Bed Foundation with Integrated Air Pump and Central Power Hub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed systems with integrated heating and cooling systems are cumbersome and difficult to install and use, lacking a streamlined design for efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A bed system incorporating a mattress, a foundation with a movable compartment, and an air system that includes an air source and outlet connected via a foundation lid, allowing for adjustable support and temperature control through a central power hub and air pump system, with components such as an adjustable bed actuator and under-bed lighting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If heating and cooling systems are integrated into beds, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines heating and cooling systems into an integrated bed structure, merging multiple temperature control functions into a unified system that operates through a single interface, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatile temperature control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bed system is designed to perform multiple functions including heating, cooling, and temperature maintenance through a universal control mechanism, allowing the same system to adapt to different temperature control needs without requiring separate dedicated systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bed systems include multiple integrated components, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of installation and use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bed system is divided into modular segments including separate foundation, mattress, and air system components that can be independently installed and adjusted, allowing users to assemble the bed in stages rather than as a single complex unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation lid is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, enabling dynamic access to internal components for installation and maintenance while maintaining a streamlined closed appearance during normal use, thereby simplifying operational interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If air system components are integrated into the foundation, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration levelVSAvoidaccessibility for servicing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation lid is designed as a movable component that can be opened to provide access to internal air system components such as the air source and air outlet, allowing technicians to service these integrated components without disassembling the entire foundation structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable foundation lid acts as an intermediary access point, providing a dedicated opening that facilitates repair and maintenance of internal components while maintaining the integrated design, thereby resolving the conflict between component integration and serviceability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a user-friendly, efficient, and adjustable bed solution with integrated heating and cooling capabilities, enhancing comfort and convenience by concealing power cables and allowing for easy access to components for servicing.

Implementation Method 1

An air pump can be configured for supplying air to and inflating mattress air chambers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression and inflation: Compression

Implementation Method 2

A first air source can be configured for supplying conditioned air to a first mattress user side. A second air source can be configured for supplying conditioned air to a second mattress user side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12053096B2Bed with integrated components and features
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SLEEP NUMBER CORP
  • US12053096B2 patent drawing
  • US12053096B2 patent drawing
  • US12053096B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foundation for a bed system can include a foundation structure having a head, a foot, a first side, and a second side. An air pump configured for supplying air to and inflating at least one mattress air chamber can be housed within the foundation structure proximate the foot of the foundation structure. A control box and a central power hub can be housed within the foundation structure. The central power hub can be electrically connected to and configured to deliver electrical power to each of the air pump, the control box, and one or more additional electrical components. The foundation can optionally integrate other components into the foundation.