Mattress with Hoop Assemblies for Support and Contouring Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mattresses using coil springs, foam, inflatable air chambers, or water-filled chambers fail to provide optimal support and contouring, leading to limitations in comfort and ergonomic alignment.
Innovation Solution
A mattress design featuring a base layer with staggered slots and hoop assemblies, where each hoop is compressed under load and housed in a pouch for controlled deflection, combined with an alignment layer having cutouts for ergonomic support, addresses the need for improved support and contouring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coil springs are used for mattress support, then support capability is provided, but contouring ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress support system is segmented into multiple independent hoop assemblies (200) arranged in an array, with each hoop (202) acting as an independent support element. This segmentation allows each hoop to individually deform and conform to body contours while collectively providing comprehensive support across the mattress surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hoop assembly (200) is designed with specific local properties including varying hoop diameters, wall thicknesses, and material compositions to provide different support characteristics in different mattress regions. The pouches (204) surrounding individual hoops allow localized deflection control, enabling the mattress to adapt to different body parts with different support requirements.
2Shape
If foam materials are used for mattress support, then contouring ability is improved, but support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the hoops (202) provide structural support through their elastic deformation, while the pouches (204) made of flexible material enable controlled deflection and contouring. This composite structure integrates the support capability of rigid elements with the contouring ability of flexible elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoop assemblies (200) are designed to dynamically deform under load, with each hoop capable of elastic compression and recovery. The pouches (204) allow the hoops to deflect dynamically in response to body weight and positioning, providing both immediate support and adaptive contouring as the mattress responds to changing loads throughout the night.
3Strength
If inflatable air chambers are used, then support capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hoop assemblies (200) are passive structures that automatically adjust to support loads without requiring external control systems. Each hoop naturally compresses and deflects in response to applied weight, providing self-regulating support that eliminates the need for pumps, sensors, or electronic controls required by inflatable air chamber systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex inflatable components (pumps, valves, chambers, control systems) from the mattress support mechanism, replacing them with simple elastic hoop structures. This extraction maintains support capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and removing potential failure points associated with inflatable systems.
4Shape
If water filled chambers are used, then contouring ability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes water-filled chambers and their associated complexity (seals, filling mechanisms, weight management systems) and replaces them with simple elastic hoop structures surrounded by flexible pouches. This extraction achieves contouring through the natural elastic deformation of hoops within flexible pouches, eliminating all water-related complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoop assemblies (200) use simple, inexpensive materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The elastic hoops and flexible pouches are designed as durable but replaceable components, contrasting with the complex, expensive water chamber systems that require careful maintenance and cannot be easily replaced.
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 mattress provides enhanced support and contouring by compressing under load and aligning the body ergonomically, improving comfort and reducing pressure points, particularly in the back and shoulder regions.
Implementation Method 1
The hoop is configured to compress under a load
Implementation Method 2
the pouch controls a deflection of hoop under the load
Data Source
AI summary
A mattress includes a base layer having a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to the first surface. The base layer defines a plurality of slots extending from the first surface to the second surface and arranged in a plurality of rows in a staggered arrangement. The mattress also includes a plurality of hoop assemblies arranged inside the plurality of the slots. Each hoop assembly includes a hoop arranged vertically inside the slot and a central axis of the hoop extends substantially horizontally and parallel to the first surface. The hoop is configured to compress under a load.