Thermoregulating foam pad with passive cooling and active heating functions

Abstract

A temperature regulating foam pad 10 comprising a plurality of zones 20, at least one passive cooling device 14 disposed in at least a first zone 22 of the plurality of zones 20, at least one heating device disposed in at least the first zone, at least one temperature sensor 60 and / or heart rate sensor 65 disposed in the first zone, and a controller 70 connected to the heating device 40 and the at least one sensor 60, 65 for controlling the heating device 40. The passive cooling device 14 reduces the temperature of the first zone 22 to a first temperature T1 that is lower than a desired temperature T, and the heating device 18 increases the temperature of the first zone 22 from the first temperature T1 to the desired temperature T.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to foam pads (eg for mattresses). [Background technology]

[0002] There is a trend in the mattress industry to regulate the temperature of mattresses, but there is a demand for mattresses that allow users to enjoy high thermal comfort while sleeping by regulating the mattress temperature so that the mattress does not become too hot while in use.

[0003] Thermal comfort during sleep refers to a temperature environment that enhances the sleep experience. To provide thermal comfort to a mattress user, the temperature of the mattress needs to be regulated. However, the appropriate temperature varies in different areas of the mattress and changes over time depending on the sleep phase of the user.

[0004] To date, mattresses have been proposed using active cooling technology with cooled or heated fluids or forced air to regulate the mattress temperature. However, these approaches have proven to be impractical and energy-intensive. For example, see the 2021 Wall Street Journal article "Can This $3,500 Smart Bed Improve Your Sleep? Sleep Experts Test It" and the YouTube® video (https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=0m2s8R9QVW8). Passive cooling technology mattresses have also been proposed, incorporating phase change materials, graphite-filled foam, gel-filled foam, and other passive cooling elements into the mattress.

[0005] However, this passive cooling technology does not allow for controlled cooling temperatures when adjusting or changing the temperature of the mattress. Because these technologies store heat energy rather than removing it, they only provide a momentary, short-term cooling effect in the showroom or when you fall asleep.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a dual-use temperature control mat with two layers, a high-temperature layer and a low-temperature layer. The two layers are provided with separate phase-change energy storage modules with different phase-change temperatures. The phase-change temperature of the phase-change material used in the high-temperature layer is higher than that of the phase-change material used in the low-temperature layer.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses an office chair with a temperature control function. This office chair is composed of a chair seat, a chair back hinged to the chair seat, and an electric control system including a temperature sensor. The chair seat is composed of a so-called "skeleton" and a bladeless fan arranged within the skeleton. A heating pad is arranged above the skeleton.

[0008] Patent Document 3 discloses a temperature-regulating mattress using a micro-heating element. This temperature-regulating mattress uses a micro-heating element having a new structure configured to provide a comfortable sleeping space for the user and to block the habitation of dust mites.

[0009] Patent Document 4 discloses a support surface that does not require an external power source or air circulation to constantly cool the skin. Heat is transferred through a thermally conductive layer or layer of material that is soft, pliable, and comfortable to sit or lie on. This layer is connected to a thermally conductive material that carries the heat and dissipates it to a cooler environment.

[0010] US Patent No. 5,993,336 describes a foam pad having multiple sections, the pad including flexible elongated bands for transferring heat energy, in the event of excess heat energy, from at least one hollow volume in a first section towards at least one hollow volume in a second section of the pad that does not contain the excess heat energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Chinese patent application CN107772906A [Patent Document 2] Chinese patent application CN107713481A [Patent Document 3] Korean patent application KR2021 / 0035133A [Patent Document 4] International Patent Application WO 2006 / 001980 A2 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application US 2021 / 244192 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The prior art does not describe a foam pad that provides adjustable cooling without the need for expensive, energy-intensive active cooling devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A temperature regulating foam pad that regulates temperature by a combination of passive cooling and active heating is described below. According to one aspect of the present invention, a temperature regulating foam pad is provided that includes a plurality of zones. At least one passive cooling device is disposed in at least a first zone of the plurality of zones. At least one heating device is disposed in at least one of the zones. At least one temperature sensor or one heart rate sensor is further disposed in the first zone. The foam pad further comprises a controller for controlling the heating device. The controller is connected to the heating device and to the temperature sensor and / or the heart rate sensor. The passive cooling device is configured to allow passively lowering the temperature of the first zone to a first temperature that is lower than a desired temperature. The heating device is adapted to increase the temperature of the first zone from the first temperature to a desired temperature.

[0014] The passive cooling device allows the temperature of the foam pad to be reduced without the need for a complex, expensive and energy-consuming active cooling device. The temperature is reduced to a first temperature that is lower than the temperature normally preferred by the user, which cannot be adjusted during use of the foam pad. The temperature of the foam pad can be increased to a desired temperature by combining passive cooling with the required amount of heating by the heating device. Thus, the temperature of the foam pad can be reduced to a desired temperature individually without the need for an active cooling device.

