Bed Microclimate Control Using Distal-Proximal Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed systems lack effective temperature control and biometric monitoring, leading to inconsistent sleep quality due to variations in bedding, room temperature, and occupant position, which can disrupt sleep patterns and cardiovascular health.
Innovation Solution
A bed system equipped with a temperature sensor array and pressure sensors that collect data to determine a distal-proximal temperature gradient, allowing for real-time adjustment of microclimates to optimize sleep quality by modulating temperature and biometric feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bed system uses basic temperature control without microclimate modulation, then the device complexity is low, but the sleep quality consistency deteriorates due to variations in bedding, room temperature, and occupant position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sleep environment into multiple independent microclimates (head region, foot region, side regions) that can be controlled separately. Temperature sensor arrays and heating/cooling elements are distributed across different zones of the mattress, allowing independent temperature modulation for each microclimate region based on local thermal requirements and occupant position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements different temperature control strategies for different regions of the bed based on local conditions. Pressure sensor data identifies occupant position and contact points, enabling the system to apply targeted thermal adjustments to specific microclimates rather than uniform control, thereby improving sleep quality consistency while managing complexity through regional specialization.
2Measurement precision
If the bed system uses a temperature sensor array to determine distal-proximal temperature gradient, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensor arrays with pressure sensor arrays into an integrated sensing system. Both sensor types are embedded in the mattress structure and processed by a unified control system that correlates pressure distribution data with temperature readings to accurately determine distal-proximal temperature gradients and occupant position, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the occupant's own body pressure distribution to automatically determine positioning and adjust microclimate temperatures accordingly. The pressure sensors detect contact points and body position, enabling the system to self-adjust thermal settings without external input, improving measurement precision while reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bed system modulates multiple microclimates independently, then the adaptability improves for different occupant positions and preferences, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic microclimate control where temperature settings for each zone are continuously adjusted based on real-time pressure sensor data and temperature readings. The system adapts to changing occupant positions, movement, and thermal requirements by dynamically modifying heating/cooling output in each microclimate region, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through responsive control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback loops where temperature sensor arrays continuously monitor thermal conditions in each microclimate zone, and pressure sensors monitor occupant position. This feedback information is processed by the control system to automatically adjust heating and cooling elements, enabling adaptive microclimate modulation that responds to real-time conditions while managing complexity through closed-loop 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 provides improved temperature control and biometric monitoring, enhancing sleep quality by maintaining continuous comfort and potentially identifying cardiovascular health issues, while minimizing noticeable temperature changes for improved sleep duration and quality.
Implementation Method 1
an array of temperature sensors, each sensor configured to: sense surface temperature of the sleeper of the bed, transmit, to a controller, temperature readings
Data Source
AI summary
A distal-proximal temperature-gradient of a sleeper is determined. A bed has a mattress. Temperature sensors are in an array. Each sensor is configured to: sense surface temperature of the sleeper of the bed, transmit, to a controller, temperature readings. The system also includes a controller may include a processor and memory, the controller configured to: receive, from each of the sensors, temperature readings at a particular time, access, for each temperature reading, a corresponding weight-value, determine the distal-proximal temperature-gradient for the sleeper at the particular time using the temperature readings and the corresponding weight-values.