Active comfort controlled bedding systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bedding systems fail to provide adequate firmness and temperature control for individual user preferences, as they often rely on limited adjustability and lack integration of foam and air bladders, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep due to inadequate support and temperature regulation.

Innovation Solution

An active comfort controlled bedding system featuring a bucket assembly with a base layer, side rail assembly, and innercore unit that includes upper and lower cradle foam layers with air bladders, allowing for adjustable firmness through pressure control and integrated climate regulation via a fluid distribution member and air blower assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional air bladders are used in adjustable air beds, then the structure is simple, but the resolution of adjustability is too low to resolve individual user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability resolutionVSAvoidbedding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air support system is divided into multiple air bladders arranged in rows and columns, with each bladder independently controllable. This segmentation allows precise localization of support in different body regions (head, shoulders, back, legs) while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the bed receive different air pressure levels tailored to specific body parts. The system applies varying firmness to different zones (softer for head/shoulders, firmer for back support) based on user preferences and body weight distribution, rather than uniform pressure across the entire bed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If foam and air bladder are separated layers, then manufacturing is easier, but the sleeper feels like laying on top of the bed rather than in the bed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidcomfort feel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The foam layer and air bladder system are integrated into a unified structure where the foam is positioned between the air bladders and the sleeper. This merging creates a hybrid support system that combines the conformability of foam with the adjustable support of air bladders, eliminating the separation between support layers and achieving a natural 'laying in the bed' sensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bedding is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot compensate for individual consumer preferences and changing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmness customizationVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bedding system transitions from static firmness to dynamic adjustability through electronic control. Users can modify air pressure in real-time via remote control or mobile app, allowing the bed to adapt to changing preferences, body conditions, or sleep stages. The system can automatically adjust based on sensors detecting user position and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same air bladder infrastructure serves multiple functions: firmness adjustment, body contouring, pressure point relief, and temperature regulation. The unified system handles both support and comfort functions, reducing the need for separate mechanisms while increasing versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If body temperature is not regulated, then the bedding structure is simple, but the occupant experiences discomfort and disrupted sleep in hot or cold environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature comfortVSAvoidclimate control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air bladders serve dual purposes: mechanical support and thermal regulation. By controlling air pressure and flow through the bladders, the system can adjust thermal conductivity at the sleeper's contact points. The pneumatic system enables both firmness and temperature control through the same infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts physical parameters (air pressure, flow rate) of the air bladders to modify thermal properties. By changing the state of the air medium in the bladders, the system can provide thermal insulation or promote heat dissipation based on environmental conditions and user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 customizable firmness and temperature control, enhancing user comfort by accommodating individual preferences and body regions, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

an innercore unit that includes upper and lower cradle foam layers and a plurality of air bladders sandwiched between the upper and lower cradle foam layers... configured to adjust a pressure of at least one of the plurality of air bladders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Increase