Capacitive Bed Frame Sensing for Reliable Presence Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional presence-sensing technologies for automated furniture, such as bed systems, are prone to inaccuracies due to shifting or bending sensors, and can be either too sensitive or fail to detect presence reliably, leading to issues like unintentional 'pinch points' and unnecessary activation of features.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitive component, like a capacitive wire, into the perimeter of furniture items, which detects changes in capacitance based on proximity to a user, using a processor to determine presence and trigger corresponding responses, thereby providing a reliable and accurate presence-sensing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional presence-sensing switches are routed around the perimeter of a mattress, then presence detection is enabled, but the switches shift or bend during bed articulation causing inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure switches with capacitive sensing technology. The capacitive sensor detects changes in electrical capacitance caused by proximity of conductive objects (human bodies), eliminating mechanical contact and the associated problems of shifting and bending during bed articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor serves multiple functions: it detects presence, determines proximity distance, and can identify different types of objects based on their capacitive characteristics, making it a versatile sensing solution for automated bedding systems.
2Reliability
If pressure pads and switches are used for presence detection, then presence sensing is achieved, but they may fail to be triggered or activate independently from body presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical capacitance as the sensing parameter instead of mechanical pressure. The capacitive sensor measures capacitance variations caused by the proximity of human bodies, providing a more reliable and accurate detection mechanism that is not susceptible to the false triggering or failure issues of pressure-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical pressure-based detection with electrical field-based capacitive sensing, eliminating the need for physical contact and the associated reliability issues of pressure switches and pads.
3Reliability
If traditional switches are used with additional analog components (sensors/oscillators), then presence detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor integrates multiple sensing functions into a single component. It can detect presence, measure proximity distance, and identify object types without requiring separate sensors, oscillators, or other analog components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single capacitive sensing system, merging the roles of presence detection, distance measurement, and object identification into one integrated solution rather than requiring separate components for each function.
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 capacitive presence-sensing system enhances the reliability of automated furniture by accurately detecting user presence, preventing accidents and optimizing feature activation, while being less susceptible to noise interference from bed articulation.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive wire may be secured to a perimeter of a top and bottom surface of a platform of an adjustable bed... a capacitive component, such as a capacitive wire, into the perimeter of furniture items, which detects changes in capacitance based on proximity to a user
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for incorporating presence-sensing technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting presence using a metal, adjustable bed frame. The bed frame is pulsed with a voltage to provide a charge, against which capacitance is measured. A controller determines the corresponding response based on presence detection by the frame. Conductive bushings may also be used to measure capacitance using the bed frame. In further embodiments, capacitance is measured by a foil tape surrounding a perimeter of the adjustable bed. The foil tape has a voltage based on proximity of an object to the tape, and may be embedded with a capacitive wire. A processor receives information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of presence, or lack of presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.