Switching means for an adjustable foundation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mattress systems with multiple adjustable foundations face challenges in synchronizing the operation of headboard and footboard drive mechanisms across different bed configurations, particularly when one side adjusts the head or foot portion differently than the other, leading to inconsistent bed adjustability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration switch on the central controller allows users to select between independent and coordinated control of the headboard and footboard drive mechanisms, enabling synchronized operation for bed configurations with a single mattress and independent control for configurations with two side-by-side mattresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single remote control is used to control both firmness and position adjustments, then device complexity is reduced, but control functionality becomes insufficient for simultaneous independent adjustment of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different control modes (independent control and coordinated control) based on the selected bed configuration. The controller adapts its behavior to allow simultaneous independent adjustment of firmness and position, or coordinated adjustment of multiple foundations, providing versatile control functionality through a single remote control device.
2Ease of operation
If independent control mode is selected for dual foundation configuration, then each side can be adjusted independently, but synchronized coordination between sides is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between independent control mode and coordinated control mode based on user selection. In independent mode, each foundation can be adjusted separately for personalized comfort. In coordinated mode, both foundations move synchronously to maintain consistent bed configuration. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between independent adjustment and synchronized coordination.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coordinated control mode is used for dual foundation configuration, then synchronized operation is achieved, but independent adjustment capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic mode switching that allows users to select between coordinated control mode (for synchronized operation) and independent control mode (for individual adjustment). This adaptability ensures that the system can maintain synchronized coordination when needed while preserving independent adjustment capability when required, resolving the contradiction between these two control aspects.
4Measurement precision
If separate remote controls are used for firmness and position control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (firmness adjustment, position adjustment, and configuration selection) into a single remote control device. The remote control includes buttons for inflating/deflating air chambers and for adjusting head/foot portions, allowing all control operations to be performed from one device rather than requiring separate remote controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single remote control dynamically adapts its functionality based on the selected bed configuration (single foundation vs. dual foundation). It can switch between controlling one foundation or coordinating control of two foundations, providing precise control adaptability without requiring multiple specialized remote controls.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, this disclosure describes an adjustable bed system that includes first and second adjustable foundations, at least one first motor to adjust the first adjustable foundation, at least one second motor to adjust the second adjustable foundation, a configurable device having a first state and a second state, and a central controller in communication with the device, the controller configured to receive an input representing one of the first state and the second state, the controller including a processor configured to control the at least one first motor and the at least one second motor based on the received input.