Climate-Controlled Bed Layer for Zoned Airflow and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems fail to provide individualized and efficient temperature modification for beds and seating areas, often leaving occupants uncomfortable due to inadequate 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, along with inlays or interlays containing fluid modules that include blower or fan devices for selective air or fluid transfer, allowing for targeted temperature conditioning and comfort adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air-conditioning systems are used to cool or heat entire buildings or rooms, then the overall environmental temperature is modified, but individualized temperature control for specific seating or sleeping areas is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bed into multiple independently controllable zones with separate heating and cooling elements positioned between the mattress and foundation. Each zone can be individually temperature-controlled, allowing different regions of the bed to be optimized for different occupants or preferences without requiring a completely decentralized system for each point.
Solution Approach 2:
A climate control layer or intermediary structure is introduced between the mattress and foundation, containing heating and cooling elements. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that delivers conditioned air or thermal energy directly to the occupant contact surface without requiring modification of the entire room environment or complex individual point-source devices.
2Speed
If heating units are used to warm indoor spaces in winter, then the overall room temperature increases slowly, but the bed surface does not warm quickly enough to provide immediate comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into distributed heating elements positioned directly within the bed structure between the mattress and foundation. This allows localized heating of the bed surface area occupied by the user, achieving rapid warmth at the point of need without the energy expenditure required to heat the entire room air volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic fluid circulation through channels or conduits integrated into the bed structure. Conditioned air or thermal fluid is pumped through these channels to rapidly transfer heat or coolness to the bed surface, providing quick temperature adjustment independent of room air temperature changes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If standard bed structures are used in hot, poorly-ventilated environments, then the overall room ventilation is insufficient, but the bed occupant experiences excessive heat and sweat on the back and pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple ventilation zones with separate air circulation paths for different regions (head, torso, legs, sides). Each zone has independent airflow control, allowing targeted ventilation to areas where heat and sweat accumulate most, such as the back and pressure points, without requiring complete redesign of the entire bed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic air circulation system with pumps, ducts, and adjustable vents is integrated into the bed structure. This system actively moves air through channels between the mattress and foundation, creating forced convection that removes heat and moisture from contact surfaces. The system can adjust airflow rates and distribution patterns to address specific thermal comfort issues in hot, poorly-ventilated environments.
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 delivers conditioned air or fluid to specific areas, enhancing occupant comfort by providing customizable temperature control and improved ventilation, even in fixed or adjustable bed configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid module comprises 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 2
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
Implementation Method 3
allowing for targeted temperature conditioning and comfort adjustment
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.