[0015] The passive cooling device may further be a thermally conductive band connecting at least a first zone and a second zone of the plurality of zones, the thermally conductive band adapted to transfer thermal energy between the first zone and the second zone.

[0016] The thermally conductive band may be further adapted to transfer thermal energy generated by the heating device between the first zone and the second zone.

[0017] The heating device may further be a heating band for increasing the temperature of the first zone.

[0018] The first zone may further have excess thermal energy.

[0019] The second zone can also have no excess heat energy.

[0020] The thermally conductive band is further capable of transferring thermal energy from the first zone to the second zone.

[0021] The flow of thermal energy transferred by the thermally conductive band from the first zone to the second zone may further be substantially equal to the flow of thermal energy radiated by a user of the pad to the first zone.

[0022] The heating device may further be supplied with a low voltage power supply.

[0023] The flow of thermal energy from the heating device to the first zone can be even less than the flow of thermal energy to the passive cooling device.

[0024] The foam pad may also be in the form of a mattress or sheet.

[0025] The thermally conductive band may further include a continuous thermally conductive layer extending from within the first zone into the second zone.

[0026] A method of regulating a temperature of a foam pad is further described. The foam pad comprises a plurality of zones and at least one heating device disposed in at least one of the plurality of zones. The foam pad further comprises at least one sensor disposed in at least a first zone and a controller connected to the heating device and the at least one sensor. The foam pad further comprises at least one passive cooling device for reducing a temperature of the first zone to a first temperature that is lower than a desired temperature. The method includes measuring a temperature of the first zone with a temperature sensor and / or measuring a heart rate or heart rate variability with a heart rate sensor. The method further includes controlling, with the controller, the heating device to reach and maintain a desired temperature of the first zone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a pad according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a thermal conduction band according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a top view of a pad according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a top view of a pad according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a top view of a pad according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a side view of a pad according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing a method for adjusting the temperature of a pad according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present invention will now be described based on the drawings. It will be understood that the embodiments and aspects of the present invention described herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection of the claims. The present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. It will be understood that the features of one aspect or embodiment of the present invention can be combined with the features of different aspects or aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] The following description discloses one aspect of a foam pad, a mattress, and a method for regulating the temperature of the mattress.

[0030] Thermal comfort in sleep is defined as a temperature environment that can promote, for example, faster sleep onset and fewer sleep interruptions. Both speed of sleep onset and the degree of sleep interruptions are parameters of the sleep experience. The temperature of the mattress is one of the parameters that determine thermal comfort, in addition to the outside temperature. Increasing thermal comfort can improve the comfort of the mattress user.

[0031] It is known that a warm sleep environment, including the temperature of the mattress at bedtime, promotes sleep onset. Increasing the temperature gradient between the torso and legs / arms of the mattress user further stimulates blood circulation and stress-free thermoregulation (see, for example, "Cutaneous warming promotes sleep onset," Roy JEM Raymann, Dick F. Swaab, and Eus JW Van Someren, American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2005 288:6, R1589-R1597). A mattress that allows the temperature of different zones of the mattress to be regulated independently of each other can establish an increased temperature gradient between different parts of the user's body.

[0032] During the first sleep phase, just after falling asleep, the user's body temperature remains high, just like during the day. Using a highly insulating futon will prevent the user's body from emitting this heat. A cool sleeping environment with a lower mattress temperature is effective in improving the sleep experience during the first sleep phase.

[0033] During sleep, the body temperature drops, which can be defined as the second sleep phase following the first sleep phase. By measuring the core body temperature, the onset of the second sleep phase can be accurately determined. However, since the core body temperature of the user is not easily measured, alternative parameters such as the user's heart rate can be used instead (e.g., "Characterizing the Human Heart Rate Circadian Pacemaker through Widely Available Wearable Devices" Bowman, Clark & ​​Huang, Yitong & Walch, Olivia & Fang, Yu & Frank, Elena & Goldstein, Cathy & Sen, Srijan & Forger, Daniel, 2020, DOI: 10.1101 / 2020.03.12.988899). If the user's body temperature drops too much, the user's sleep state will deteriorate. The body may require some additional heating to maintain a comfortable feel in certain zones of the mattress. In one embodiment, during this second sleep phase, a small heating can be provided to the lumbar region of the user's body.

[0034] The waking stage is the third sleep phase following sleep phase 2. The temperature of the mattress when you wake up affects how long you sleep and how comfortable you feel when you wake up.

[0035] Therefore, the temperature of different zones of the mattress can be independently adjusted to vary over time to enhance the thermal comfort of the user while sleeping, where the temperature variation may be determined by sleep phase. Therefore, the temperature of the entire mattress and / or the temperature of each zone of the mattress should be adjustable to enhance the sleep experience of the mattress user.

