Independent Spring Support Mesh for Body-Conforming Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional sleep support structures, such as mattresses, are self-contained and encased, which limits their ability to conform to body curves and distribute pressure effectively, making it difficult to replace worn-out components and affecting the performance of individual coils or cushions.

Innovation Solution

A pixelated support structure composed of independent springs and toppers, secured by a mesh network that allows each spring to conform independently to body shape and weight, providing variable pressure support and lateral rigidity while enabling easy access and replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mattresses use encased fabric material to create a taught surface, then the structural integrity and continuity of the support surface is improved, but the ability to conform to body curves and distribute pressure effectively deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconformity to body curves

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independent coil springs arranged in an array, where each spring can move and conform independently. This segmentation allows the support surface to adapt to body curves while maintaining overall structural integrity through the organized arrangement of individual elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mattresses use encased fabric material to hold springs, then the springs are contained and structured, but the displacement of individual springs is affected by the fabric encasement and pressure distribution is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring containmentVSAvoidindependent spring displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each coil spring is provided with its own independent topper that directly contacts the user's body. This segmentation ensures that pressure is distributed through individual spring-topper units without the interfering presence of continuous fabric encasement, allowing each spring to displace independently in response to body contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mattresses are entirely encased in fabric, then the structure is self-contained, but replacement of worn-out internal components becomes difficult and the entire mattress must be discarded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-contained structureVSAvoidcomponent replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is designed as an array of independent spring-topper units rather than a single encased structure. This segmentation allows individual springs or toppers to be accessed and replaced independently while maintaining the overall mattress structure, eliminating the need to discard the entire mattress when one component wears out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables recovery and reuse of functional components by allowing individual springs or toppers to be replaced while the remaining functional units continue to provide support. This extends the usable life of the mattress by enabling selective replacement of worn components rather than total replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Stability of the object's composition

If independent coil systems are fastened to one another via fabric encasement, then the coils are held together, but displacement of one spring still affects other springs and direct access to components is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil arrangementVSAvoidcomponent accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

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

The system provides customized support and pressure distribution on a spring-by-spring basis, allowing for independent vertical displacement without affecting adjacent springs, and facilitates easy maintenance and customization, enhancing user comfort and extending the structure's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

Each spring and topper is able to independently conform to the body shape and weight of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The mesh network secures a first spring coil of the plurality of spring coils to a second spring coil of the plurality of spring coils by passing through the floating connector of each of the first spring coil and the second spring coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11197557B2Systems and methods of sensing independent spring support

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 BAYER STEVEN

AI summary

A support structure and vertical isolation structure may include a plurality of spring coils and a mesh network. Each spring coil of the plurality of spring coils includes a spring, a cap, and a floating connector. The cap is configured to engage the spring. The floating connector is disposed in a middle of the spring. The mesh network secures a first spring coil of the plurality of spring coils to a second spring coil of the plurality of spring coils by passing through the floating connector of each of the first spring coil and the second spring coil.