Ambient Bed Heat Reclaim System Using Layered Air Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattress systems fail to effectively regulate temperature across the sleeping surface, leading to discomfort and poor sleep quality, as they do not adequately draw ambient air away from the mattress to maintain a user-preselected temperature.
Innovation Solution
A bedding system comprising a fan box layer with ducts and fans, a capacitor layer with outlet ports, and a mattress layer with specific hole configurations to draw air away from the sleeping surface, using thermoelectric devices to adjust the temperature of air and maintain ambient equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ambient air is drawn away from the sleeping surface to maintain temperature, then temperature regulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for fans, ducts, and multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three distinct layers (fan box layer, capacitor layer, mattress layer), each performing a specific function in the air circulation process. This segmentation allows for modular design and maintenance while achieving effective temperature regulation through coordinated operation of the layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor layer acts as an intermediary component between the fan box layer and mattress layer, containing outlet ports that distribute air flow. This intermediary structure enables controlled air distribution across the sleeping surface without requiring direct connection between fans and mattress, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple layers with ducts and holes are used to draw air away, then air circulation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is simplified by dividing the system into separate layers that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. Each layer contains specific features (ducts, outlet ports, holes) that are optimized for its function, allowing for specialized manufacturing techniques to be applied to each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer, which is positioned above the fan box layer, creating a nested arrangement where each layer contains features that interface with the layers above and below it. This nesting approach allows for efficient space utilization and streamlined assembly.
3Measurement precision
If thermoelectric devices are used to adjust air temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor the temperature of air and sleeping surface, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the thermoelectric devices to adjust their operation to maintain precise temperature control while minimizing energy consumption by operating only when and where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric devices are positioned to provide localized temperature adjustment at specific regions of the sleeping surface. This local quality approach allows for precise temperature control in areas where it is most needed, rather than uniformly heating or cooling the entire system, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
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 efficiently regulates temperature across the sleeping surface by continuously drawing and adjusting air to match user-selected temperatures, enhancing comfort and sleep quality by maintaining ambient equilibrium.
Implementation Method 1
a fan box layer comprising a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct
Implementation Method 2
using thermoelectric devices to adjust the temperature of air and maintain ambient equilibrium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A bedding system (20) is provided that includes a fan box layer (22) having a plurality of ducts (34), each of the ducts being in communication with a fan (32) configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer (24) is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports (42), each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer (26) is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes (60) that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes (62) that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface (28).