Ring Spring Element Structure for Versatile Mattress Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spring elements for upholstery devices, such as bed mattresses, lack versatility and ease of assembly, with complex assembly processes and inflexible positioning, limiting their range of applications and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A spring element design featuring a ring part with merging ring sections, a receiving section, and connecting extensions, allowing for stable and robust construction with excellent spring properties, along with a simplified assembly system using T-shaped grooves and connecting pieces for easy integration and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional spring elements are used in upholstery devices, then they provide basic support function, but they lack versatility and have complex assembly processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of applicationsVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is designed with a receiving section that can accommodate different types of connections (e.g., hooks, clips, or direct insertion), allowing the same spring element to be used in various upholstery applications such as seats, backrests, and headboards without modification

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

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is divided into distinct functional sections: a support body for load-bearing, a receiving section for connection, and mounting features for attachment. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where each section performs its specific function independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional spring elements are used, then they provide structural support, but they have inflexible positioning options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element incorporates flexible positioning features such as adjustable mounting brackets or rotatable connection points, enabling the spring element to be positioned at various angles and locations within the upholstery device during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex spring element designs are used, then they may provide enhanced functionality, but they reduce user convenience and handling ease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoiduser handling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element includes self-aligning features and snap-fit connections that automatically position and secure the spring element during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or specialized installation tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances the spring element's versatility, stability, and ease of assembly, enabling a wide range of applications while ensuring optimal force distribution and user-friendly handling.

Implementation Method 1

In the intended case of loading, the partial ring sections can deflect downwards in the height direction due to this configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

From the receiving section, the force introduced in the intended case of loading is passed on to the spring body of the spring element, which consequently also compresses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transmission: Force

Data Source

PatentEP2637526B1Spring element
Publication Date: 2015.04.22 HERMANN BOCK GMBH
  • EP2637526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2637526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2637526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a spring element (1) for a cushioning device of a piece of furniture for sitting or lying, in particular for a bed mattress, comprising a spring body (10) and an accommodating section (30) arranged thereon, wherein the spring body (10) and the accommodating section (30) are injection-molded from plastic as one piece. In order to develop a spring element (1) of the type mentioned above in such a way that the spring element can be used for an extended range of applications, a spring element (1) is proposed that is characterized in that the spring body (10) is designed as a ring part (11) extended in the longitudinal direction (40), which ring part comprises two ring part sections (13, 14) that transition into each other as one piece in a center section (12), said ring part sections each having an upward slope in the height direction (42) starting from the center section (12), wherein the end areas (15, 16) of the ring part sections (13, 14) lying opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (40) are connected to each other, the accommodating section (30) lying therebetween.