Spring Core Cord Compression to Reduce Storage and Packaging Costs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for compressing and storing spring cores, such as vacuum packaging, are costly and prone to damage, requiring additional packaging materials and increasing storage and logistics costs, while also being environmentally unfriendly.

Innovation Solution

A spring core is compressed using a cord or thread that forms braids and interconnected loops at the outer ends of each row of pockets, allowing for easy expansion to the non-compressed state without the need for plastic sacks or vacuumizing, utilizing simple sewing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If vacuum packaging is used to compress the spring core, then the storage and transportation volume is reduced, but the cost increases and the risk of damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidpackaging integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the plastic sack from the compression system entirely. Instead of using vacuum packaging with a plastic sack, the spring core is compressed directly using cords that form braids and loops, eliminating the need for additional packaging material and reducing the risk of plastic sack failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cord system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spring core and the compression force. The cord forms braids at opposite outer ends and interconnected loops on at least one side, providing a reliable mechanical means to maintain compression without relying on plastic sacks that can break or leak.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If vacuum packaging is used to compress the spring core, then the storage volume is reduced, but additional packaging material is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidpackaging material
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the plastic sack from the compression system. The spring core is compressed and maintained in compressed state using only cords that form braids and loops, removing the need for additional packaging material entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cord serves multiple functions: it compresses the spring core, maintains the compressed state through braids and loops, and eliminates the need for separate packaging materials. This multi-functional approach reduces both material quantity and complexity.

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

3Loss of time

If the spring core is compressed for storage, then the storage cost is reduced, but the complexity of the compression method increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage timeVSAvoidcompression method
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cord system is self-contained and maintains compression automatically through its braid and loop structure. Once the cord is positioned and the braids and loops are formed, the compression is maintained without requiring external vacuumizing equipment or additional mechanisms, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the cord from a simple linear form to a complex three-dimensional structure with braids and loops. This parameter change in the cord's configuration enables it to maintain compression effectively without requiring complex external equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method reduces storage and transportation costs, is environmentally friendly, and allows for more convenient packaging and handling of spring core mattresses, lowering circulation costs and minimizing damage risks.

Implementation Method 1

The spring core is held in a compressed state by means of at least one cord or thread (5). The at least one cord (5) is made to form braids (6) at opposite outer ends (7) of each row of pockets (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

By pulling the cord, the compressed condition of the spring core is loosened and the springs of the pockets will return to a non-compressed state one after the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic Recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3706602B1Spring core
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 IKEA SUPPLY AG
  • EP3706602B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3706602B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3706602B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention concerns a spring core (1, 1a,12, 13, 17, 18) that may be used in e.g. bed mattresses, chairs or sofas. The spring core (1, 1a, 12, 13, 17, 1 8) comprises springs placed inside pocket (3). The pockets (3) are placed in a number of rows, which rows of pockets (3) are placed side by side. The spring core (1, 1a, 12, 13, 17, 18) is held in a compressed state by means of at least one cord (5). The at least one cord (5) is formed into braids (6) at opposite outer ends (7) of each row of pockets (3). Further, the at least one cord (4) forms a number of loops (8) on at least one side of each row of pockets (3). By pulling at one free end (10) of the at least one cord (5) the braids (6) and loops (8) are dissolved, allowing the spring core (1) to return to the non- compressed state.