Elastic module and elastic mattress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic mattresses with springs face challenges in assembly, elasticity adjustment, and maintenance, as springs are rigidly connected and require a thick sponge for support, which is difficult to clean and poses health risks.
Innovation Solution
An elastic mattress design featuring pre-compressed springs wrapped in flexible materials, with connectors on the periphery to minimize interference and allow independent elasticity, eliminating the need for a thick sponge by using complementary springs and flexible materials like goose down or latex for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If springs are rigidly connected on a base plate to form an integral structure, then structural stability is improved, but spring independence and elasticity adjustment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spring system into independent modular units, each spring being individually wrapped in flexible material rather than rigidly connected. This segmentation allows each spring to function independently while maintaining overall structural stability through the flexible material connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible material wrapping around each spring to replace rigid base plate connections. This flexible shell approach maintains structural integrity while allowing independent spring movement and elasticity adjustment, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and independence.
2Ease of operation
If springs are arranged in low density with rigid connections to prevent entanglement, then spring interference is reduced, but device complexity and material usage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material wrapping serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents spring entanglement, provides structural connection, and allows dense spring arrangement. This eliminates the need for complex rigid connection structures while maintaining spring independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the flexible material wrapping: it acts as a connector, a protective cover, and an anti-entanglement mechanism. This consolidation simplifies the overall structure while achieving the desired spring independence and preventing interference.
3Strength
If a thick sponge is used to provide support and connect springs, then structural support is improved, but ease of cleaning and environmental friendliness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material wrapping replaces the thick sponge layer, providing structural support and spring connection while maintaining a thin, removable profile. This flexible shell can be easily detached and cleaned, or replaced entirely, solving the cleaning and environmental issues associated with traditional thick sponges.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material wrapping and spring assembly can be designed as a disposable or easily replaceable unit. When cleaning or maintenance is needed, the entire spring assembly with its flexible wrapping can be removed and replaced, eliminating the need to clean a permanent thick sponge structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If springs are connected by connectors on the periphery, then spring independence is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector function with the flexible material wrapping itself. The flexible material serves as both the spring cover and the connecting element between adjacent springs, eliminating the need for separate connector components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material wrapping performs multiple functions: it protects individual springs, connects adjacent springs, allows independent movement, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining spring independence.
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 design achieves better spring integrity, ease of cleaning, and comfort with reduced sponge usage, providing independent elasticity without a thick sponge layer, enhancing user safety and mattress durability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of first springs is a single spring that is pre-compressed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An elastic module comprises a plurality of first springs. The plurality of first springs are arranged in an array or staggered, and a first one of the plurality of first springs and a second one of the plurality of first springs adjacent to the first one of the plurality of first springs contact or approach. Each of the plurality of first springs is a single spring that is pre-compressed and wrapped by a flexible material, and upper parts of the plurality of first springs have swingable spaces on side surfaces of the plurality of first springs. Multiple first springs of the plurality of first springs on an outer periphery of the elastic module are connected by one or more connectors or connecting parts extending from the flexible material. The one or more first springs (or the one or more first springs and the one or more second springs) of the elastic module of the present disclosure provide elasticity independently, and adjacent springs have little interference with each other or have no interference with each other. Top ends of the one or more first springs (or the one or more first springs and the one or more second springs) need not to be connected and fixed together.