Modular Zonal Mattress Design for Adjustable Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattresses fail to provide efficient support for side sleepers, leading to spinal misalignment and discomfort, especially for individuals with varying body shapes and weights, and do not allow for post-purchase firmness adjustments without returning or replacing the mattress.
Innovation Solution
A customizable mattress with zonal variation, comprising a stack of at least three mattress elements with adjustable firmness zones and a uniform element, allowing users to rearrange the stack for different zonal variations, combined with a multi-fit pillow for optimal spinal alignment and comfort, and an optional topper for additional firmness adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mattress with uniform firmness is used, then the mattress structure is simple and cost-effective, but it fails to provide proper spinal alignment for side sleepers with varying body shapes and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple modular elements (first mattress element, second mattress element, third mattress element) with different firmness levels. These elements can be independently arranged and reconfigured, allowing the mattress to be segmented into zones of varying support to accommodate different body regions and sleeping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress are designed with locally optimized firmness characteristics. The first mattress element has a first firmness level, the second has a second firmness level, and the third has a third firmness level, creating local quality variations that provide targeted support for shoulders, hips, and other body parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mattress allows firmness adjustment after purchase, then consumer satisfaction and adaptability improve, but the mattress structure becomes more complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress transitions from a static, fixed-firmness structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Users can adjust the firmness and configuration of the mattress by rearranging the modular elements, allowing the mattress to adapt to different sleeping preferences and body types over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The same set of mattress elements can serve multiple functions and configurations. The elements can be arranged in different patterns to create various firmness profiles, allowing one mattress system to replace what would traditionally require multiple different mattresses.
3Ease of operation
If a mattress provides zonal variation for different body parts, then spinal alignment and comfort improve, but the manufacturing and inventory management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing single complex mattresses with integrated zonal variations, the design segments the mattress into separate modular elements that can be produced using simpler, more standardized manufacturing processes. These elements are then combined in different configurations to create the desired zonal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The firmness characteristics of the mattress are controlled by changing the arrangement and combination of elements with different firmness parameters, rather than requiring complex manufacturing processes to create gradient firmness within each element. This allows for parameter-based customization through assembly rather than manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a mattress comprising at least one zonal mattress element a midsection that is firmer than the upper and lower sections and configured to provide support for a hip of a user side sleeping on the mattress and at least one uniform mattress element which provides a neutral posture and may be rearranged to give different users different zonal variations. Furthermore, it discloses a system of the mattress with a pillow to provide a neutral posture or aligned spine to improve both side and back sleeping with neural posture resulting in better sleep, less snoring and less pain.