Climate controlled bed with fluid distribution member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems fail to provide individualized temperature modification for beds or seating devices, leading to discomfort in varying environmental conditions, such as excessive sweating during hot weather or slow heating in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled bed assembly with a core, fluid distribution member, and thermoelectric device for selective fluid transfer, allowing separate control of hydraulically isolated zones and featuring spacers, comfort layers, and flow diverters to enhance fluid distribution and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional air-conditioning is used to cool the entire space, then the overall ambient temperature is reduced, but the bed occupant's back and pressure points remain sweaty and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable climate zones, with fluid distribution members delivering conditioned air to specific areas such as the head, torso, and leg regions. This segmentation allows targeted cooling at pressure points without requiring entire space conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bed receive different thermal conditions through separate fluid distribution channels. The system provides localized temperature control at specific body contact areas, enabling precise management of thermal comfort and moisture control where needed most.
2Temperature
If heating units are used to warm the indoor space in winter, then the overall room temperature increases slowly, but the bed occupant needs quick warming
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple zones with independent fluid distribution members that can be activated selectively. This allows concentrated heating power to be directed to the bed surface and occupant contact areas, achieving rapid local warming independent of overall room temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different thermal conditions to different bed regions, providing intensive localized heating at the occupant's back and pressure points while the rest of the room remains at ambient temperature, enabling quick bed warming without heating the entire space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid distribution members are used to provide individualized climate control, then targeted temperature modification is achieved, but fluid losses occur during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the fluid distribution member and the comfort layer. This layer prevents fluid migration and loss while allowing thermal energy transfer, maintaining individualized climate control effectiveness without substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer functions as a flexible film that is impermeable to fluids but permeable to heat. This thin film structure prevents fluid losses during transfer through the bed layers while maintaining the adaptability of individualized temperature control in different bed zones.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple zones are created for separate control, then selective heating or cooling of specific areas is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes conditioned air to different zones, provides structural support for the comfort layer, and works with the barrier layer to prevent fluid loss. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each zone, managing complexity while maintaining selective control capability.
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 targeted and uniform thermal coverage, reducing fluid losses and enhancing occupant comfort by allowing selective heating or cooling of specific bed areas, thus addressing the limitations of traditional climate control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device
Implementation Method 2
the spacer comprises 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.