Variable pressure blanket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weighted blankets do not provide varying pressure distribution vertically or horizontally, failing to accommodate individual preferences for different pressure regions on the body, especially when shared by partners.

Innovation Solution

A variable pressure blanket with non-insulative fill particles distributed into discrete regions across the blanket, creating different pressure zones by varying the number of fill particles in each pocket, allowing for customizable pressure distribution while maintaining a uniform casing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If weighted blankets include evenly distributed weighted material, then the blanket applies equal pressure to all parts of the body, but the blanket cannot accommodate different desired blanket pressure by individuals sharing the blanket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure accommodationVSAvoidpressure distribution structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket is divided into multiple regions with different fill particle densities. Each region can be independently configured to provide different pressure levels, allowing the blanket to accommodate different user preferences without requiring multiple separate blankets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the blanket are assigned different fill particle densities to create localized pressure variations. This allows specific areas of the blanket to provide higher or lower pressure according to individual user needs while maintaining a uniform overall blanket structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If weighted blankets include evenly distributed weighted material, then the blanket provides uniform pressure coverage, but the blanket cannot provide varying blanket pressure horizontally across the blanket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure zone variationVSAvoidfill particle distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blanket surface is segmented into multiple zones with different fill particle concentrations. This segmentation enables horizontal pressure variation across the blanket while maintaining a simple uniform casing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each horizontal zone of the blanket is given a specific fill particle density to create distinct pressure regions. This allows the blanket to provide varying pressure levels across its surface without complicating the overall blanket construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If weighted blankets include evenly distributed weighted material, then the blanket maintains simple construction, but the blanket does not provide varying pressure distribution vertically or horizontally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distribution customizationVSAvoidfill particle distribution process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is simplified by segmenting the fill particle distribution into discrete regions. This allows for straightforward production where different quantities of fill particles are placed in predetermined zones during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process accommodates local quality variations by allowing different fill particle densities in different regions. This can be achieved through simple techniques such as placing different amounts of filler in different pockets or zones during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables personalized pressure distribution vertically and horizontally, accommodating individual preferences and providing a calming effect through adjustable pressure regions without altering the blanket's overall thickness or weight.

Implementation Method 1

The fill particles include a mass that generates a downward pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11051639B1Variable pressure blanket

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 HOMESMART PROD LLC

AI summary

A variable pressure blanket is disclosed. The variable pressure blanket includes a casing having a top fabric stitched to a bottom fabric to form a plurality of pockets having an interior volume. Discrete regions are arranged laterally across the casing to form distinct regions within the blanket. Each of the discrete regions have some of the pockets therein. Fill particles are disposed within the interior volumes of each of the pockets to generate a downward pressure. The pockets within one of the discrete regions have more fill particles than the pockets within the other discrete regions so that the one discrete region generates a greater downward pressure than the other discrete regions. The fill particles are non-insulative, while the top fabric and the bottom fabric may comprise an insulative material.