Bed Microclimate Control Using Airflow Pads and Thermal Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed systems lack effective microclimate control, leading to discomfort due to temperature and humidity imbalances, 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
1Measurement precision
If conditioned air is supplied to the mattress through airflow pads, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces airflow pads as an intermediary component between the air source and the mattress. These pads distribute conditioned air uniformly across the mattress surface, enabling precise temperature control without requiring complex direct integration with the mattress structure. The airflow pads act as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed system is divided into separate functional modules: a microclimate control subsystem with airflow pads for temperature regulation, and a separate air pressure control subsystem. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise temperature control through the dedicated airflow management system.
2Measurement precision
If air suction is used to drain heat from the mattress system, then microclimate control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic air suction cycles rather than continuous operation. The microclimate control subsystem periodically draws air through the mattress to remove excess heat, then allows natural heat dissipation periods. This periodic operation maintains precise microclimate control while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous air movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages natural convection and heat dissipation mechanisms to complement active air suction. After periodic suction removes excess heat, the system allows passive heat dissipation through the mattress materials and surrounding environment, reducing the need for continuous energy-intensive air movement while maintaining effective temperature control.
3Productivity
If airflow pads are integrated below the mattress top, then air distribution effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow pads are designed as universal components that can be integrated into various mattress types and configurations. The same basic airflow pad design can serve multiple functions: air distribution, structural support, and heat dissipation. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing by using standardized components rather than custom-designed elements for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow pads utilize porous materials that inherently provide air distribution channels without requiring complex internal structures. The porous nature of these materials creates natural airflow paths, eliminating the need for manufactured channels or cavities, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective air distribution across the mattress surface.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the wrapping material is made air impermeable, then air flow directionality is improved, but air distribution uniformity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping material incorporates localized permeable zones strategically positioned to achieve uniform air distribution. While the majority of the wrapping remains air impermeable to maintain directional flow, specific regions are designed with controlled permeability to distribute air evenly across the mattress surface. This local variation in material properties resolves the contradiction between directional control and uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective permeability of the wrapping material by changing operational parameters such as air pressure and flow rate. By modifying these parameters, the system can achieve both directional air flow and uniform distribution across different operating conditions, resolving the apparent contradiction through parameter optimization rather than material structure changes.
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 comfortable microclimate, enhancing sleep quality by precisely controlling temperature and humidity, while minimizing disruption to the mattress's comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly configured to cause air to flow from or to the mattress
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the air that flows from or to the mattress
Implementation Method 3
a heating element mounted in the housing... commanding the heating element to heat the air that flows through the housing
Implementation Method 4
controlling the reversible fan in an opposite direction to draw air from the mattress
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.