Adjustable Bed Remote Control for Mattress Pressure and Device Access
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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 development of an adjustable bed system that includes 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, allowing users to control bed positions and additional devices like audio equipment, lamps, and air purification systems from the bed.
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 independence and ability to control additional devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable bed system is designed to perform multiple functions beyond basic positioning. The control system can control not only bed section actuators but also additional devices such as audio equipment, lamps, air purification systems, and television. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve multiple purposes, enhancing user independence while managing complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote control device serves as an intermediary between the user and the bed system plus additional devices. The remote control receives user inputs and transmits control signals to various components including actuators and external devices. This intermediary simplifies the user interface while enabling comprehensive control over multiple functions and devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If the adjustable bed includes multiple actuators for each section, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable sections (head section, foot section, etc.), each with its own actuator(s). This segmentation allows precise control of each section's position and angle. The system can position each section independently to achieve optimal comfort and medical positioning requirements, with each segment contributing to overall positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed sections are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing continuous adjustment of position and angle. Multiple actuators per section enable fine-tuned dynamic control, where one actuator may control the primary movement while another provides fine adjustment or maintains position against gravity. This dynamic control system adapts to user needs in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustable bed includes memory storage and remote control capabilities, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes memory storage capability that saves user-preferred bed positions and device settings. When a user selects a stored position, the system automatically restores the saved configuration without requiring manual adjustment. This preliminary action of storing preferences beforehand simplifies operation, especially for users with medical needs who require specific positions for comfort and recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device creates a wireless copy of the control interface, allowing users to operate the bed and connected devices from a distance without reaching for controls mounted on the bed frame. The remote control replicates all control functions in a portable format, enhancing ease of operation for users with limited mobility while managing complexity through wireless communication protocols.
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
Enhances user independence by enabling control of multiple devices and bed positions without leaving the bed, improving comfort and convenience for users with medical needs, and allowing for customizable settings and memory recall across different bed configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump to regulate the air pressure in the air inflatable mattress
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing an adjustable bed frame including one or more articulating portions, associating an air inflatable mattress with the adjustable bed frame, and associating the air inflatable mattress with an air pump to regulate air pressure in the air inflatable mattress, wherein the air inflatable mattress includes flex regions about which the air inflatable mattress can flex. The method also includes providing a touchscreen Bluetooth remote control adapted to control at least one aspect of the adjustable bed frame, wherein the at least one aspect includes operation of the air pump. The method also includes establishing a unique communication link between a controller and the touchscreen Bluetooth remote control, the controller configured to control both the adjustable bed frame and the air pump. An aspect of the adjustable bed frame may be controlled by via communication over the unique communication.