Bed ventilators and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed ventilators lack efficient temperature regulation and user-specific airflow control, often disturbing sleep with unnecessary air circulation when the user is not sleeping or not present in the bed.
Innovation Solution
A bed ventilator system with a centrifugal fan, temperature and motion sensors, and a controller that directs airflow based on user presence and temperature, featuring interchangeable bed mounts and a bedding support mechanism that adjusts airflow modes and lifts bedding for efficient air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If bed ventilators continuously circulate air to maintain temperature regulation, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases and sleep is disturbed when user is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor detects user presence in advance before the cooling cycle begins. The controller is programmed to activate the air mover only when motion is detected, allowing the system to prepare for temperature regulation needs before the user actually requires cooling, thereby avoiding continuous operation and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion sensors to continuously monitor the sleep zone and provides feedback to the controller. When no motion is detected for a predetermined period, the controller receives feedback to shut down the air mover, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts energy consumption based on real-time user presence detection.
2Temperature
If bed ventilators operate continuously to maintain comfortable temperature, then temperature comfort is improved, but unnecessary air circulation disturbs sleep when user is not sleeping
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor performs preliminary detection of user presence before the air mover activates. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish between periods when the user is present and when they are absent, preventing unnecessary air circulation that would disturb sleep during absence while ensuring temperature comfort is maintained when the user is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own presence (detected by motion sensors) to automatically control its operation. The air mover serves itself by activating only when motion is detected and shutting down when motion ceases, eliminating the need for manual control and preventing sleep disturbance from unnecessary operation.
3Ease of operation
If bed ventilators use simple mounting structures, then ease of installation is improved, but adaptability to different bed configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple bed configurations including platform beds, adjustable beds, and beds with headboards. The same mounting mechanism can be installed on different bed types without requiring custom components, achieving both ease of installation and broad adaptability through a single versatile design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable and flexible elements that can adapt to different bed heights, angles, and configurations. The dynamic mounting system allows for easy adjustment during installation to accommodate various bed types while maintaining simple installation procedures, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
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 personalized temperature regulation and airflow control, maintaining comfort by adjusting airflow according to user presence and preferences, reducing energy consumption and noise.
Implementation Method 1
The air mover comprises a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan has backward-curved blades or forward curved blades.
Implementation Method 2
One or more of a sleep zone temperature sensor and an ambient air temperature sensor, in which the controlled is connected to send control signals to the air mover based on signals from the one or more of the sleep zone temperature sensor and the ambient air temperature sensor.
Implementation Method 3
A motion sensor. The controller is programmed to use signals from the motion sensor to: detect a sleeping mode where a user is within the sleep zone between the bedding and the bed; and detect a non-sleeping mode where a user is on the bedding and outside the sleep zone.
Implementation Method 4
A controller connected to send control signals to the air mover. One or more of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor, in which the controller is connected to send control signals to the air mover based on signals from the one or more of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a bed with bedding; an air mover; and an air outlet defined by the air mover to direct air into a sleep zone of the bed. A method includes operating an air mover to direct air into a sleep zone defined between a bed and bedding.