[0036] Regulating the temperature of the entire mattress or at least some zones of the mattress can be achieved by removing body heat through passive cooling, for example using passive cooling devices integrated into the mattress, however if the mattress is comprised of too many passive cooling devices, the body heat may drop too much, causing the user of the mattress to feel cold.

[0037] So, in another embodiment, the temperature of the mattress is not only lowered using a passive cooling device, but also increased by applying adjustable heating using a heating device, since the temperature cannot be adjusted by a passive cooling device alone. When a heating device is combined in this way, the temperature of the mattress can be adjusted to a desired temperature. The technology of applying adjustable heating is much simpler and consumes less energy than other devices for adjustable cooling.

[0038] If the temperature of the mattress is reduced by passive cooling and the sleeper feels too cold or the temperature of the mattress falls below a suitable temperature for maintaining the thermal comfort of the user, adjustable heating can be applied to one of the zones of the mattress. A heating device integrated in the mattress can be used to apply energy-saving adjustable heating. The temperature of each zone of the mattress can be set by controlling the radiation of thermal energy generated by the heating device using a temperature sensor and a controller. The desired temperatures of the different zones of the mattress can be set independently of each other and can vary with time. The controller controls the heating device depending on the temperature of the zones of the mattress. The temperature of each zone is measured by a temperature sensor provided in each zone. The controller can also control the heating device taking into account other parameters, such as the user's heart rate (or heart rate variability) measured by a heart rate sensor.

[0039] Thus, the temperature of each zone can be adjusted to a specific temperature without the use of "thermoregular cooling technology," such as mattress ventilation or air conditioning integrated into the mattress. The combination of passive cooling and heating devices allows for the development of thermoregular mattresses at lower cost and without the use of more complex components.

[0040] The temperature of any substance is determined by the following formula: T (Mat@t) = T (Mat@t-1) + E(heat inflow) - E(heat outflow) T(Mat@t) is the temperature of a given material at a given time t, and T(Mat@t-1) is the temperature of this given material before this given time t. E(therm-inflow) is the thermal energy arriving at a given material between times t-1 and t, and E(therm-outflow) is the thermal energy leaving a given material between t-1 and t. Based on this assumption, changes in temperature are not made by changing the temperature of the given material itself, but by analyzing and optimizing the flow of thermal energy affecting the given material.

[0041] The temperature of a given material must be permanently reduced by either reducing the inflow of thermal energy E (therm-inflow) to a given material in the mattress or by increasing the outflow of thermal energy E (therm-inflow). Most of the inflow of thermal energy E (therm-inflow) in a typical mattress is due to the effect of the user's body temperature on the mattress. The sleeping body emits a heat flux of 40 W / m2 to the skin. Approximately 70-80 W / user results in an inflow of 230 kJ of thermal energy E (therm-inflow) per night. There is no practical way to reduce the inflow of thermal energy into the mattress. Therefore, to reduce the temperature of the mattress, it is necessary to increase the outflow of thermal energy from zones with excess thermal energy to zones without excess thermal energy.

[0042] The thermal energy released by the user's body is not distributed homogeneously throughout the mattress. The excess thermal energy is collected in the foam of the filling in a first zone immediately beneath the user's body. This first zone starts 3-7 cm below the surface of the mattress that is in contact with the user's body and can reach up to 15 cm below the surface, depending on the foam's construction and / or shape. A temperature gradient within the mattress occurs because the temperature of the foam of the mattress around the first zone is similar to the ambient air temperature, not the body temperature. The zone around the first zone that is closer to the ambient air temperature is called the "second zone". The mattress therefore has a temperature gradient between the first zone and the second zone in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the mattress surface. The second zone can be in a zone where the user does not feel a higher temperature, such as at the edge or bottom of the mattress.

[0043] By transferring heat energy to a zone where the mattress user does not feel the heat from the heat energy, for example the second zone, the cooling effect can be sustained for a long time. The temperature gradient between the first and second zones allows the transfer of heat energy to the second zone. Heat energy from body heat starts to accumulate in the first zone 10-20 minutes after the mattress user starts using the mattress. The cooling effect from the transfer of heat energy to the second zone starts around this time. The effect of the transfer of heat energy continues while the mattress is in use. The resulting temperature gradient promotes the transfer of heat energy as long as the body produces body heat.

[0044] Flexible materials can be used for passive cooling devices. Passive cooling devices with flexible materials can adapt to the elastic deformation of the mattress caused by the weight of the mattress user. This allows passive cooling devices to be integrated into the padding of the mattress without reducing the comfort feeling. These passive cooling devices do not require external energy. Passive heating devices can be used to transport excess heat energy from the first zone to the second zone.

[0045] Passive cooling devices take advantage of a property of most foam-based mattresses, where thermal energy is not evenly distributed within the mattress, to cool a first zone or other zones. Polyurethane foams usually have many hollow volumes (usually called cells), which are either open (connected to each other) or closed (not connected to each other). The cavities contain air, which gradually warms up with use. Even open-cell foams have very limited air movement, with air moving upwards towards the user, but never away from the user. Foam has poor thermal conductivity. Foam materials do not transmit thermal energy well.

