Adjustable Mattress Section With Independent Firmness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture devices with adjustable firmness, such as bed mattresses, face limitations including non-independent deformation of elastic members, limited lifting capacity, and instability perpendicular to the movement of the bottom plate, leading to potential failures and uneven firmness distribution.
Innovation Solution
A furniture device design featuring a plate member with elastic members connected by an array of connections, where the plate member can be displaced relative to the fundament, allowing for adjustable clamping of elastic members, maintaining the softness of the upper part while adjusting the firmness by varying the deformation of the lower part, using a deformation member and connection members to control the elastic members' deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic members are clamped between a surface and a bottom plate with a lifting device, then the firmness of the furniture device is adjustable, but the deformation of one part of the surface affects the deformation of neighboring parts and the lifting capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the furniture device into multiple independent sections, each with its own set of elastic members, plate member, and deformation member. This segmentation allows each elastic member to deform independently without affecting neighboring members, while still providing overall adjustable firmness across the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformation member in each section that can dynamically adjust the position of the plate member relative to the fundament, thereby continuously varying the pre-deformation of elastic members. This dynamic adjustment capability enables firmness to be changed during operation without limiting lifting capacity.
2Device complexity
If elastic members are arranged in a single set between the surface and bottom plate, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to potential failure at intersection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elastic members into multiple independent sets within each section, arranged in parallel between the plate member and fundament. This segmentation eliminates intersection points where failures could propagate, as each elastic member operates independently without crossing other members.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plate member is displaced to adjust firmness, then the firmness is continuously adjustable, but the stability perpendicular to the movement direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides different functional qualities to different parts of the elastic members. The upper part maintains softness for comfort, while the lower part provides adjustable firmness through controlled deformation. This local differentiation allows firmness adjustment without compromising the stability and softness where needed.
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 design allows for continuous adjustment of firmness without affecting the softness of the upper part, providing improved stability and ergonomic support by independently adjusting the firmness of different sections based on weight distribution, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
each elastic member comprising a length defined by an upper end and a lower end, and being adapted to be elastically deformed along said length when loaded with the weight of the being and to act on the being with a force that depends on said elastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A furniture device (1) comprising a section (70), the section comprising a fundament (3), a plate member (5), a first set of elastic members (7a), an array of connections (9), a plurality of connection members (15) attached to the first set of elastic members and to the fundament and a deformation member (20) adapted to displace the plate member. Each elastic member comprises an elastic element (22) having a first spring constant and a flexible envelope (24) that encloses the elastic element. The connections being located between the upper (10) and lower ends (11) of the elastic members forming an upper part (26) with an upper length (U) extending between the upper ends of the elastic members and the connections, and a lower part (28) with a lower length (L1, L2) extending between the connections and the lower ends of the elastic members. The upper length is mainly unaffected by the displacement of the plate member and the lower length is adjustable by means of the displacement of the plate member.