Bed Microclimate Control with Preparation Cycle for Sleep Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed systems lack effective microclimate control, leading to inconsistent sleep comfort due to temperature and humidity variations, which can disrupt sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
A bed system with a microclimate control subsystem that includes airflow pads and a fan assembly to condition air, providing heated or cooled air to the mattress, and a thermal module with temperature sensors for closed-loop control, ensuring precise temperature management and humidity regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating and cooling systems are used in beds, then temperature control is provided, but microclimate control is insufficient leading to inconsistent sleep comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent temperature zones (head, foot, left side, right side) that can be controlled separately. Each zone has its own heating element and airflow control, allowing precise microclimate management for different body regions simultaneously, thereby ensuring consistent sleep comfort across the entire mattress surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress are provided with customized temperature and airflow characteristics based on local thermal requirements. The system adjusts airflow rate and temperature independently for each zone to match the specific thermal needs of different body parts, achieving precise local microclimate control that maintains consistent overall sleep comfort.
2Reliability
If airflow pads are added to improve air distribution, then microclimate control is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow pads serve multiple functions simultaneously: they distribute conditioned air across the mattress surface, provide structural support, and act as thermal insulation barriers. This multi-functionality enhances microclimate control effectiveness while avoiding the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow distribution system is integrated directly into the mattress structure by combining the airflow pads with the mattress support layers. The airflow channels, heating elements, and support structures are merged into a unified assembly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining enhanced microclimate control.
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 maintains a consistent microclimate, enhancing sleep comfort by regulating temperature and humidity, thereby improving sleep quality and maintaining mattress comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly (144) configured to move air through the mattress
Implementation Method 2
a heating element (142) mounted in the housing
Implementation Method 3
a thermal module with temperature sensors for closed-loop control
Data Source
AI summary
A bed system includes microclimate control capabilities for providing quality sleep experience. The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress, or draw ambient air from the mattress, to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress. Utilizing supply of conditioned air to provide air at desired temperature to the mattress system, or utilizing air suction to drain heat away from the mattress system, can provide precise microclimate control at the mattress, thereby permitting conformable sleep.