[0046] The passive cooling device can be designed as a thermal conduction band. The thermal conduction band has a conductive layer and has high thermal conductivity. Carbon-containing materials such as graphite and graphene can be used. Other materials, not limited to aluminum, can be used for the thermal conduction layer. The thickness of the thermal conduction layer is 0.5 mm or less to allow flexibility, but a larger thickness is acceptable as long as a certain degree of flexibility is maintained. The thermal conduction layer in the thermal conduction band is continuous.

[0047] The thermally conductive band is arranged so that it contacts the hollow volume of the zone with excess thermal energy, i.e. directly under the body or any heating device, and at the same time also contacts at least one hollow volume of the zone without excess thermal energy, without interruption of the thermally conductive layer. Such zones can be found in the mattress, for example towards or at the ends of the mattress. Zones without excess thermal energy can also be located at the bottom of the mattress, if air can reach the bottom of the mattress and cool it (for example by using a slate frame or a spring box).

[0048] There are two principles by which thermal energy is transferred along thermal conduction bands between different zones within the mattress.

[0049] The greater the difference in thermal energy between the different zones, the greater the flow of thermal energy.As mentioned above, the amount of thermal energy below the body is substantially constant, so a search is made for zones with lower values ​​of thermal energy.

[0050] The greater the area of ​​the thermal conduction band in zones of the mattress that do not have excess thermal energy relative to the area of ​​the thermal conduction band in zones of the mattress that have excess thermal energy, the greater the flow of thermal energy. At least 30% of the thermal conduction band is used in zones that do not have excess thermal energy, and 50% is used for lower temperature differences.

[0051] By integrating multiple thermally conductive bands, the temperature of large zones of the mattress can be reduced. Different cooling characteristics may be desired for different zones under different parts of the user's body. For example, less heat energy may need to be transported away from a zone under the foot area compared to a zone under the buttocks or lower back. By varying the number and dimensions (e.g., thickness) of thermally conductive bands between zones, different cooling characteristics, such as different transfer rates of heat energy, can be achieved for different zones of the mattress.

[0052] The thickness of the described thermal band is preferably 0.1mm to 0.5mm. Thinner thermal bands are more flexible but more likely to break, whereas thicker thermal bands are the opposite. The ability of the thermal band to absorb and transfer thermal energy is affected by the thickness of the band. Thermal bands have been found to fit well on mattresses with widths between 4cm and 10cm, although smaller and wider dimensions are acceptable.

[0053] A very thin layer of stabilizing material such as polyethylene (thickness 0.18 mm or less) can be applied to the band to prevent it from breaking when exposed to a sudden shock. A thin laminate layer can of course be applied to both sides of the band, but this is usually not necessary. Other materials that add stability, such as polyurethane, can be applied as a laminate layer to the band, as long as the band is flexible.

[0054] The thermally conductive bands can be located purely within the mattress. They can also run from the zone of excess heat energy along the sides or bottom edge of the mattress, or completely outside the mattress (i.e., below the mattress into the spring box). Generally, the outside heat energy level is determined by the outside air temperature, which is much lower than the temperature of the excess heat energy zone within the mattress.

[0055] The amount of heat energy transferred using thermal conduction bands from a zone with excess heat energy (such as the first zone) to a zone without excess heat energy (such as the second zone) depends on the number and dimensions of the thermal conduction bands, the temperature within the zone, and the location of the thermal conduction bands between the zones. Thus, cooling of a zone of a mattress using thermal conduction bands cannot be actively controlled. One or more heating devices can be used to regulate the temperature of the zones of the mattress. If the temperature of one of the zones drops below the desired temperature of the zone at that time, a heating device can be used to actively dump additional heat energy into the zone in order to reach the desired temperature.

[0056] The heating device can be a heating element that converts electrical energy into thermal energy by the process of Joule heating. Other types of heating devices can also be used to emit thermal energy into the mattress.

[0057] The heating device can be designed as a heating band because of its flexible form in both dimensions. The heating band can be composed of a heating element material that releases thermal energy when a voltage is applied to the material. Suitable heating element materials can include, but are not limited to, metals such as Nichrome (an alloy of nickel, chromium and other elements, e.g., iron) and Kanthal® (an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy), ceramic materials, semiconductors such as molybdenum disilicide and silicon carbide, or polymeric materials such as PTC rubber.

[0058] The heating band can have a fabric layer coated with a conductive coating. The conductive coating can be made of polyurethane blended with a thermally conductive material such as carbon black. The conductive coating can cover the entire surface of the heating band. Conductive fibers can be woven into the fabric layers on opposing edges of the heating band. Electrical current can flow from the conductive fibers woven into one edge of the heating band, through the conductive coating, to the conductive fibers woven into the other edge of the heating band. Electrical energy is converted to thermal energy by the process of Joule heating. This thermal energy is generated as soon as electrical current is passed through the heating band. When the electrical current is interrupted, the heating band stops emitting thermal energy. The heating band can be flexible and can be bonded between foam layers of a foam pad.

