Research and Development
Kyma Line
Paramount R&D answers the questions raised by our custormers
Kyma Line's revolutionary bed bottom structure: conceived from the user's point of view. Previous bottoms for beds used in medical and nursing care were divided into three or four sections to raise the user's back and knees to be raised. However, since actual movements of the human back and hips are quite complicated, such a simple bed bottom structure did not accommodate these movements, generating slippage and undue pressure. This difficulty had been considered an insuperable structural problem until Paramount Bed determined a find a solution. To eliminate user discomfort, we re-examined design problems based on user needs and took on the task of creating a new bed bottom.
Premise: Three major problems caused discomfort when raising the back.
The following is based on data acquired in experiments conducted at Tokyo Denki University by Paramount, in which 10 subjects used Preglar mattresses on Aura 21 beds.
This was how Kyma Line was born. We succeeded in producing an innovative structure that fits the curves of the body by extending and bending a duckboard-like part attached to the bed bottom. As expressed in the name Kyma (Greek for "wave"), the bed envelopes the back and hips like a wave, gently raising the back and knees. Kyma Line bed dynamics not only mitigate patient discomfort but also relieve stress while smoothly raising the back.
Kyma Line advance leads to next-generation "KIND motion"
Kyma Line beds achieved a first in medical and nursing care. We took this technology even further to create the back raising system found in KIND motion. This revolutionary bed was derived from the bottom structure of Kyma Line, which accommodates the complex motions of the human back, hips, and knees. The advance in KIND motion was to slightly raise the knees before moving the back; as the back is raised, the knees then are gradually lowered. Slippage and pressure felt by the patient are minimized further. By nearly eliminating the possibility of bad posture, KIND motion is expected to prevent the torturous pain of bedsores. This new technology not only makes the patient comfortable ? it also relieves the burdens of nurses and other caregivers.
KIND motion:
Kyma Line's innovation taken to the next level
R&D abilities for speed to market
Cutting-edge R&D environments with 3D-CAD structural design
We pursue improvement and rationalization in the R&D process by introducing state-of-the-art structural design with 3D-CAD simulation technology. This allows motion analysis by three-dimensional motion capture as well as quality investigation by electron microscope. Our cutting-edge R&D capabilities allow us to realize customer requirements on an expedited basis.
Universal Design approach
Our goal is to create harmonious designs for one and all
We develop products by observing the Universal Design concept, which provides for the comfort and ease of anyone using a product ? regardless of age, physical/mental abilities, and the usage environment. This means that we design products not just for aesthetic appeal but to eliminate patient concern and the margin of error by caregivers. Along with this design idea, our research methodology reflects user opinion on product development and verifies user response.
Our original design evaluation system ensures that new products adhere to Universal Design concepts. The system is also used to modify existing products to this design. One example is the handheld controller for electric beds. The idea was to make the handheld controller as user-friendly as a human-to-machine interface can be. We first listed some factors that affect this user-friendliness: size, color, and typeface of the text printed on the unit; shape and size of the unit; how users must move their fingers and how the movement changes according to function allocation; button placement and touch resistance. We then surveyed user opinion and actualized the design through our original evaluation process.
Universal Design continues to provide us with the foundation for product development, complementing the watchword of our development philosophy ? "listening to our customers" ? maintained since our establishment in 1947.
Regarding Universal Design
Universal Design is an approach aimed at developing products and buildings that can be used easily by anyone, regardless of circumstance or surrounding conditions. The seven principles of Universal Design listed below were compiled by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, under Ronald Mace, following enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Three addenda have also been added to illustrate practical product design approaches.
Seven principles and three addenda of Universal Design
Principle 1: Equitable use
Principle 2: Flexibility
Principle 3: Simple and intuitive use
Principle 4: Perceivable information
Principle 5: Error tolerance
Principle 6: Minimal physical effort
Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use
Addendum 1: Durability and economy
Addendum 2: Quality and aesthetics
Addendum 3: Health and environment
Award-winning product designs
2006 Design Excellent Company Award 2006
In 2006, Paramount Bed received the prestigious "Design Excellent Company" award, presented annually by the Design & Business Forum of the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO). The Company received special recognition for "providing high quality and service" and "communicating precisely with the customer or community."
This award, in addition to our Good Design Awards, serves to intensify our efforts to live up to the high expectations of customers on a continuous basis. At this time, we are committed to extending our Research & Development in Universal Design, promoting enhanced ease by many more users.
2007 Good Design Awards
Intime 7000 Series electric adjustable beds and KB-115 and KB-16 beds for infants received 2007 Good Design Awards on October 1, 2007. In the screening process, Intime 7000 Series was highly evaluated for its "ease of use," "kindness to the user," and "creation of a new-generation lifestyle," while KB-115 and KB-116 beds were praised for their "original, formative expression" and other design advantages.
