Bed airflow and temperature control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed systems lack effective microclimate control, failing to provide precise temperature regulation and airflow management, which can disrupt sleep quality.

Innovation Solution

A bed system with a microclimate control subsystem that supplies conditioned air to a mattress, utilizing airflow pads to distribute air and maintain a desired temperature, along with an integrated high airflow zone and air duct system for efficient air flow and temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional heating and cooling systems are used in beds, then temperature control is provided, but precise microclimate control and airflow management are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress temperature controlVSAvoidairflow management system
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independent airflow channels with separate control, allowing different zones (head, middle, foot, left side, right side) to be controlled independently. This segmentation enables precise microclimate control for each body region while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different airflow rates and temperatures are applied to different mattress zones based on local thermal requirements. The head and foot sections receive different airflow characteristics than the middle section, and left/right sides can be independently adjusted. This local quality approach achieves precise temperature control without requiring overly complex centralized systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If airflow pads are added to improve air distribution, then airflow management is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow distributionVSAvoidmattress structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow pads serve multiple functions simultaneously: they distribute conditioned air uniformly across the mattress surface, act as structural support layers, provide thermal insulation, and enable zone-specific airflow control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby enhancing airflow management without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow pads act as an intermediary layer between the air supply system and the mattress surface. They receive conditioned air from channels and distribute it uniformly across the mattress, mediating between the mechanical air supply system and the thermal comfort requirement. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system by decoupling the air distribution mechanism from the mattress structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 bed system achieves precise microclimate control, enhancing sleep quality by maintaining a comfortable temperature and airflow, while also providing humidity control and minimizing disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

conditioned air can be supplied to one or more airflow pads arranged under the mattress top, so that the conditioned air is distributed to the mattress top through the airflow pads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 3

the microclimate control subsystem can draw ambient air from the mattress, thereby conditioning the temperature at the top of the mattress. For example, air is forced to be drawn from the airflow pads so that air at the mattress top is suctioned into the mattress and permits for the air to be circulated and refreshed at the mattress top

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20250160529A1Bed airflow and temperature control
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 SLEEP NUMBER CORP
  • US20250160529A1 patent drawing
  • US20250160529A1 patent drawing
  • US20250160529A1 patent drawing

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.