Climate-Controlled Bed Interlayer for Zoned Thermal Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems fail to provide individualized and efficient temperature modification for beds and seating devices, often leaving occupants uncomfortable due to uneven heating or cooling, especially in poorly ventilated environments.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled bed or seating assembly featuring an upper portion with a fluid distribution member in communication with internal passageways, combined with inlays or interlays containing fluid modules that include thermoelectric devices and blower systems, allowing for selective air or fluid transfer to maintain optimal comfort levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air-conditioning is used to cool the entire building, then the overall environment is cooled, but the bed occupant's back and pressure points remain sweaty due to inability to provide localized cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independent cooling zones with separate nozzles and fluid channels, allowing different regions (head, torso, legs, pressure points) to be cooled independently with customized temperature and flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bed receive differently conditioned fluid with varying temperatures and flow rates tailored to specific thermal needs of different body parts, with higher flow rates to pressure points and adjustable zones for head versus body
2Temperature
If heating units are used to warm the indoor space in winter, then the overall space is heated, but the bed takes too long to warm up to facilitate occupant comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system can pre-warm the bed before the occupant enters, using the fluid circulation system to rapidly heat the bed surface and internal structure, eliminating the delay of waiting for ambient heating to penetrate the bed
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid circulation system with pumps and heated channels rapidly transports heated fluid through the bed structure, providing fast and uniform heating that is independent of ambient air temperature and achieves therapeutic temperatures in minutes
3Device complexity
If fluid modules are positioned within the interlay component, then space is saved and alignment is simplified, but the outlets must be precisely aligned with internal passageways of the upper portion
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution member is integrated into the interlay component itself, with fluid channels and nozzles molded directly into the foam structure, eliminating separate alignment operations and ensuring automatic registration between outlets and upper portion passageways
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution member acts as an intermediary component that bridges the fluid modules and the upper portion, with its integrated channels providing a tolerance-absorbing transition that ensures proper fluid delivery without requiring precise mechanical alignment
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bed assembly includes multiple fluid modules and interlay components, then climate control capability is enhanced, but the weight and complexity of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes conditioned fluid through integrated channels, provides structural support as part of the interlay, and acts as a mounting substrate for nozzles and sensors, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The interlay component is constructed as a composite structure combining foam material with integrated fluid channels and nozzles, creating a multi-functional element that provides both thermal insulation and fluid distribution in a single lightweight component
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 solution enables efficient and customizable climate control, ensuring comfort by maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, even in challenging environmental conditions, while minimizing noise and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device having a first side and a second side, the thermoelectric device configured to cool the first side and heat the second side
Implementation Method 2
a fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device (e.g., blower, fan, etc.) that is configured to selectively transfer air or other fluid through at least one outlet
Implementation Method 3
an upper portion or mattress having at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway of the upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a climate controlled bed or other seating assembly comprises an upper portion or mattress having at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within the fluid distribution member. In some embodiments, the internal passageway terminates at or near a bottom surface of the upper portion or mattress. The bed or other seating assembly additionally includes one or more inlays or interlays or intermediate layers, or components thereof, positioned between the upper portion and a foundation.