Mattress with attachable cores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mattress systems face challenges in maintaining the relative positioning of air chambers and rail structures during compression, shipping, and use, requiring access to internal components for adjustment, which complicates the assembly and expansion process.

Innovation Solution

A mattress system with a core attached to a perimeter rail structure via corner seams and straps, allowing for secure attachment and maintaining positional relationships without needing to access internal components, facilitated by a foam layer and anchor systems like snaps, Velcro, or zippers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the mattress core is not attached to the rail structure, then the mattress can be easily compressed and shipped, but the core loses positional integrity during compression and use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional integrity of coreVSAvoidattachment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent straps distributed around the perimeter of the core, rather than a single complex attachment mechanism. Each strap independently secures a portion of the core to the rail structure, distributing the constraint function across multiple simple components that maintain positional integrity without requiring complex assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The straps are pre-positioned and pre-attached to either the core or the rail structure in a preliminary state, allowing for quick connection without requiring complex real-time adjustment during assembly or compression. This preliminary preparation maintains positional integrity while simplifying the overall attachment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the mattress components are securely attached, then positional integrity is maintained during use, but access to internal components is restricted for adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional stability during useVSAvoidaccessibility for component adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system uses dynamic fastening mechanisms such as Velcro® brand hook and loop or zippers that can be quickly opened and closed. These mechanisms maintain secure attachment during normal use but allow rapid access when adjustment is needed, enabling the system to transition between stable and accessible states without compromising either reliability or ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The foam layer acts as an intermediary element between the attached core and the external environment. It provides structural support and cushioning while allowing access to the attachment mechanisms through its compressible nature, enabling adjustments without complete disassembly while maintaining positional stability during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple attachment points are used, then the core remains securely positioned during compression and expansion, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore positioning stabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is divided into multiple simple strap segments rather than one complex attachment mechanism. Each strap is a simple component that can be independently attached, making the overall system easier to manufacture and assemble while achieving stable core positioning through the cumulative effect of multiple attachment points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The straps are designed to be self-attaching through simple fastening mechanisms that do not require specialized tools or complex procedures. Each strap can be independently secured by the assembler or even the end user, making the multi-point attachment system easy to manufacture and assemble without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230128215A1Mattress with attachable cores
Publication Date: 2023.04.27 SLEEP NUMBER CORP
  • US20230128215A1 patent drawing
  • US20230128215A1 patent drawing
  • US20230128215A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mattress including a core having a corner positioned along a top surface of the core and extending along a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions of the core, a perimeter rail structure that extends around a perimeter of the core to surround the core. The core is attached via the corner to the perimeter rail structure along the perimeter rail structure.