Bed Leg Load Sensor Assembly for Multi-Subject Biometric Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biometric sensing technologies face challenges in accurately distinguishing between multiple subjects and external vibrations, and in determining biometric parameters such as presence, weight, and position on a bed due to limitations in air pressure variations and static signal detection.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of load sensor assemblies with multiple substrate support members, each comprising a load bearing member, a base, and a load sensor, which transmit loads to a printed circuit board for data processing, allowing for accurate detection of biometric parameters by leveraging gravity and motion signals from multiple sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If noncontact sensing methods are used to detect heart rate, respiration and presence, then sensing capability is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish external sources of vibration and distinguish between multiple subjects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidaccuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sensing function into multiple independent load sensors positioned at different locations on the bed frame. Each sensor independently measures local forces, and the controller segments the overall signal into contributions from multiple subjects and external vibrations based on spatial distribution and temporal patterns, enabling accurate differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines data from multiple load sensors into a unified measurement model. By merging signals from several sensors and using signal processing techniques, the system achieves superior accuracy in distinguishing between multiple subjects and external vibrations compared to single-sensor or noncontact methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If air pressure variations are used for sensing, then sensing mechanism is provided, but accuracy deteriorates due to air pressure variations affecting measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing mechanismVSAvoidaccuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces air pressure-based sensing mechanisms with load sensors that directly measure mechanical forces. This substitution eliminates the intermediate step of air pressure measurement and its associated vulnerabilities to environmental variations, providing direct and accurate force measurement that is not affected by air pressure changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If single sensor is used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish multiple subjects and external vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor quantityVSAvoidaccuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the measurement task across multiple sensors positioned at different locations on the bed frame. Each sensor captures local information, and the controller uses spatial segmentation to attribute forces to specific subjects or external sources based on their location, enabling accurate multi-subject detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement. By distributing sensors across different dimensions of the bed frame and analyzing the spatial distribution of forces, the system gains the ability to distinguish between multiple subjects and external vibrations that would be indistinguishable to a single sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 precise determination of biometric parameters for single or multiple subjects, including heart rate, respiration, and weight, while distinguishing between individual signals and external noise, enhancing data accuracy and enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.

Implementation Method 1

The load bearing member is configured to transmit a load from the substrate to the load sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a load sensor between the cap and the base, wherein the load bearing member is configured to transmit a load from the substrate to the load sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12123763B2Load sensor assembly for bed leg and bed with load sensor assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

A bed comprises substrate support members, each including a load bearing and a base configured to provide contact with a floor. The load bearing member is configured to move vertically relative to the base, while the base and the load bearing member are configured to fit together to maintain lateral alignment of the base and the load bearing member. A load sensor is positioned between the base and the load bearing member, the load bearing member configured to transmit a load from the substrate to the load sensor. A printed circuit board is in communication with the load sensor. A controller is in communication with the printed circuit board of each substrate support member and is configured to receive and process data output by the printed circuit boards.