Controlling a bed remotely
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed systems lack a convenient and efficient means for remote control and monitoring of features such as firmness, temperature, and lighting, which can enhance user comfort and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system with capacitive sensing, a display screen, input areas, and communication modules allows for wireless control of bed functions like pressure, articulation, and temperature, incorporating a light sensor for ambient light adjustment and biometric monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control system is added to the bed system, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed system is divided into separate functional modules: a remote control unit with capacitive buttons and display, a communication module for wireless transmission, and a bed controller unit. This segmentation allows the remote control functionality to be added without complicating the overall system architecture, as each module operates independently but communicates through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication module serves as an intermediary between the remote control and the bed controller. This mediator handles the wireless signal transmission and reception, allowing the remote control to operate the bed system without direct physical connection, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the system structure manageable through standardized communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If capacitive sensing and display screen are integrated into the remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen and capacitive sensing features are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The remote control can enter low-power states between interactions, activating the display and capacitive buttons only when a user approaches or interacts with the device, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining full operational capability when needed.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication module is added to enable remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is designed to handle multiple functions: transmitting control signals from the remote to the bed controller, receiving status information from the bed system, and potentially supporting various communication protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables seamless remote control and monitoring of bed features, enhancing user comfort and convenience through adjustable firmness, temperature, and lighting, while providing biometric feedback for improved sleep analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the case is capacitively sensitive and the remote control wakes responsive to a signal from the portion of the case that is capacitively sensitive
Implementation Method 2
the remote control further includes a light sensor to receive ambient light and produce a light signal representative of an ambient light level
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control for a bed system is described. The remote control includes a case, a display screen, a first input area, at least one capacitive button, and a communications module. The case has a base surface, a display surface, and an upper surface. The display screen is on the display surface. The first input area is on the display surface. At least one capacitive button is separate from the first input area. The communication module allows communication between the remote control and a separate controller of the bed system.