[0059] The heating band is powered by an energy supply device that can be directly connected to the heating band and can be integrated into the mattress or placed outside the mattress. The power source can be a battery or a power supply unit connected to the power grid. Energy-saving operation of the mattress can be achieved using heating bands that can emit the required amount of thermal energy and that operate at a low voltage, such as, but not limited to, 12V. The power source in this case is a low-voltage power supply.

[0060] The temperature of large zones of the mattress can be adjusted by integrating multiple heating bands. Different heating characteristics are desirable for different zones under different parts of the user's body. For example, more heat energy may need to be delivered to the zone under the knees compared to the zone under the buttocks and lower back. Different heating characteristics, such as different heating rates or maximum temperatures, can be achieved for different zones of the mattress by varying the number and characteristics (such as dimensions or voltage) of the heating bands between the zones.

[0061] The heating bands may be incorporated into the mattress or may be located externally to the mattress, such as by being attached to the outer surface of the mattress.

[0062] It is useful to know the exact temperature of a zone in order to regulate the temperature of that zone. One or more temperature sensors can be incorporated into one of the zones of the mattress to measure the temperature within the zone. Temperature sensors can also be placed on the outside of the mattress to measure the surface temperature of the mattress. Temperature sensors can measure the temperature within the foam of a foam pad. This temperature is influenced by passive cooling and heating devices. Other parameters such as the surrounding air temperature and body heat emitted by the user also affect the temperature within the foam.

[0063] Parameters that cannot be influenced, such as the ambient air temperature or the heat generated by the user, are taken into account by measuring the actual temperature inside the foam pad. Typical temperature values ​​for the lower body zones are 30°C, 32°C and 34°C. If the user desires more warmth, it can be increased to 40°C, or if a "cool" sleep is desired, it can be decreased to 28°C. 28°C is much lower than the body temperature of 36°C, so the user feels "cool".

[0064] The controller is connected to one or more temperature sensors and one or more heating bands. The controller can be connected to the same power source used for the heating bands or to a separate power source that is integrated into the mattress or located external to the mattress. The controller can receive the measured temperature from the one or more temperature sensors. The controller can further control the one or more heating bands to control the amount of thermal energy emitted by the heating bands. The temperature sensors and heating bands connected to the controller can be located in one or more zones of the mattress.

[0065] The controller can regulate the temperature of one or more zones according to simple logic, such as regulating the temperature to a desired temperature and maintaining the desired temperature. The controller can also use more complex logic, such as varying the temperature between different zones of the mattress or varying the temperature over time depending on the sleep phase of the user of the mattress. The logic can be stored in the controller or can be wired or wirelessly connected to an external computing device, such as a smartphone. The external computing device can send instructions to the controller on how to control the temperature in the mattress or which of the stored logic to use. The controller or the external computing device can use further input parameters to regulate the temperature in the mattress. For example, the heart rate and / or heart rate variability of the user of the mattress can be received by the controller or by the external computing device from a heart rate sensor, such as a smart watch. Data input by the user can also be taken into account to control the temperature in the mattress.

[0066] An example of logic for controlling the temperature inside the mattress is shown below: As mentioned above, a warmer temperature in the mattress during the time the user is going to bed can encourage faster onset of sleep. Thus, the controller can increase the temperature of a zone of the mattress before the user goes to bed. The user can use their smartphone or smartwatch to input their desired bedtime, allowing enough time for heating and avoiding inefficient heating too far before actual bedtime.

[0067] The temperature of different zones can further be adjusted to different values, for example during sleep time, to promote blood circulation and facilitate stress-free body thermoregulation, so that the controller can adjust the temperature of the zones under the user's legs and feet to a higher temperature than the zones under the waist and buttocks.

[0068] The core body temperature remains high after sleep onset in the first sleep phase, as it is during the day. The controller can instruct the heating band to gradually reduce active heating in the first sleep phase to avoid an uncomfortable high temperature for the user. Passive cooling by the thermal conduction band takes precedence over active heating in the first sleep phase.

[0069] The second sleep phase is characterized by a decrease in the user's body temperature. The controller can control the heating bands to support the body to maintain a comfortable temperature. The heating bands can actively heat one of the zones of the mattress, such as a zone or zones under the legs or feet, or a zone under the lower back.

[0070] The third sleep phase, the waking phase, occurs before the user wakes up. There are various options for temperature control of the mattress in the third sleep phase. If the user wants to sleep longer, such as on weekends, the heating of the zones under the legs and / or feet and the zone under the hips implemented in the second sleep phase continues. Also, if the user wakes up on a weekday, a cooling phase just before waking up can be selected to support a comfortable awakening. In this case, active heating in the third sleep phase is reduced or weakened in order to reduce the temperature in the mattress by passive cooling. It is also possible to heat the mattress before the wake-up time to disturb the user's sleep and make it easier to wake up.

