Bed microclimate control based on sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed systems lack effective microclimate control, leading to discomfort due to temperature and humidity fluctuations, 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 air suction is used to drain heat away from the mattress system, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling of mattress surface air temperature rather than continuous monitoring, and operates the fan assembly in intermittent cycles (e.g., 10 seconds on, 50 seconds off) to achieve temperature control while minimizing energy consumption. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain effective microclimate control with significantly reduced power usage compared to continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal module with heating element is added to condition air, then microclimate control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the existing fan assembly housing, combining the air moving function and air conditioning function into a single unified component. This merging approach allows the system to provide both cooling (via fan-only operation) and heating (via heater operation) capabilities without requiring separate independent systems, thereby improving microclimate control versatility while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a cooling-only mode (fan only), a heating mode (fan plus heater), or a ventilation mode. The same housing and mounting structure accommodates both the fan motor and heating element, allowing a single component assembly to provide versatile air conditioning capabilities for different seasonal and comfort requirements.
3Productivity
If airflow pads are inserted to replace support foam layer, then air distribution efficiency is improved, but mattress structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow distribution system is segmented into multiple discrete pads positioned at specific locations (head, middle, and foot sections) rather than using a single continuous layer. Each pad is independently mounted between the support foam layer and comfort layers, allowing air to be distributed efficiently at multiple zones while the surrounding foam structure maintains mattress structural integrity and support characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Airflow pads are strategically placed only in specific regions where air distribution is needed (such as head and foot sections), rather than throughout the entire mattress. This localized approach improves air distribution efficiency in critical areas while preserving the structural integrity and support properties of the foam layers in other regions, achieving a balance between airflow performance and structural strength.
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 regulating temperature and humidity, while minimizing disruption to the mattress's comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The housing may include a curved conduit between the connection-side opening and the ambient-side opening, and the heating element may be arranged at the curved conduit
Implementation Method 3
The air controller may include a third temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of air drawn from the airflow insert pad
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.