Adjustable Bed Controller With Air Pressure And Multi-Device Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable beds lack the ability to control additional devices and provide independent functionality, limiting user convenience and independence, especially for individuals with medical needs who require specific positions for comfort and recovery.
Innovation Solution
The adjustable bed system incorporates an air inflatable mattress with flex regions, a programmable logic controller, remote memory storage, and various remote control options such as cell phone, Bluetooth, and ultra-wide band controls to enable user control over bed positions and connected devices like audio equipment, lamps, and air purification systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable bed includes only basic bed section positioning actuators, then the device complexity is low, but the user cannot control additional devices or access independent functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable bed controller is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling bed section positioning, controlling audio equipment, controlling lamps, controlling air purification systems, and accessing information. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems, thereby increasing adaptability while managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (such as a wireless transceiver or communication module) is introduced between the controller and external devices. This intermediary enables the controller to communicate with and control various devices (audio equipment, lamps, air purifiers) without direct physical connections, thereby expanding device control capability while keeping the system architecture manageable through standardized communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If users with limited mobility must leave the bed to control devices, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller enables users to independently control all bed-related functions and connected devices without requiring assistance from others or leaving the bed. The system serves itself by providing integrated control capabilities that allow the user to adjust bed positions, control lighting, audio, and air purification, and access information directly from the bed, thereby maximizing user independence.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions (bed positioning, audio control, lighting control, air purification control, information access) are merged into a single controller that can be operated from the bed. This consolidation allows users with limited mobility to access all functions without leaving the bed, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the adjustable bed includes only basic positioning functions, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the productivity of user care and comfort management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal control system that manages multiple aspects of user care and comfort: bed positioning for medical requirements, audio for entertainment or information, lighting for ambient control, air purification for health, and information access for awareness. This multi-functionality increases productivity in care management by allowing a single system to coordinate all these functions, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and improving overall care efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If the adjustable bed uses a single actuator for multiple sections, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and control accuracy of individual section positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable sections (head section, foot section, etc.), each with its own actuator. This segmentation allows precise control and positioning of each section independently, enabling accurate adjustment to specific angles and positions required for user comfort and medical needs, without the compromise that would result from using a single actuator for multiple sections.
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
This solution enhances user independence by allowing control of multiple devices and bed positions without leaving the bed, improving comfort and convenience for users with limited mobility, and facilitating seamless transitions between different rest facilities.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump to regulate the air pressure in the air inflatable mattress
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an adjustable bed facility including an adjustable bed frame including one or more articulating segments; a vibration motor and/or an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame; an adjustable bed controller associated with the adjustable bed frame and adapted to control the adjustable bed frame, the vibration motor and/or air pressure in the air inflatable mattress; and a handheld remote control having a user interface adapted to initiate a transmission of at least one of a position recall command, a vibration recall command and/or an inflation recall command from the handheld remote control to the adjustable bed controller. Related methods for controlling an adjustable bed facility are also disclosed.