Bed Power Distribution Assembly With Remote Low-Voltage Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed systems with power-assisted features face challenges in efficiently distributing power and control signals to various components, particularly in ensuring safe and reliable operation by isolating high voltages from the bed frame and providing uniform low-voltage DC power for motor control.
Innovation Solution
A power and signal distribution assembly with multiple ports and buses that receives AC voltage, converts it to DC, and distributes power and control signals to motors and actuators, while keeping high voltages away from the bed frame, using a remote power supply and overload protection to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power supply is located at the bed location to provide power to motors and actuators, then power distribution is simplified, but electrical exposure risk and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is extracted from the bed location and placed in a remote location, separating the high-voltage power source from the low-voltage distribution area. This extraction eliminates electrical exposure risks at the bed while maintaining power distribution functionality through isolated low-voltage outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
A power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the AC power source and the bed's electrical components. It converts AC to DC and provides isolated low-voltage outputs, serving as a safety barrier that prevents direct electrical exposure while enabling motor and actuator operation.
2Power
If high voltage AC power is distributed directly to bed components, then power availability is maximized, but safety risks and electrical exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit transforms electrical parameters by converting high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC, and providing isolated low-voltage DC outputs. This parameter transformation maintains sufficient power for motor operation while eliminating safety risks associated with high voltage at the bed location.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power supply is remote from the bed, then electrical safety is improved, but signal distribution complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit provides multiple functions through a single device: AC to DC conversion, voltage regulation, electrical isolation, and multi-channel power distribution. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity despite the remote configuration.
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
This solution enables safe and efficient power distribution to bed components, reducing electrical exposure and ensuring reliable control of bed adjustments, such as height and spring positions, while allowing flexible configuration and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply receiving an AC voltage and converting it to the first DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a power and signal distribution assembly for a bed having at least one power input port, at least one controller port, and at least one output port are described. The power input port receives a first DC voltage from a power supply and the power supply receiving an AC voltage and converting it to the first DC voltage. The controller port receives the first DC voltage and outputs at least one power control signal having the first DC voltage. The output port receives signals having the first DC voltage. The power and signal distribution assembly has a first location and the power supply has a second location different from the first location. In other embodiments, the power and signal distribution assembly is located on a frame of a bed and the power supply remote therefrom. Still further, one or more additional controller ports may also be provided.