Body Support Cushion Ventilation System for Sleep Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sleep technologies fail to effectively manage temperature fluctuations, leading to disrupted sleep, especially during summer months, as they do not adequately regulate body temperature, resulting in poor sleep quality and potential health risks.

Innovation Solution

A body support cushion with an integrated ventilation system that actively draws ambient air through the mattress, filters it, and maintains a constant surface temperature and humidity level by directing temperature-controlled airflow, preventing heat buildup and humidity, and allowing for adjustable temperature conditioning based on the user's profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional mattress materials are used, then comfort and support are provided, but heat buildup and humidity occur leading to disrupted sleep

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemattress surface temperatureVSAvoidsleep quality
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a ventilation system with air movers, conduits, and chambers that actively circulate air through the mattress layers. This pneumatic system removes excess heat and humidity from the mattress surface, maintaining optimal temperature and preventing the heat buildup that disrupts sleep, thereby resolving the contradiction between thermal comfort and sleep quality reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates porous foam layers with interconnected cells that allow air permeation throughout the mattress structure. This porous material design enables efficient heat and moisture transfer while maintaining comfort and support, solving the contradiction by allowing thermal regulation without compromising the mattress's supportive function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Temperature

If ventilation channels are added to the mattress, then temperature regulation improves, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody temperature regulationVSAvoidmattress structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ventilation channels with the existing foam layer structure, integrating air movers, conduits, and chambers into the mattress layers rather than adding separate components. This consolidation achieves effective temperature regulation while minimizing structural complexity by combining multiple functions within unified structural elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The foam layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing comfort and support through their viscoelastic properties, while also serving as structural passageways for air flow and heat transfer. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate ventilation structures

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

3Loss of energy

If active ventilation system is implemented, then heat removal efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs air movers that operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, creating pulsating air flow through the mattress layers. This periodic operation maintains effective heat and humidity removal while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between heat removal efficiency and energy use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures better sleep quality by maintaining a consistent body temperature, keeping the mattress fresh and hygienic, and allowing users to feel more rested and revitalized, as it prevents temperature variations and humidity issues.

Implementation Method 1

A body support cushion with an integrated ventilation system that actively draws ambient air through the mattress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

flow communication through the foam layers of a body support cushion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4062803B1Body support cushion with ventilation system
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 TEMPUR WORLD LLC
  • EP4062803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4062803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4062803B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A body support cushion with ventilation system, comprising: a mattress having an lower support layer formed of convoluted foam; an air distribution assembly disposed above said lower support layer, said air distribution assembly including a cavity and an envelope material disposed in said cavity; a reticulated foam disposed in said cavity on said envelope material; at least one foam layer disposed above said air distribution assembly; wherein said reticulated foam receives air from a conduit and through holes in said envelope material, and distributes said air to a plurality of apertures of said at least one foam layer.