Bed having features for controlling heating of a bed to reduce health risk of a sleeper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current beds lack the ability to dynamically adjust microclimates to optimize sleep quality and reduce cardiac risk by regulating temperature gradients, which can lead to discomfort and poor sleep quality due to uneven heating.

Innovation Solution

A bed system equipped with temperature sensors, a controller, and a heating subsystem that adjusts temperature based on heart-rate variability and sleep parameters to create a distal-to-proximal temperature gradient, ensuring seamless comfort and improved sleep quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If uniform heating is applied to the bed, then the overall warmth is improved, but the sleep quality deteriorates due to discomfort from uneven temperature distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall warmthVSAvoidsleep quality

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct thermal zones within the bed - a warmer distal zone (foot area) and a cooler proximal zone (head area). The heating subsystem selectively heats different regions to different temperatures, with the distal portion receiving more heat than the proximal portion, optimizing sleep quality through localized temperature control rather than uniform heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the bed heating system is activated continuously, then the warmth is maintained, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature maintenanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system operates dynamically rather than statically. The controller adjusts heating intensity and distribution based on real-time biometric feedback (heart rate, respiratory rate, body position) and environmental conditions. The system transitions between different heating states - intensive heating when needed, reduced heating when comfortable, and selective zone heating - thereby maintaining temperature efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms using sensors that continuously monitor sleeper biometrics and environmental parameters. This feedback loop allows the controller to adjust heating intensity and distribution in real-time, activating heating only when and where needed rather than continuous operation, thus maintaining temperature while optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bed system monitors multiple biometric parameters, then the sleep optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functionality by using a single integrated controller that handles multiple functions: receiving biometric data from various sensors, processing the data, determining sleep stages, controlling the heating subsystem, and adjusting other bed features. This universal controller consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one coordinated unit, achieving sophisticated sleep optimization without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively reduces cardiac risk and improves sleep quality by dynamically adjusting temperature gradients, enhancing comfort and sleep duration through real-time biometric feedback and modulation.

Implementation Method 1

one or more temperature sensors, each sensor configured to: sense a temperature for the sleeper and transmit, to a controller, temperature readings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a heating subsystem that may include a heating element that, when engaged, can raise the distal temperature of the sleeper more than the proximal temperature of the sleeper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230046169A1Bed having features for controlling heating of a bed to reduce health risk of a sleeper

Publication Date: 2023.02.16 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

Temperature sensors are configured to sense a temperature for the sleeper and transmit temperature readings. A controller is configured to receive temperature readings; and send to a heating subsystem instructions to initiate a warming process that raises a distal temperature of the sleeper more than a proximal temperature of the sleeper. The heating subsystem that may include a heating element that, when engaged, can raise the distal temperature of the sleeper more than the proximal temperature of the sleeper.