Rotatable Cushion Support Plate for Adjustable Mattress Spring Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing elements for upholstery, such as mattresses, face challenges in achieving optimal lying comfort due to inconsistent spring properties across different weight-bearing areas, requiring adjustable stiffness that current designs fail to address effectively in terms of ergonomic handling and cost-effective production.
Innovation Solution
A bearing element design featuring a support plate with a rotatable support disk and adjustment device, allowing for the limitation of spring leg mobility through strategically placed webs, enabling adjustable spring rates without additional space or components, and incorporating an airlift function for improved ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are inserted into bearing elements to change spring action, then spring rate adjustment is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the bearing surface, incorporates the adjustment device for spring rate modification, and integrates the locking mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment components that would increase device complexity, while still achieving adaptable spring rates through the integrated adjustment device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used for spring adjustment, then spring rate variability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is manufactured as a single injection-molded plastic component that integrates the bearing surface, adjustment device, and locking mechanism. This merging of functions into one component significantly simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate parts, reducing production costs while maintaining spring rate variability through the integrated adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment devices are added to bearing elements, then lying comfort is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate incorporates an integrated adjustment device that allows users to modify spring rates directly at the bearing element location. This self-service design enables comfort adjustment without requiring additional tools or complex procedures, maintaining ease of operation while improving lying comfort through adaptable spring characteristics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If spring leg mobility is limited by additional components, then spring rate adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate integrates the mobility limitation function directly into its structure through the adjustment device, eliminating the need for separate components to restrict spring leg movement. The locking mechanism, also integrated into the support plate, secures the adjustment in place without requiring additional parts, thereby achieving spring rate adjustment without increasing device complexity.
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 allows for a wide range of spring rate adjustments, enhancing comfort by providing tailored stiffness and integrating ventilation features, reducing production costs and complexity while maintaining ergonomic handling.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the spring arms (6) is provided at its upper end facing away from the base plate (2) with a substantially U-shaped corrugated spring element (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3A
Figure 3B~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a support element for a cushion cover for seating and lying areas, preferably for mattresses, comprising a baseplate that can be fixed to a base, and at least one spring element formed by a plurality of spring arms and extending upward from the baseplate (2) in the direction of the cushion cover, wherein the spring arms each are provided with a substantially U-shaped corrugated spring element on the upper ends thereof, oriented away from the baseplate, said corrugated spring element comprising at least two parallel spaced spring legs located on concentric ring tracks and disposed about the central axis of the support element and at least one connecting bar joining the spring legs, one end of the spring leg located on the inner ring track being connected to the corresponding spring arm, and one end of the spring leg located on the outer ring track being connected to the support plate provided for supporting the cushion element. According to the invention, the support plate (14) comprises a ring-shaped frame part (15) connecting the upper ends of the spring legs (11, 12) of the corrugated spring elements (7) and a support disc (16) rotatable about the central axis (8) of the support element (1) in the frame part (15), wherein the support disc (16) is provided in the outer edge region thereof with an adjusting device for limiting the movement of the spring legs (11 and 12) of the corrugated spring elements (7).