Adjustable Bed Remote Interface for Multi-Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable beds lack integration with other technologies in home and medical environments, limiting their functionality and user convenience, particularly for individuals with limited mobility who require control over multiple devices without leaving their bed.

Innovation Solution

The development of methods and systems that enable improved integration of adjustable furniture with various technologies, including control systems for lighting, air purification, audio, and entertainment systems, using modular controllers, programmable logic controllers, and remote communication protocols to facilitate user control through a single input interface, such as a touch screen or cellular phone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable beds are equipped with basic positioning functions only, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different technologies and environments is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration with other technologiesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions beyond basic bed positioning, including controlling lighting, audio, video, and other environmental devices. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to serve as both a bed controller and a universal remote, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces communication interfaces and protocols as intermediaries between the bed system and external devices. These intermediaries enable seamless integration with various technologies (lighting, audio, video systems) while isolating the core bed control logic from the complexity of device-specific protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If multiple separate controls are provided for bed positioning and other devices, then ease of operation for each function is good, but loss of time for operating multiple devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to control multiple devicesVSAvoidcontrol interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bed positioning controller with controls for lighting, audio, video, and other environmental devices into a single unified interface. This merging eliminates the need for users to switch between multiple separate remotes or controls, significantly reducing the time required to operate multiple devices while maintaining ease of operation through consistent control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed as a universal remote that can operate multiple different device types through integrated communication protocols. This multi-functional design allows users to control bed positioning, lighting, entertainment systems, and environmental controls from a single device, thereby reducing time loss without sacrificing operational simplicity.

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

3Ease of operation

If users with limited mobility must leave their bed to control devices, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation for users with mobility issues deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for users with limited mobilityVSAvoidintegration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users with limited mobility to control all devices from their bed position without needing to physically move to access different controls. The integrated controller brings all device control functions directly to the user's location, allowing them to independently adjust lighting, entertainment, and bed positioning without assistance or movement, thereby dramatically improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Communication interfaces and wireless protocols serve as intermediaries that transmit control signals from the user's position in bed to various devices throughout the room. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for physical movement to access device controls, making the system highly accessible to users with mobility limitations while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8926535B2Adjustable bed position control
Publication Date: 2015.01.06 RAWLS MEEHAN MARTIN B
  • US8926535B2 patent drawing
  • US8926535B2 patent drawing
  • US8926535B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an adjustable bed handheld remote control that may include a handheld housing, a touch sensor on a front face of the handheld housing, a transmitter and the like. The touch sensor may be presented in a slider form and may be adapted to facilitate a user in adjusting a frame position of an adjustable bed. The transmitter may be electrically coupled to a processor and may receive input from the touch sensor, for communication control signals to the adjustable bed in accordance with the input received from the touch sensor.