Pocket-spring mattress comprising openings in the casing material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pocket spring mattresses face challenges in producing thin mattresses due to spring length limitations, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as reduced comfort and longevity issues related to moisture retention and hygiene.

Innovation Solution

The mattress features interconnected coil springs with casing portions joined through a joint that includes an opening, enhancing aeration and ventilation, while maintaining the bias and comfort properties of previous designs, and utilizing a toroid-shaped casing with a symmetric joint and controlled welding points to ensure strength and adjustability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the length of the springs is reduced to make thin mattresses, then the mattress thickness is reduced, but the spring turns in the casing and comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress thicknessVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is enclosed within a casing structure that provides guidance and constraint. The casing acts as a protective shell that prevents the spring from turning while allowing vertical compression, enabling thin mattress design without compromising spring functionality or comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring casing is made of flexible material that can deform with spring compression while maintaining its confining function. This flexible shell structure allows the spring to operate effectively in a reduced thickness environment without turning or losing resilience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Length of stationary object

If the length of the springs is reduced, then the mattress thickness is reduced, but manufacturing becomes more expensive and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress thicknessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring casing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encloses and guides the spring, prevents turning, provides structural support for thin mattress design, and facilitates manufacturing through standardized production processes. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite reduced spring length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of stationary object

If the spring length is reduced, then the mattress thickness is reduced, but the mattress becomes stiffer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress thicknessVSAvoidmattress stiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spring casing modifies the mechanical parameters of the spring system by providing lateral constraint and guidance. This changes the spring's deformation mode from potential lateral buckling to controlled vertical compression only, maintaining appropriate stiffness characteristics despite reduced spring length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Length of stationary object

If casing portions are connected through the spring, then the mattress becomes compact and thin, but aeration and ventilation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress thicknessVSAvoidmoisture retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The joint connecting the casing portions is designed with porous or permeable characteristics that allow air and moisture vapor to pass through. This maintains the compact thin mattress structure while providing necessary aeration and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and maintain hygiene

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

5Reliability

If moisture is retained in the mattress, then hygiene deteriorates, but the mattress structure becomes damp

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehygieneVSAvoidmoisture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The joint structure provides extraction pathways for moisture vapor to escape from the mattress interior to the exterior environment. By creating these escape routes through the connected casing portions, moisture is actively removed from the mattress structure, maintaining hygiene and preventing dampness accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 improves moisture removal, maintains hygiene, enhances comfort and sleeping quality, and extends the mattress's lifespan by preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of allergens and odors, while allowing for customizable thickness and support regions.

Implementation Method 1

By providing an opening in the interconnection of the casing portions through the springs the aeration and ventilation through the mattress is improved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Implementation Method 2

the aeration and ventilation through the mattress is improved. A significant volume of moisture leaves the body during sleep. Thanks to the improved aeration/ventilation, this moisture will be taken care of more efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVentilation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3485766B1Pocket-spring mattress comprising openings in the casing material
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 STARSPRINGS AB
  • EP3485766B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3485766B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3485766B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A spring mattress is disclosed, comprising a plurality of interconnected coil springs (1) enclosed in casings (2), thereby forming a pocket spring mattress. For at least one of the springs, the casing portions arranged at the ends of the spring being moved towards each other, through the spring, and interconnected with the aid of connecting means, such as a weld. Further, the casing portions at the ends of the spring comprise an opening through the spring. Hereby, the casing forms a toroid or doughot shape enclosing the spring.