Weighted Blanket Channels for Uniform Pressure and Washability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weighted covers for therapeutic use face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure distribution, handling, temperature control, and sanitation due to their design and filling materials, which can be hazardous and difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A weighted cover with channels between fabric layers containing oblong polyester fibers arranged in parallel, providing a constant weight per unit length and easy-to-clean design, featuring removable and washable weighted bands that follow the body's shape for improved comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional fillings (plastic balls, sand, metallic balls) are used in weight cover pockets, then the weight cover can provide pressure to the user, but the pressure distribution becomes uneven and the filling falls toward the lowest part of pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The weight cover is divided into multiple channels running longitudinally between fabric layers, with each channel containing a continuous weighted element (chain or rope) that distributes weight uniformly along the length of the channel, preventing filling from falling to the lowest part
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the filling from discrete particles (balls, sand) to continuous flexible elements (chains, ropes) with controlled linear density, ensuring uniform weight distribution per unit length along the channels
2Force
If metallic chains are used to increase weight, then the weight cover provides therapeutic pressure, but there is a risk of injury to users with behavior disorders or dysfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces potentially harmful metallic chains with soft, non-metallic flexible elements (textile ropes, fabric-covered chains) that maintain the therapeutic weight function while eliminating the risk of injury to vulnerable users
Solution Approach 2:
The weighted elements are covered with soft fabric or textile material, creating a flexible shell that maintains the structural function of weight distribution while providing a safe, non-hazardous surface that cannot injure users
3Force
If traditional fillings are used in weight covers, then the cover can provide weight, but the fillings do not allow ordinary washing in a washing machine and are difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The weighted elements are designed as removable components that can be taken out of the cover channels for separate washing and drying, allowing the cover fabric to be washed normally in a washing machine while the weighted elements can be cleaned separately or replaced if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the weighted elements from the cover fabric allows independent cleaning of each component, with the cover being machine-washable and the weighted elements being removable for separate care
4Force
If weight covers are made with traditional fillings, then they provide therapeutic weight, but they are ungainly when handling, folding and storing
Solution Approach 1:
The weight cover is divided into multiple modular channels with flexible weighted elements that can be independently positioned, allowing the cover to be folded and stored more easily while maintaining weight distribution when in use
Data Source
AI summary
A weight cover (10) for therapeutic treatment has a plurality of elements (20) placed in a plurality of channels (12) between fabric layers of the weight cover to increase its weight. The channels are arranged in parallel along the length of the cover. The elements (20) are each configured as a closed case containing oblong fibers, which form weighted bands (20), and which follow the shape of the body of a user. The weighted bands contain a constant number of fibers per length unit. The weight cover has an insulating textile layer (42). The weighted bands (20) has a first fastening mean (22) that is in engagement with a second fastening mean (44) of the weight cover (10).