and predetermined routines
2Ease of operation
If a static mattress surface is used, then manufacturing is simple, but user comfort and sleep quality deteriorate due to pressure points and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mattress can have different firmness levels and profile adjustments tailored to specific body parts, providing localized comfort optimization for pressure relief and spinal alignment
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors provide real-time feedback on user body contact and pressure distribution, enabling the controller to automatically adjust bladder inflation levels to maintain optimal comfort and prevent pressure points
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 system provides a highly adaptable and adjustable sleep surface that can mitigate pressure issues, improve spinal alignment, and enhance comfort by dynamically adjusting firmness and profile, leading to improved sleep quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring provided within each of the bladders
Implementation Method 3
at least one spring is also provided in each bladder in the array to improve 'bounce' for a mattress assembly
Implementation Method 4
a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders
Data Source
AI summary
In systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress assembly and/or modulating the pressure in a mattress assembly, a mattress assembly includes: a two-dimensional array of bladders; at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders: multiple valves that are interposed between the pump and the bladders to control the flow of air and/or fluid to or from the bladders; a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders; and a controller in communication with the pump, the valves, and the pressure sensors. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the pump and one or more of the valves, while receiving feedback from the pressure sensors, in order to adjust the firmness of the mattress assembly and/or modulate the pressure in the mattress assembly.