Therapeutic blanket with weight elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Weighted therapeutic blankets with chains in channels suffer from uneven pressure distribution, noise, and poor breathability, making them less effective and uncomfortable for users.

Innovation Solution

Individual weight elements are fixed at predefined positions between textile layers in closed compartments, preventing direct contact and collision, which enhances breathability and pressure distribution while minimizing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If chains are sown into channels to regulate thickness, then the blanket becomes less space consuming and breathes better, but pressure distribution becomes uneven and therapeutic effect is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblanket thicknessVSAvoidpressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket is segmented into multiple compartments, each containing individual weight elements. This segmentation allows the weight elements to be distributed across the blanket surface while maintaining breathability and reducing volume, while also ensuring even pressure distribution through the segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If chains are used as weight elements, then thickness can be regulated, but the blanket becomes noisy and requires a sturdy frame that reduces user comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblanket thicknessVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful特性 of chains (noise, need for sturdy frame) are extracted from the system. Instead of using chains, the patent employs individual weight elements that are silent and do not require a coarse frame structure, thereby eliminating noise while maintaining thickness regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Weight of moving object

If plastic balls or pellets are sown into patches, then weight is provided, but the blanket becomes thick, space consuming, and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblanket weightVSAvoidblanket thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket structure is segmented into compartments that efficiently contain weight elements. This segmentation allows the use of weight-providing elements like plastic balls or pellets while minimizing overall blanket thickness and improving handleability through the organized compartmental structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of moving object

If plastic balls or pellets are used, then weight is provided, but the blanket becomes thick and does not breathe well, causing filling material to collect moist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblanket weightVSAvoidmoisture accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket structure implements local quality variations through compartmented sections. These compartments provide weight while maintaining localized breathability, allowing air circulation that prevents moisture accumulation in the filling material while still providing the necessary weight for therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3461377B1Therapeutic blanket with weight elements
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 NILSSON SA
  • EP3461377B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3461377B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3461377B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a therapeutic blanket (1) with weight elements (2). The blanket (1) comprises a first textile layer (11), a second textile layer (12), and a plurality of weight elements (2) arranged between the first textile layer (11) and the second textile layer (12). Each one of the plurality of weight elements (2) is individually fixed at a predefined position between the first textile layer (11) and the second textile layer (12), and none of the plurality of weight elements (2) are in direct contact with another weight element (2). The present invention is at least partially based on the realisation that by individually arranging weight elements (2) at predefined positions within a therapeutic blanket (1), where none of the weight elements (2) are in direct contact with each other, a blanket (1) with better breathing properties and less noise issues may be achieved.