[0071] The user can set preferred options for the third sleep phase and wake-up time using their smartphone or smartwatch. The controller can also use artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the user's sleep habits and automatically select the preferred options. Once the user selects the preferred options, the controller can automatically execute logic to adjust the mattress temperature without further manual input.

[0072] 1 is a top view of a pad 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The pad 10 is in the form of a mattress, but could also be in the form of a sheet or other configuration. The pad 10 has a number of zones 20. The head zone 20 at the top of the figure is the zone 20 on which the head of a user 80 rests. The foot zone 20 at the bottom of the figure is the zone 20 on which the feet of a user 80 rest.

[0073] A number of passive cooling devices 14 are incorporated into the pad 10 to provide passive cooling. The passive cooling devices 14 have the form of thermally conductive bands 30 that connect at least two of the zones 20. The thermally conductive bands 30 connect a central zone 20 in the middle of the width of the pad 10 with end zones 20 near the ends of the pad 10.

[0074] The first zone 22 is located in the center of the pad 10. The second zone 24 is located between the first zone 22 and one of the edges of the pad 10. The body heat of a user 80 lying on the pad 10 is mainly radiated to the first zone 22 located directly under the user 80. Therefore, the first zone 22 has an excess of thermal energy. Since the edges of the pad 10 are not affected by the body of the user 80 and the radiation of thermal energy, in this case, the second zone 24 does not have an excess of thermal energy. That is, there is a temperature gradient between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24. The first zone 22 is connected to the second zone 24 by one or more thermally conductive bands 30. The thermally conductive bands 30 extend from within the first zone 22 to within the second zone 24. The thermally conductive bands 30 can transfer thermal energy between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24 due to the temperature gradient between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24.

[0075] Several heating devices 18 are further integrated into the pad 10. The heating devices 18 have the shape of heating bands 40. The heating bands 40 have a parallel orientation to the thermally conductive bands 30, but can have a different orientation. Some of the heating bands 40 are located in the first zone 22. The heating bands 40 located in the first zone 22 also extend into the second zone 24.

[0076] The heating bands 40 are connected to a controller 70 built into the pad 10. A temperature sensor 60 is further incorporated into the pad 10 in the first zone 22 for measuring the temperature of the first zone 22. One or more temperature sensors 60 may also be incorporated into the first zone 22 and / or other zones of the zone 20. The number and location of the temperature sensors 60 may vary. The temperature sensor 60 is also connected to the controller 70. The controller 70 is further connected to the low voltage power supply 50.

[0077] In further embodiments, a heart rate sensor 65 for measuring the user's heart rate or heart rate variability may be incorporated into pads to the first zone 22 and / or other parts of zone 20. Alternatively, the heart rate sensor 65 may be worn by the user, for example a smart watch. The heart rate sensor 65 is also connected to the controller 70.

[0078] The controller 70 has a processing unit 72 capable of controlling the emission of thermal energy by the heating bands 40 to regulate the temperature of the first zone 22. The controller 70 can control multiple heating bands 40 in multiple zones 20 independently of each other, taking into account the temperatures in the multiple zones 20. In this case, the controller 70 receives the temperatures of the zones 20 from multiple temperature sensors 60. The controller 70 further comprises a memory unit 74 capable of storing a program implementing the logic of how to control one or more heating bands 40 depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 60 and using the measurement of the heart rate and / or heart rate variability using the heart rate sensor 65. The memory unit 74 can also store multiple programs. The controller 70 can have further interfaces to further sensors, such as, for example, a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a heart rate sensor for receiving further parameters, such as the heart rate of the user 80. These further parameters can be taken into account by the processing unit 72 to control the heating bands 40.

[0079] The thermal conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 are arranged non-uniformly in the pad 10. Nevertheless, the thermal conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 are substantially evenly distributed in one of the zones 20 on one side. The thermal conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 are arranged alternately in these zones 20. The zones 20 in which the thermal conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 are evenly arranged can provide active heating as well as passive cooling. The temperature of such zones 20 can be adjusted to a desired temperature. Some parts of the user's 80 body, such as the head and shoulders, require both passive cooling and active heating during different sleep phases to enhance the sleep experience. An even distribution of the thermal conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 can be selected for the zones 20 under these parts of the user's 80 body.

[0080] In other of the zones 20, the thermal conduction bands 30 and the heating bands 40 are distributed unevenly. Some of the zones 20 only have the thermal conduction bands 30 and no heating bands 40. Such zones 20 only provide passive cooling. The temperature of these zones 20 can only be reduced by passive cooling, but cannot be actively regulated. Some parts of the user's 80 body, such as the head, buttocks, thighs, etc., only need to provide passive cooling during different sleep phases to enhance the sleep experience. The zones 20 with only the thermal conduction bands 30 can be placed under these parts of the user's 80 body.

