System for sleep quality enhancement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sleep mattresses suffer from increased volume, weight, and diminished therapeutic effect due to changing mechanical and elastic properties over time, making them difficult to handle and maintain, and reducing comfort and sleep quality.

Innovation Solution

A thermo-mechanical system with a unitary elastic structure that adapts to body shape by converting thermal energy, using thermo-sensitive elements to maintain and restore memory effect, reducing the need for multiple layers and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple layers of different elements and materials are used to provide support and memory effect, then the comfort and therapeutic effect are improved, but the volume and weight of the mattress increase, making it difficult to handle and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidmattress weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional layers (support layer, comfort layer, memory effect layer) into a single integrated mattress body made of shape memory polymer material. This merging eliminates the need for separate layers while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing overall weight and simplifying structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses shape memory polymer material as a composite material that inherently provides both support and memory effects. This single composite material replaces multiple different materials (springs, foams, threads) that would otherwise be needed, reducing weight while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple layers of different elements and materials are used to provide support and memory effect, then the comfort and therapeutic effect are improved, but the device complexity increases, making it difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidmattress structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated structure made of shape memory polymer material. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to assemble, disassemble, and maintain multiple separate layers, while preserving all therapeutic functions within the unified material structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If traditional memory foam materials are used, then the mattress provides good initial comfort, but the mechanical and elastic properties change over time, causing the body shape to become remanent and reducing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial comfortVSAvoidmechanical properties stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent parameter changes of shape memory polymer material. The material's mechanical properties change based on temperature: at body temperature it provides soft comfort conforming to body shape, while at lower temperatures it restores to its original shape. This reversible parameter change prevents permanent deformation and maintains long-term comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory polymer material undergoes periodic shape changes in response to temperature variations during use. When the user lies on the mattress, the material softens and conforms to the body; when the user gets up and the material cools, it restores its original shape. This periodic action prevents permanent body impression formation and maintains consistent comfort over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances sleep quality and comfort by maintaining mechanical properties over time, reducing volume and weight, and eliminating the need for frequent maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

due to the shape memory property of the material from which it is made, characterized by mechanical and elastic sensitivity to the user's body temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 2

through the thermo-mechanical conversion of thermal energy dissipated by the user's body, in exchange for which the quality of life and sleep is increased in the long term

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermo-mechanical conversion: Thermomechanical Effect

Implementation Method 3

when the user is in contact with their supporting surface and heats by thermal conduction the elastic braid, composed of the perimeter wire 1, the longitudinal string of springs 2, and the transverse string of springs 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4520229B1System for sleep quality enhancement
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 UNIV STEFAN CEL MARE DIN SUCEAVA
  • EP4520229B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Summary: System for sleep quality enhancement, according to the invention, it assumes a unitary body composed of an elastic rectangular structure of thermo-sensitive elements that react to the local temperature variation, depending on which it adapts the shape of the rest mattresses between the layers of which it is embedded, that it modifies according to the shape of each user's body and returns to its original shape after each use, so that it represents an appropriate solution for the role it fulfills. The summary of the invention will be published together with figure 1.