Air system for a bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed systems lack efficient and customizable solutions for delivering temperature-controlled air, often requiring the entire mattress to be cooled or heated, which can be inefficient and uncomfortable, especially for shared beds where users may have different temperature preferences.
Innovation Solution
An air system comprising a distribution manifold, layer assembly, and hose assembly that directs air flow through a spacer layer and cover, with flaps and connectors to secure the system on a mattress, allowing for independent temperature control for each user and improved airflow, using a D-shaped hose to prevent kinking and a stitching pattern to direct air effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the entire mattress is cooled or heated, then temperature control is provided, but energy consumption increases and comfort decreases for shared beds with different temperature preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable zones (first zone, second zone, third zone, fourth zone) with separate air delivery systems for each zone. This allows temperature control to be applied only to specific areas where needed, rather than cooling or heating the entire mattress, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the mattress are provided with different temperature characteristics through independent air delivery systems. Each zone can be customized to have different thermal properties based on local user preferences, allowing one side of the bed to be cooler while the other side remains warmer, thus avoiding the energy waste of conditioning the entire mattress uniformly.
2Temperature
If the entire mattress is cooled or heated, then temperature control is provided, but comfort decreases when users have different temperature preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is segmented into multiple independently controllable zones that can be adjusted according to each user's preferences. This allows different temperature settings on different sides of the bed, accommodating users with different thermal preferences simultaneously and thereby improving overall user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Each zone of the mattress can be customized with different temperature characteristics to match local user preferences. This personalized approach ensures that each user experiences optimal comfort in their preferred sleeping area without being affected by temperature settings in other zones.
3Device complexity
If air flow is restricted, then system simplicity is maintained, but air delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air delivery system incorporates adjustable air flow controllers that allow dynamic regulation of air flow rates to each zone. This dynamic control capability enables the system to optimize air delivery efficiency by adjusting flow rates based on actual cooling or heating requirements, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of basic valve mechanisms rather than complex control systems.
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 air system provides efficient and customizable temperature control to specific areas of the bed, enhancing user comfort by allowing each user to adjust their side of the bed independently, while reducing energy consumption and preventing air restriction.
Implementation Method 1
The distribution manifold can be positioned above the cover bottom layer and under the spacer layer... flow air from the distribution manifold to a space under the spacer layer, from the space under the spacer layer into the spacer layer, and from the spacer layer out through the cover top layer
Implementation Method 2
The spacer layer can include a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and a plurality of spacers extending between the top sheet and the bottom sheet... spacer material configured to allow for air flow through the spacer material
Implementation Method 3
The stitching can extend through the cover top layer, the cover bottom layer, and the spacer layer in a pattern that defines flow paths from the distribution manifold
Implementation Method 4
using a D-shaped hose to prevent kinking and a stitching pattern to direct air effectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An air system for a bed can include a layer assembly having a head end, a foot end, and first and second sides, with a head portion near the head end, a foot potion near the foot end, and a middle portion between the head portion and the foot portion, the layer assembly. The layer assembly can have a spacer layer comprising spacer material configured to allow for air flow through the spacer material and a cover comprising a cover top layer and a cover bottom layer. The air system can have a distribution manifold that is substantially fan-shaped with a plurality of ribs defining channels and/or is positioned above the cover bottom layer and under the spacer layer. The air system can have first and second flaps with first and second retention features extending from the head and foot ends of the air layer.