Supporting module for an adaptive sleep system, and adaptive sleep system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adaptive sleep systems are overly complex, leading to increased risk of defects, reduced user-friendliness, and higher production costs, while failing to effectively adapt to the anatomy and posture of users for optimal body support.
Innovation Solution
A supporting module with adjustable leaf springs and drive shafts, where the position of the leaf spring's second end determines its deformation resistance, allowing for active adaptation of resilience to user anatomy and posture, using a coupling element to transmit rotational motion and modify the leaf spring's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex adaptive sleep systems with multiple inflatable chambers or base modules are used, then the ability to actively adapt body support during sleep is improved, but the device complexity increases leading to higher defect risk and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The bed base is divided into multiple independent supporting modules, each capable of individual adjustment. Each module contains a simplified mechanism with a drive shaft, coupling element, and resilient element, allowing local adaptation without requiring complex system-wide mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to be movable relative to the drive shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of the resilient element's pre-stressing. This enables the system to adapt to different user needs and postures while maintaining a simple mechanical structure without complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex adaptive sleep systems with multiple mechanisms are implemented, then active adaptation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in detecting and diagnosing faults
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent modules with identical simple mechanisms, the patent makes it easier for users to understand and operate each module separately. Fault diagnosis becomes simpler as each module can be independently tested and adjusted without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual adjustment mechanism allows users to directly operate and adjust each supporting module without requiring complex electronic controls or diagnostic tools. The mechanical coupling element can be manually repositioned to adjust resilience, making the system user-friendly and maintainable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex adaptive sleep systems are used, then adaptation functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to greater material and labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows each supporting module to be manufactured independently using standardized components. This simplifies production, reduces material waste, and enables parallel manufacturing of multiple modules, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining full adaptation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different adaptation levels by changing the position parameter of the coupling element on the drive shaft, rather than requiring different mechanical components. This allows a single standardized module design to provide multiple resilience settings, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 solution enhances user-friendliness, comfort, safety, and stability, reduces production costs, and offers a broader range of mechanical adjustments, making the sleep system more efficient and suitable for everyday use.
Implementation Method 1
at least two leaf springs (130, 130') positioned parallel to one another, each leaf spring including a first and a second end
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element (150) has been configured to transmit the rotational motion of at least one drive shaft (140) to the leaf spring (130)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a supporting module (100) for use in an adaptive sleep system and to a sleep system comprising such supporting modules, the resistance (resilience) of which can be adapted in a simple manner to the anatomy and/or posture of a user. The supporting module (100) for an adaptive sleep system comprises an uppermost supporting element (110), at least two drive shafts (140, 140′), at least two leaf springs (130, 130′) positioned parallel to one another, each leaf spring (130, 130′) including a first and a second end, each first end being connected to the first supporting element, and each second end being in contact with an adjacent drive shaft (140, 140′) via a coupling element (150), wherein the position of the second end of a leaf spring (130, 130′) with respect to the adjacent drive shaft (140, 140′) determines the deformation resistance of this leaf spring (130, 130′), and wherein the coupling element (150) has been configured to transmit the rotational motion of at least one drive shaft (140, 140′) to the leaf spring (130, 130′), in order to modify the position of the second end of the leaf spring (130, 130′) with respect to the adjacent drive shaft (140, 140′).