Mattress support for adding hospital bed functionality to an in-home bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mattress supports for traditional consumer beds are cumbersome and costly to transport and install, as they need to be as wide as the mattress and lack efficient mechanisms for easy insertion and stabilization under the mattress.

Innovation Solution

A mattress support system with inflatable bladders and a coupling mechanism that allows the top plate to be folded and adjusted, featuring side panels and runners to reduce friction and facilitate easy installation, and an interlocking joint or hinge for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the mattress support is made as wide as the entire mattress to provide full support, then the support coverage is improved, but the transportation and handling cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemattress support coverage areaVSAvoidtransportation and handling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress support is divided into two separate halves that can be transported and handled independently. Each half contains its own bladder and structural components, allowing them to be moved as smaller, more manageable units. After installation, the two halves are connected together to form a complete support system that spans the full mattress width, thus resolving the contradiction between providing full coverage and maintaining ease of transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the mattress support is divided into two sections to reduce transportation cost, then the handling cost is reduced, but the insertion difficulty increases because it cannot be inserted from one side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation costVSAvoidinsertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress support incorporates a dynamic folding mechanism with hinges that allow the two separate sections to be folded together into a compact configuration. This dynamic structure enables the support to be inserted under the mattress as a single folded unit from one side, and then unfolded and connected to span the full width, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced transportation cost and ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the mattress support is made as a single piece to simplify installation, then the insertion process is simplified, but the transportation and lifting difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidlifting difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress support is segmented into two lighter halves that can be individually lifted and transported. Each half weighs significantly less than a complete single-piece support, making them easier for healthcare professionals and family members to handle. The segmentation allows the support to be installed by first positioning one half, then the other, and finally connecting them, thus resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and lifting difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the mattress support uses a wide single-piece structure to ensure stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the friction during insertion increases making it difficult to slide under the mattress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress support is divided into two narrower sections that can be inserted under the mattress separately. Each section has reduced width compared to a full-width support, which decreases the friction and resistance encountered during insertion. Once both sections are in position, they are connected to form a stable full-width support structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and insertion ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy and cost-effective transportation, installation, and adjustment of the mattress support, allowing for efficient elevation of the mattress head section while maintaining stability and reducing friction during use.

Implementation Method 1

The bladder may be inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The top plate may include a coupling mechanism that enables the mattress support to be folded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11229568B2Mattress support for adding hospital bed functionality to an in-home bed

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A mattress support includes a base plate configured to be positioned on a box spring of a bed. A bladder may be coupled to a top surface of the base plate. A top plate is coupled to a top surface of the bladder. A top surface of the top plate is configured to support a mattress. The bladder is inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate.