Spring modules for an adjustable sleeping system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeping systems fail to provide adequate user comfort and flexibility in adjusting firmness settings, leading to suboptimal sleep quality due to factors like snoring, central apnea, obstructive apnea, and restless leg syndrome, as well as environmental and positional influences.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable sleeping system with modular spring modules featuring adjustable spring assemblies, each equipped with a motor, stator, rotor, and load cell, allowing for precise control of firmness through a bed controller, and incorporating a unique load cell design with strain gauges for accurate force measurement and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional foam or air bladder mattresses are used, then basic support is provided, but user comfort and flexibility in adjusting firmness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent spring assemblies arranged in a grid pattern, where each assembly can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows different zones of the mattress to have different firmness levels, providing both adaptability and ease of operation through localized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assemblies incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of spring tension and configuration. Users can change the firmness settings of individual spring assemblies based on their preferences, transforming a static mattress into a dynamically adaptable support system.
2Ease of operation
If fixed firmness mattresses are used, then manufacturing is simple, but user comfort and pressure distribution are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Different spring assemblies can be configured with different firmness levels to address specific pressure points in different body regions. This local customization optimizes pressure distribution without requiring complete system complexity, as only affected zones need adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of physical parameters such as spring tension, compression, and configuration to optimize pressure distribution. By changing these parameters in specific assemblies rather than the entire mattress, the system achieves improved comfort with managed complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable spring assemblies are implemented, then firmness control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and lead screw mechanisms serve multiple functions: they adjust spring tension, control assembly height, and enable firmness modification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each parameter, thereby managing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 system enhances user comfort by dynamically adjusting to individual preferences, improving sleep quality by distributing pressure points and maintaining consistent firmness settings, thus addressing physiological and environmental sleep disruptors.
Implementation Method 1
A lead screw is coupled to the rotor and extends above the upper surface of the spring rail. A spring plate is coupled to the lead screw for translation along the lead screw away from the spring rail in response to rotation of the lead screw in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
The main spring is configured to be compressed within the tubular sock in response to the spring plate translating along the lead screw away from the spring rail, and to be de-compressed within the tubular sock in response to the spring plate translating along the lead screw toward the spring rail
Implementation Method 3
A load cell is rigidly coupled to the stator and to the upper surface of the spring rail, wherein a force carried by the spring assembly is transferred to the spring rail through the load cell
Data Source
AI summary
Spring modules for an adjustable sleeping system. At least some of the example embodiments are spring modules comprising: a spring rail, and a plurality of adjustable spring assemblies spaced along the length of the spring rail. Each adjustable spring assembly may comprise: a motor with a stator coupled to the spring rail via a load cell, a lead screw coupled to a rotor of the motor, and the lead screw extending above an upper surface of the spring rail, a spring plate coupled to the lead screw, and a main spring coupled to the spring plate. A tubular sock disposed over the main spring, and a compliant insert can be disposed between adjacent main springs to inhibit side loading and maintain the main spring in upright relation with the spring rail.