[0081] The pad 10 also includes zones 20 that only have heating bands 40 and no thermally conductive bands 30. This kind of zones 20 provide only active heating. The temperature of these zones 20 can only be increased by active heating, but cannot be decreased by passive cooling. It is possible to place such kind of zones 20 under areas where it is sufficient to provide only active heating during different sleep phases to enhance the sleep experience, for example under the knees.

[0082] Other distributions of thermally conductive bands 30 and heating bands 40 can be selected as desired or needed to meet the particular cooling and heating requirements of different zones 20 of the pad 10. One of the zones 20, for example, can include both thermally conductive bands 30 and heating bands 40, but the number and distribution thereof can be non-uniform.

[0083] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a thermally conductive band 30 according to the present invention. The thermally conductive band 30 includes a continuous thermally conductive layer 32 that is laminated with a layer of stabilizing material 34 along the entire length and width of the thermally conductive band 30 to stabilize the thermally conductive layer 32. The stabilizing material 34 may be, for example, polyethylene.

[0084] 3 is a top view of a pad 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The pad 10 includes a plurality of thermally conductive bands 30 and a plurality of heating bands 40. The pad 10 according to this embodiment includes the same components as the pad 10 according to the first embodiment. Not all components are depicted and described again for the pad 10 according to this embodiment. The pad 10 according to this embodiment rather shows another option for arranging the thermally conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 in the pad 10.

[0085] A thermally conductive band 30 connects a zone 20 in the center of the width of the pad 10 with a zone 20 closer to the edge of the pad 10. The first zone 22 is connected to the second zone 24 by the thermally conductive band 30. The thermally conductive band 30 extends from within the first zone 22 to within the second zone 24. The thermally conductive band 30 can transfer thermal energy between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24 when a temperature gradient exists between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24.

[0086] The heating bands 40 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the thermal conduction bands 30, but are not limited to this and may be arranged in other directions. One of the heating bands 40 is located in the second zone 24 such that the heating band 40 overlaps a portion of the thermal conduction band 30. None of the heating bands 40 are located in the first zone 22.

[0087] When the heating band 40 emits thermal energy, excess thermal energy is generated in the second zone 24. Thus, a temperature gradient is generated between the second zone 24 and the first zone 22. The thermal conduction band 30 transfers the excess thermal energy emitted by the heating band 40 from the second zone 24 to the first zone 22. The first zone 22 is passively cooled by the thermal conduction band 30 and actively heated by the heating band 40 and the thermal conduction band 30. Thus, the temperature of the first zone 22 can be adjusted by controlling the heating band using the controller 70 and the temperature sensor 60 arranged in the first zone 22. The controller 70, the temperature sensor 60 and the low-voltage power supply 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, so they are not depicted in FIG. 3 and will not be described here.

[0088] 4 is a top view of a pad 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The pad 10 includes a plurality of thermally conductive bands 30 and a plurality of heating bands 40. The pad 10 according to this embodiment includes the same components as the pad 10 according to the first embodiment. Not all components are depicted and described again for the pad 10 according to this embodiment. The pad 10 according to this embodiment rather shows another option for arranging the thermally conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 in the pad 10.

[0089] Some zones 20 of the pad 10 only have the thermal conductive bands 30 and no heating bands 40. Such zones 20 only provide passive cooling. The temperature of these zones 20 can only be reduced by passive cooling and cannot be actively regulated. Some parts of the user's 80 body only need to provide passive cooling during different sleep phases to improve the sleep experience, such as the head, buttocks, thighs, etc. The zones 20 with only the thermal conductive bands 30 can be placed under such parts of the user's 80 body.

[0090] The pad 10 also includes zones 20 that only include heating bands 40 and no thermally conductive bands 30. Such zones 20 only provide active heating. The temperature of these zones 20 can only be increased by active heating, but cannot be decreased by passive cooling. For some parts of the user's 80 body, such as under the knees, it is sufficient to provide only active heating during different sleep phases to enhance the sleep experience. Zones 20 that only include heating bands 40 can be placed under such parts of the user's 80 body.

[0091] The pad 10 includes other zones 20 in which thermally conductive bands 30 and heating bands 40 are disposed, as described with respect to Figure 3. These zones can be separately controlled to provide passive cooling or active heating to these zones 20 and to portions of the body of a user 80 disposed above these zones 20.

[0092] 5 is a top view of a pad according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The pad 10 includes a plurality of thermally conductive bands 30 and a plurality of heating bands 40. The pad 10 according to this embodiment includes the same components as the pad 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Not all components are depicted and described again for the pad 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The pad 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention instead shows another option for arranging the thermally conductive bands 30 and the heating bands 40 in the pad 10.

