Active airflow temperature controlled bedding systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate control systems fail to provide individualized temperature regulation for beds, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep due to inadequate heating, cooling, and ventilation, especially in poorly ventilated environments.
Innovation Solution
An active airflow temperature controlled bedding system comprising a base layer with fluid conduits, a perforated conduit layer for air discharge, a coil spring layer, and an uppermost foam layer, integrated with an air supply device for thermoregulated air distribution, which includes ventilated air tubes and a filter assembly for improved airflow and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional climate control systems are used for entire buildings or rooms, then large area temperature control is achieved, but individualized bed temperature control is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The bedding system is divided into multiple functional layers including a base layer with fluid conduits, a perforated conduit layer, a coil spring layer, and an uppermost foam layer. This segmentation allows targeted temperature control at the bed level while leaving the rest of the room environment unchanged, providing individualized control without requiring whole-room climate modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements temperature control specifically at the bed location through integrated fluid conduits and airflow channels within the bedding structure. This local quality approach focuses climate control resources on the immediate sleep area, providing personalized temperature regulation where it is most needed while avoiding the energy waste and discomfort of uniform whole-room control.
2Temperature
If the bed is situated in a hot, poorly-ventilated environment, then ambient space heating is present, but the bed occupant experiences sweat and discomfort at pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes fluid conduits carrying conditioned air or liquid through the base layer and perforated conduits in the intermediate layer to actively cool the bed surface. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach provides direct thermal management at the bed level, removing heat from the occupant's contact points and preventing sweat accumulation without requiring reduction of ambient room temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated conduit layer and foam materials in the bedding structure provide porous pathways for airflow and heat dissipation. These porous structures enable localized ventilation at the bed surface, facilitating evaporative cooling and moisture wickage from pressure points while maintaining overall bedding integrity and comfort.
3Temperature
If heating units are used to warm the indoor space in winter, then ambient temperature increases slowly, but the bed occupant needs quick warming
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into localized bed-level components with integrated fluid conduits and airflow channels, allowing direct and rapid heat delivery to the occupant without waiting for slow whole-room heating. This segmentation enables independent, fast bed warming while the rest of the space remains at ambient temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The bedding system can be pre-heated through the fluid conduits before the occupant enters or immediately upon entry, providing instant warmth at the bed surface. This preliminary action capability allows the bed to be warmed in advance or on-demand, eliminating the delay associated with waiting for ambient room temperature to rise.
4Reliability
If active airflow conduits are used for temperature control, then heating and cooling effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is merged with the bedding structure itself, integrating fluid conduits, airflow channels, and thermal regulation components directly into the layers of the bed. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex external climate control equipment, achieving reliable temperature control while maintaining a unified, manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The bedding system performs multiple functions through its integrated structure: it provides structural support, comfort, and active temperature control all within a single unified assembly. The fluid conduits and airflow channels serve both thermal regulation and structural integration purposes, reducing overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated separate components for each function.
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 provides enhanced heating, cooling, and ventilation, allowing for individualized climate control, reducing sweat and discomfort, and promoting restful sleep by maintaining body temperature within a desirable range.
Implementation Method 1
one or more air supply devices in fluid communication with the air inlet in the base configured to force air into the channel and out the porous top surface
Implementation Method 2
fluid conduits extending to the planar top surface; one or more perforated conduits in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits
Implementation Method 3
active airflow temperature controlled bedding systems with improved heating, cooling and/or ventilation
Data Source
AI summary
A climate controlled bedding system includes at least one coil spring layer; and an air supply fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid conduits. In some embodiments, a filter is disposed within a flow path of a fluid conduit.