Modular Travel Mattress Assembly for Low-Clearance Vehicle Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional travel mattresses are too tall for use in vehicles with limited space, such as camper vans and boats, and lack the flexibility to adapt to individual user needs in terms of comfort and spatial fit.
Innovation Solution
A travel mattress with a base plate and modular carrier units that are fastened using control elements with varying strengths and elastic properties, allowing for a frameless design that can be compactly integrated and assembled without tools, enabling customization of comfort and fit to specific spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional mattresses are used to provide adequate comfort and support, then the mattress height is sufficient for comfort, but the mattress becomes too tall for use in vehicles with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into a base plate and multiple modular carrier units that can be independently selected and arranged. This segmentation allows the mattress to be customized for different space requirements while maintaining adequate comfort through selective placement of support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress can have different properties by selecting carrier units with varying support characteristics. The base plate provides uniform support while carrier units add localized comfort zones, allowing adaptation to both limited space and individual comfort needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mattress is designed with fixed structure for stability, then structural integrity is maintained, but the mattress cannot be easily assembled and disassembled for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Carrier units can be added or removed based on transport requirements, allowing the mattress to be compact for shipping yet stable when assembled. The snap-fit connections provide structural integrity while enabling easy assembly without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the mattress into a base plate and separate carrier units connected through recesses and protrusions, the design achieves both stability when assembled and ease of disassembly for transport. Each component maintains its structural integrity while allowing flexible configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the mattress uses traditional fastening methods like zippers or Velcro, then carrier units can be attached to the base plate, but the overall height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is merged into the structural design itself. Recesses in the base plate and corresponding protrusions in carrier units create an integrated connection system that eliminates the need for separate zippers or Velcro strips, reducing overall height while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress structure performs its own fastening function through the recess-protrusion mechanism. The carrier units self-align and self-fasten to the base plate through gravity and geometric constraints, eliminating the need for additional fastening components and reducing mattress height.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mattress is customized for individual user needs with different support properties, then comfort is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier units serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable customization of comfort properties, and facilitate easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each feature, managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different carrier units can be selected with specific support properties to match individual user needs for different body zones. This localized customization allows comfort optimization without requiring complete redesign of the entire mattress structure, managing complexity through modular selection.
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 can be produced with low overall heights, providing enhanced comfort and adaptability, especially in low-clearance spaces, while being easily assembled and shipped as a kit, ensuring individualized comfort and spatial adaptation.
Implementation Method 1
A carrier unit with a recess is inserted into the protruding part of the control element and held in it in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a travel mattress (1) with a base plate (2) and an arrangement of carrier units (3) which are fixed to the upper side of the base plate (2) by means of fastening elements and form a frameless superstructure with user-specific, individual zoning and with a the cover enveloping the base plate (2) and the carrier units (3).