Accelerated calibration system for a smart response technology mattress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart response technology (SRT) mattresses experience pressure increases due to temperature and barometric changes, leading to overinflation, and currently, there is no method to relieve this pressure without a weight being applied, resulting in lengthy deflation processes.
Innovation Solution
An accelerated calibration system that includes a valve connected to the manifold conduit, allowing for rapid pressure release without an applied load, using a self-adjusting manifold system with intake and exhaust valves, and a reforming element within each fluid support cell to equilibrate pressure quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SRT mattress uses a non-powered manifold system with intake and exhaust valves that dynamically open and close in response to weight load, then the system can automatically adjust to variable applied loads and provide optimal pressure relief, but the system cannot relieve internal pressure caused by temperature and barometric pressure changes until a weight is applied, resulting in lengthy deflation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration valve is pre-configured in the manifold system to enable rapid pressure equalization when activated. Instead of waiting for weight application to trigger pressure relief, the system allows operators to proactively open the calibration valve to equalize pressure changes caused by temperature or barometric variations, reducing deflation time from hours to minutes.
2Device complexity
If the SRT mattress relies on weight application to equalize internal pressure, then the existing non-powered system can maintain simplicity, but the calibration process requires a person to lie on the mattress for extended periods, which is impractical for supply chain calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is designed with a self-contained calibration capability through the integrated calibration valve. The system serves itself by providing an automated pressure equalization mechanism that does not require external weight application or complex calibration equipment, maintaining simplicity while enabling easy calibration during manufacturing and distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foam-filled air chambers use intake valves to pass air in and out dynamically, then the system can respond to load changes, but pressure buildup from environmental changes causes the mattress to appear overinflated with no relief mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration valve acts as an intermediary pressure relief mechanism in the manifold system. It provides a controlled pathway for air to escape from the foam-filled chambers when environmental pressure changes cause overinflation, complementing the existing intake valves that handle load-responsive air flow. This intermediary mechanism separates the functions of load response and environmental pressure compensation.
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
The system enables rapid pressure normalization of SRT mattresses in under five minutes, independent of weight application, addressing the issue of overinflation caused by environmental changes and facilitating quick calibration at any stage of the supply chain without requiring a person to lie on the mattress.
Implementation Method 1
a reforming element disposed within the envelope
Implementation Method 2
configured to selectively permit fluid flow out from the fluid support cells in the absence of a weight load upon opening of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting, non-powered smart response technology mattress generally includes an accelerated calibration system comprising a valve fluidly connected to a body support device including a plurality of fluid support cells, wherein each fluid support cell includes an envelope and a reforming element disposed within the envelope; and a non-powered manifold system including a manifold conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid support cells, and intake and exhaust valves fluidly coupled to the manifold conduit configured to dynamically open and close in response to a weight load. The accelerated calibration system is configured to selectively permit fluid flow out of the fluid support cells in the absence of a weight load upon opening of the valve. Also discloses is a process for releasing excess pressure formed as a result of temperature and barometric pressure changes in the self-adjusting, non-powered smart response technology mattress.