Apparatus for bedding climate control system and method to use the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bedding climate control systems struggle to simultaneously inflate duvets and control temperature, requiring separate mechanisms for air distribution and heating.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a blower unit, multiple air outlets with valves and heating elements, and a control unit to manage air flow and temperature independently across outlets, allowing for simultaneous inflation and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single blower unit is used to provide air for both inflation and temperature control, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to independently control air flow and temperature for different functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air distribution system into multiple independent outlets, each with its own valve and heating element. This segmentation allows each outlet to be controlled independently for different functions (inflation vs. temperature control) while using a single shared blower unit, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by equipping different outlets with different characteristics - some outlets have heating elements while others don't. This allows the system to provide temperature control only where needed (for bedding climate control) while using unheated outlets for inflation, enabling functional differentiation without requiring separate blowers for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate mechanisms are used for air distribution and heating, then independent control of air flow and temperature is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air moving function into a single shared blower unit that serves all outlets, while maintaining separate control mechanisms (valves and heating elements) at each outlet. This combining approach reduces the number of air moving units from multiple to one, simplifying the system while preserving independent temperature and air flow control through the distributed valves and heaters.
Solution Approach 2:
The single blower unit performs multiple functions by supplying air to different outlets that serve different purposes - some outlets are used for inflation (without heating) while others are used for temperature control (with heating). This multi-functionality allows one air moving unit to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating elements are added to all outlets for temperature control, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively placing heating elements only at outlets that require temperature control, rather than equipping all outlets with heating capability. This allows the system to provide temperature regulation where needed while leaving other outlets without heating elements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing heating capability at only some outlets rather than all outlets. This selective approach allows temperature control functionality to be available where necessary (for bedding climate control) while avoiding the energy waste and cost of having heating elements at all outlets, including those used solely for inflation.
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
Enables efficient and independent control of air flow and temperature across different regions of a bed, improving bedding system functionality and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit comprising at least one heating element operatively connected to at least one of the outlets for heating the air flow circulating through the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a blower unit having at least one air moving unit to generate air flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention allows producing air flow to either inflate a self-making bedding system via a first outlet, or to heat the air exiting the apparatus via a second, optionally a third, outlet, for controlling the air flow and the temperature sent into the self-making bedding system. The 5 apparatus is operated via an interface on the outside surface of the apparatus; a smartphone or tablet, an intelligent virtual/personal assistant or a computer including an application or software for wirelessly sending instructions to the apparatus, e.g. using Bluetooth™ or Wifi; or a remote control. The invention is particularly useful for disabled persons for self-making their bed by directly controlling the apparatus via the application, with the possibility to use a 0 voice control system combined with the application, or to have the apparatus daily programmed for making the bed or controlling the temperature at specific time of the day.