Climate controlled mattress system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mattress climate control systems either focus on heating or cooling separately, are complex and costly, and do not effectively manage temperature, air flow, and moisture across the contact surface, leading to discomfort and decreased sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system integrated into the mattress using a combination of resistive heating elements and an air flow system that draws air and moisture away from the contact surface, providing adjustable heating and cooling throughout the mattress, with zones for customized temperature control based on anthropometric data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating elements are used with uniform distribution, then heating is provided uniformly across the contact surface, but the system does not adapt to different user sizes and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independently controllable heating zones (e.g., head zone, torso zone, leg zone) rather than a single uniform heating element. Each zone can be adjusted separately to accommodate different user sizes and preferences, resolving the contradiction between uniform heating and adaptability to different users.
2Temperature
If air flow is directed toward the contact surface to cool it, then cooling is achieved, but air is directed onto the user which degrades comfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing air flow toward the contact surface to cool it (conventional approach), the system inverts the approach by using passive heat dissipation through breathable materials and phase change materials that absorb excess heat without requiring air to be blown onto the user, thereby maintaining comfort while achieving cooling.
3Temperature
If Peltier effect or thermoelectric device technology is used for heating, then advanced heating capability is achieved, but the system becomes more complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex and expensive Peltier effect or thermoelectric device technology with simpler, more cost-effective conventional resistive heating elements. While the heating capability is slightly reduced compared to advanced technologies, the significant reduction in complexity and cost makes it a practical solution for mattress applications.
4Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements are cycled on and off based on temperature set point, then energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature control becomes less precise and comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic cycling of heating elements with adjustable duty cycles to balance energy efficiency and temperature control precision. By optimizing the on/off timing and duration of heating cycles, the system maintains comfortable temperature control while minimizing energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and temperature precision.
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 system improves comfort by simultaneously managing temperature, air flow, and moisture across the contact surface, enhancing sleep quality without directing air towards the user and reducing costs compared to advanced heating technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a heating mechanism disposed within a multi-layered structure and configured to supply heat to an outer surface of the multi-layered structure... The climate control system balances heating and cooling systems simultaneously using lower cost conventional resistive heating elements
Implementation Method 2
a cooling mechanism configured to pull air through the multi-layered structure and away from at least a portion of the contact surface... a fan disposed in the channel to pull air through the channel away from the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control system provides the desired climate conditions of temperature and humidity at a contact surface of a multi-layered structure. The climate control system includes a heating mechanism disposed between one or more foam layers of structure and configured to deliver heat to the contact surface and a separate cooling mechanism disposed in the foam layers. The cooling mechanism includes at least one fan assembly, air channels and reticulated foam layers configured to draw air away from the contact surface toward the bottom of the structure. An operational control system is used to control the heating mechanism and cooling mechanism to achieve the desired climate conditions on the contact surface in accordance with a desired time-based climate control algorithm.