Mattress with Stackable Layers for Variable Height and Firmness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mattresses often become unsuitable as users age or develop physical conditions, requiring changes in firmness and height that existing mattresses cannot easily accommodate.
Innovation Solution
A mattress system with variable height and hardness, featuring a base layer and stackable resilient top layers with an extendable attachment system, allowing for adjustment of firmness and height through frictional restriction and a length-adjusting mechanism, enabling users to modify the mattress configuration by adding or removing layers and adjusting attachment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mattress is designed with fixed firmness and height, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot adapt to users' changing needs as they age or develop physical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent layers (base layer, middle layer, top layer) that can be separately adjusted in firmness and height. Each layer can be modified or replaced independently, allowing the mattress to adapt to changing user needs without requiring complete replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress incorporates adjustable elements including removable layers, adjustable firmness mechanisms, and height-adjustable features that allow the mattress characteristics to be dynamically changed according to user requirements throughout different life stages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mattress layers are made removable and adjustable, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but the attachment system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different layer configurations and height adjustments. The same attachment hardware serves multiple functions including securing layers, adjusting height, and enabling easy removal and reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system allows for parameter changes in layer positioning, firmness, and height through adjustable mechanisms that can be modified without requiring different hardware for each configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mattress uses friction-based layer restriction, then layer stability is improved, but the restriction strength may be insufficient for higher layers
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress layers are designed with nested attachment mechanisms where upper layers can be secured to lower layers through integrated attachment points. This nested structure provides progressive stabilization, with each layer contributing to the overall stability of the mattress configuration.
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 users to customize the firmness and height of the mattress to suit changing needs, extending the mattress's usability and reducing waste by allowing replacement of worn upper layers while maintaining the base layer, thus providing comfort and support throughout various life stages.
Implementation Method 1
one or more top layers made of resilient material which are stacked on top of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
The lateral or longitudinal movements of a layer with regard to another layer is generally restricted by friction between the material of each layers
Data Source
AI summary
A mattress having variable height and hardness is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base layer held by a mattress cover using an extendable attachment system. The mattress further comprises one or more top layers made of resilient material which are stacked on top of the base layer. Only friction between the material of the top layers limit the lateral or longitudinal movements of a layer with regard to another layer.