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, such as when one side adjusts the head or foot portion differently than the other, leading to inconsistent bed adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A configurable device, such as a switch on the central controller, allows users to select between independent and coordinated control of the drive mechanisms for the adjustable foundations, enabling synchronization or independent operation based on the bed configuration, using relay contacts and a processor to manage motor control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used to control multiple air chambers, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision deteriorates because the pump cannot simultaneously provide different pressures to different chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the air control function by providing separate control valves for each air chamber (first control valve for first air chamber, second control valve for second air chamber). This allows independent pressure control of each chamber while using a single shared pump, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and control precision.
2Measurement precision
If two separate remote controls are used for position and firmness control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the position control and firmness control functions into a single remote control device. The remote control includes both position buttons (for adjusting bed angle) and firmness buttons (for adjusting air pressure), allowing users to control both functions with one device rather than requiring separate remote controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The single remote control device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both position adjustment capabilities (through motor control signals) and firmness adjustment capabilities (through valve control signals). This universal control approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized remote controls while maintaining precise control over all bed functions.
3Reliability
If relay contacts are used to control motor signals, then switching reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces relay contacts as intermediary switching elements between the control circuit and motor devices. The relay contacts provide reliable electrical switching for motor control signals while isolating the control circuit from high-current motor loads, thereby improving switching reliability without requiring the control circuit itself to handle high power directly.
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.