Closed feedback loop to verify a position of an adjustable bed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable beds lack integration with other technologies in home and medical environments, limiting their functionality and user convenience, particularly for users who spend extended periods in bed due to medical needs or aging populations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of modular controllers and programmable logic controllers that enable control of adjustable beds and associated systems like lighting, audio, and entertainment technologies, allowing for global command inputs, remote control functionality, and wireless communication to manage various devices and systems from the bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable beds are equipped with basic actuation functionality only, then device complexity is low, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the adjustable bed sections (head, foot, knee) and simultaneously controls external devices such as lighting, audio systems, and entertainment technologies. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple separate control systems, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the bed control functions with external device control functions into a single integrated controller. By merging these previously separate control systems into one unified interface, the system achieves better technology integration and user convenience while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate control units.
2Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used to control each bed section, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates position verification through feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual position of bed sections and compare them with commanded positions. This feedback loop allows the system to verify positioning accuracy and make corrections as needed, achieving high positioning precision without requiring multiple actuators for each section. The feedback ensures reliable position confirmation using the existing actuator configuration.
3Ease of operation
If users can control multiple devices from the bed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal interface that handles both bed position control and external device control through a single unit. This multi-functionality allows users to operate lighting, audio, and other technologies without leaving the bed, significantly improving ease of operation. The consolidation of control functions into one device prevents the need for multiple separate remotes or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging bed control and external device control into a single integrated system, the patent creates a unified user experience. Users interact with one controller for all functions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple control devices. This merging approach enhances operational convenience while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of control elements.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure concerns a wireless communication system adapted to produce a closed-loop feedback scheme between a handheld remote control and an adjustable bed controller. The adjustable bed controller is adapted to, in response to a receipt of a motion command from the handheld remote control via the closed-loop feedback scheme, adjust, with feedback, a portion of an adjustable bed. The feedback is based on a comparison of sensor feedback and a predetermined position stored in a memory of the adjustable bed controller. The handheld remote control can receive, through the closed-loop feedback scheme, a returned confirmation reflecting the state of the position of the bed segment in response to the control signal.