Air Distribution Pad Layout for Personalized Bed Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale environmental control systems, such as HVAC, cannot provide personalized control or fine-tuning of thermal comfort within a bed, affecting user comfort due to ambient temperature and humidity conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an air distribution pad placed on a mattress that uses a thermoelectric device to heat or cool air, which is then circulated through the pad to provide personalized heating or cooling to the user's personal space, utilizing an upper and lower layer with a spacer material and an air distributor to direct air flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large-scale environmental control systems (HVAC) are used to control ambient temperature, then building-wide thermal comfort is improved, but personalized control within the bed cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the thermal control function by placing multiple independent heating/cooling elements (Peltier devices) at different zones within the mattress, allowing each zone to be controlled independently for personalized comfort while the overall system remains part of the building's HVAC infrastructure
2Ease of manufacture
If air is delivered laterally to the distribution pad, then the port configuration is simple, but the airflow does not effectively reach the user's personal space
Solution Approach 1:
The air distributor incorporates angled ports and internal channels that redirect the laterally delivered airflow into a downward and forward direction, utilizing three-dimensional space within the distributor body to change the airflow dimension and direction without complicating the external port configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If the distribution pad uses a simple layered structure, then manufacturing is easier, but airflow circulation and distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution pad incorporates porous foam material between the layers that allows airflow to pass through while maintaining structural integrity, enabling effective air circulation and distribution throughout the mattress without requiring complex internal channels or rigid structures
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
The system allows for improved comfort and control over ambient temperature and humidity within the user's personal space, providing optimized heating or cooling effects by redirecting air flow to achieve desired temperature settings and airflow rates.
Implementation Method 1
uses a thermoelectric device to heat or cool air
Implementation Method 2
the spacer material configured to allow air to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an air distribution pad and an air distributor. The air distribution pad is adapted to fit substantially on an upper bed surface of a mattress of an adjustable bed and comprises a head portion, a foot portion, a longitudinal middle portion between the head portion and the foot portion, and an upper surface extending along the head portion, the longitudinal middle portion and the foot portion. The air distributor is operably connected to the air distribution pad so as to create a flow path from the air distributor through the air distribution pad to the upper surface. The air distributor is connected to the air distribution pad within the longitudinal middle portion of the air distribution pad.