[0093] The thermally conductive band 30 connects a zone 20 in the center of the width of the pad 10 to a zone 20 closer to the edge of the pad 10. The first zone 22 is connected to the second zone 24 by the thermally conductive band 30. The thermally conductive band 30 extends from within the first zone 22 to within the second zone 24. The thermally conductive band 30 can transfer thermal energy between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24 when a temperature gradient exists between the first zone 22 and the second zone 24.

[0094] The heating band 40 is arranged parallel to the thermal conduction band 30, but may be arranged in a different direction. Here, the heating band 40 is arranged below the thermal conduction band 30, such that at least a portion of the thermal conduction band 30 overlaps a portion of the heating band 40. The heating band 40 may have a length substantially equal to the length of the thermal conduction band 30. The width of the heating band 40 may be greater than the width of the thermal conduction band 30.

[0095] The thermal conduction band 30 provides passive cooling unless the heating band 40 emits thermal energy, in which case the heating band 40 provides active heating. Thus, the temperature of the zone 20 can be regulated by controlling the heating band 40. The thermal conduction band 30 can enhance the even distribution of the thermal energy emitted by the heating band 40 in the case of active heating.

[0096] 6 is a side view of a pad 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the surface of the pad 10 on the upper side is the surface on which a user 80 of the pad 10 lies. The heating band 40 is disposed below the thermally conductive band 30 of the pad 10.

[0097] 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for regulating the temperature of the pad 10 according to the present invention. The temperature in the first zone 22 of the pad 10 is measured in step S100 using a temperature sensor 60 located in the first zone 22. The heating device 18 is controlled by the controller 70 in step 110 to reach and maintain a desired temperature T in the first zone 22.

[0098] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to LU Patent Application No. LU501010, filed December 14, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 550,403, filed December 14, 2021. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Pads 14 Passive Cooling Devices 18 Heating Devices 20 areas 22 First area 24 Second area 30 Thermal Conduction Band 32 Thermal Conduction Layer 34 Stabilizing materials 40 Heating Band 50 Low voltage power supply 60 Temperature Sensor 65 Heart Rate Sensor 70 Controller 72 Processing Unit 74 Memory Unit 80 users T1 1st temperature T Desired temperature

Claims

1. Multiple zones and at least one passive cooling device disposed in at least a first zone of the plurality of zones; at least one heating device disposed in at least one of the plurality of zones; At least one sensor disposed in the first zone; a controller connected to the heating device and the at least one sensor for controlling the heating device; A temperature regulating foam pad comprising: the passive cooling device reduces the temperature of the first zone to a first temperature (T1) that is lower than a desired temperature (T); The heating device is a temperature regulating foam pad that raises the temperature of the first zone from the first temperature (T1) to a desired temperature (T).

2. The thermoregulating foam pad of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is a temperature sensor or a heart rate sensor.

3. the passive cooling device is a thermally conductive band connecting at least the first zone and a second zone of the plurality of zones; 3. The thermoregulating foam pad of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermally conductive band transfers thermal energy between the first zone and the second zone.

4. 4. The temperature regulating foam pad of claim 3, wherein the thermally conductive band transfers thermal energy generated by a heating device between the first zone and the second zone.

5. The temperature regulating foam pad of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating device is a heating band for increasing the temperature of the first zone.

6. The thermoregulating foam pad of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first zone has excess thermal energy.

7. 5. The thermoregulating foam pad of claim 3 or 4, wherein the second zone has no excess thermal energy.

8. 8. The temperature regulating foam pad of claim 3, 4 or 7, wherein the thermally conductive band transfers thermal energy from the first zone to the second zone.

9. 9. A temperature regulating foam pad as described in claim 3, 4, 7 or 8, wherein the flow of thermal energy transferred from the first zone to the second zone by the thermal conduction band is substantially equal to the flow of thermal energy emitted by a user to the first zone.

10. A thermoregulating foam pad according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating device is powered by a low voltage power supply.

11. A temperature regulating foam pad according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flow of thermal energy from the heating device to the first zone is less than the flow of thermal energy to a passive cooling device.

12. The temperature regulating foam pad of any one of claims 1 to 11 in the form of a mattress or a sheet.

13. 10. The temperature regulating foam pad of claim 3, 4, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the thermally conductive band comprises a continuous thermally conductive layer extending from within the first zone into the second zone.

14. 1. A method for regulating the temperature of a foam pad, comprising: The foam pad is Multiple zones and at least one heating device disposed in at least one of the plurality of zones; At least one sensor disposed in the first zone; a controller connected to the heating device and the at least one sensor; at least one passive cooling device for reducing the temperature of the first zone to a first temperature (T1) that is lower than a desired temperature; Equipped with measuring a parameter of the first zone with the at least one sensor; using the controller to control a heating device such that the first zone reaches and maintains a desired temperature (T); The method includes:

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one sensor is a temperature sensor that measures temperature, or a heart rate sensor that measures at least one of heart rate or heart rate variability.

16. A bed using the temperature regulating foam pad according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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