Bed Controller Power Saving Mode via Bed-Exit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern bed systems consume significant power, especially when unoccupied, leading to inefficiencies and increased carbon footprints, as they continue to process data and maintain active operational modes even when no user is present.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with sensors and a controller that can detect when a bed is unoccupied and automatically switch components from an active-operation mode to a low-power-saving mode, suspending processing operations until the bed is reoccupied, using a low-level processor to monitor for bed activity and wake up other processors as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bed system components continue to process data and maintain active operational modes when unoccupied, then real-time monitoring and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into multiple processors with different operational modes. A first processor continuously monitors sensor signals to detect bed occupancy status, while a second processor performs comprehensive data processing and control operations only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain basic awareness at low power while performing intensive tasks only when occupants are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of processors based on bed occupancy detection. When the bed is unoccupied, processors switch to low-power or suspended states. When occupancy is detected, processors wake up and resume full operational modes. This dynamic state change enables the system to adapt power consumption to actual operational needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If bed system components switch to low-power-saving mode when unoccupied, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to detect and respond to bed occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
A first processor continuously monitors sensor signals in a low-power state, performing preliminary detection of bed occupancy events. This preliminary action ensures that when an occupancy event occurs, the system is already prepared to quickly wake the second processor and respond, minimizing the response time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The first processor acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and the second processor. It continuously checks sensor signals and triggers the second processor only when occupancy events are detected, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between low-power operation and full operational response.
3Productivity
If multiple processors operate in active mode continuously, then processing speed and data analysis capability are improved, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into specialized processors with distinct roles. The first processor handles sensor signal monitoring and occupancy detection, while the second processor handles comprehensive data processing, health metrics calculation, and control operations. This segmentation simplifies processor management by assigning specific functions to specific processors rather than requiring all processors to be fully operational simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic wake-up cycles where processors transition between active and low-power states based on occupancy detection. This periodic action pattern simplifies power management by establishing predictable cycles of operation rather than requiring continuous complex coordination of multiple active processors.
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
This approach results in instant and long-term power savings, reduced carbon footprint, and more efficient real-time identification of bed presence events, while minimizing modifications to existing systems and maintaining accurate data processing when the bed is in use.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors at a bed system can collect, for example, pressure signals (e.g., continuously or at predetermined times)
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is in communication with the at least one sensor. At least one processor of the processors operates in an active-operation mode, and the controller is configured to: receive, from the at least one sensor, sensor signals generated by the at least one sensor responsive to sensing the physical phenomena at the bed system; detect, based on processing the received sensor signals, a bed-exit event at the bed system; generate, based on the detected bed-exit event, instructions to cause the at least one processor to switch from operating in the active-operation mode to a low-power-saving mode; and execute the instructions to cause the at least one processor to operate in the low-power-saving mode.