Climate controlled bed with fluid distribution member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems are not capable of providing individualized temperature control for beds, leading to discomfort in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled bed assembly featuring an upper portion with a core having passageways, a fluid distribution member, and a comfort layer, supported by a lower portion with a fluid module that can selectively transfer air for thermal conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a climate-controlled bed system is implemented, then individualized temperature control and occupant comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable zones with separate fluid distribution members, passageways, and comfort layers. Each zone can be thermally conditioned separately, allowing individualized temperature control for different body regions while managing system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bed are provided with different thermal conditioning characteristics through localized fluid distribution members and passageways. This allows each area to be optimized for specific comfort requirements, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through regional specialization.
2Manufacturing precision
If fluid distribution members with spacers are used, then fluid distribution effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spacers are introduced as intermediary elements between the fluid distribution member and the comfort layer. These spacers create controlled flow channels that ensure uniform fluid distribution while simplifying the manufacturing process by using pre-fabricated spacer components that can be easily integrated during assembly.
3Measurement precision
If barrier layers are added to control fluid flow, then thermal conditioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Barrier layers are strategically positioned at specific locations within the bed structure where fluid flow control is most needed. This localized approach provides precise thermal conditioning control at critical interfaces while avoiding the addition of barrier layers throughout the entire structure, thereby limiting the increase in overall 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
The system allows for precise temperature control of the bed, enhancing occupant comfort by maintaining desired heating or cooling levels, even in extreme environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device
Implementation Method 2
the spacer composes a spacer fabric, a spacer material and/or any other member that is configured to generally allow fluid to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member.