Cover for a ventilated body support cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
High temperatures during sleep disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fragmented sleep and potential health risks, particularly during summer months, as existing bed technologies fail to effectively manage temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A ventilated body support cushion system with a cover featuring an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene top layer, fire-resistant yarn knit, and bi-directionally stretched spacer fabric that improves ventilation by reducing dry thermal resistance, combined with a fan system to circulate filtered air through the mattress, maintaining a constant body temperature and humidity level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional mattress covers are used, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are maintained, but temperature regulation fails and heat buildup occurs during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The cover combines multiple materials with different properties: spacer fabric for ventilation channels, fire-resistant yarn for safety, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for durability, and phase change material for temperature regulation. This composite structure enables effective temperature regulation while managing the complexity through integrated material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer fabric creates a three-dimensional cross-structure with inherent porosity and ventilation channels that allow air circulation through the mattress. This porous structure enables passive temperature regulation without requiring complex active cooling systems.
2Temperature
If ventilation channels are added to improve air circulation, then temperature control improves, but dry thermal resistance increases and ventilation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material undergoes parameter changes (phase transitions) at specific temperatures to absorb or release heat, dynamically adjusting thermal properties. This allows the system to maintain low thermal resistance when needed while providing temperature control through the ventilation channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material utilizes phase transitions (solid-liquid-crystal) to regulate temperature. When the body heats the material, it undergoes phase change to absorb excess heat; when cooling occurs, it releases stored heat, thereby compensating for thermal resistance in the ventilation system.
3Reliability
If fire resistant materials are incorporated into the cover, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-resistant yarn is integrated directly into the spacer fabric construction during manufacturing, combining the structural function of the fabric with the safety function of fire resistance. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate fire-resistant layers or post-manufacturing treatments, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring safety.
4Ease of operation
If multiple layers and materials are used to improve ventilation and temperature control, then sleep comfort is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer and material in the cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The spacer fabric provides both structural support and ventilation channels; the phase change material offers both temperature regulation and moisture management; the fire-resistant yarn delivers both safety and structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure employs a nested arrangement where the phase change material is embedded within the spacer fabric layers, and the fire-resistant yarn is integrated into the fabric construction. This nesting approach allows multiple functional layers to be combined in a compact configuration, managing complexity through hierarchical integration rather than separate stacked components.
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 ensures better sleep quality by maintaining a consistent body temperature and humidity, preventing heat buildup, and keeping the mattress fresh and hygienic, resulting in improved restfulness and reduced sleep disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer fabric further comprising a three dimensional cross-structure, and, wherein the spacer fabric improves ventilation by reducing dry thermal resistance
Implementation Method 2
a top panel having an upper layer ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and a lower layer fire resistant yarn knit to the upper layer
Implementation Method 3
combined with a fan system to circulate filtered air through the mattress, maintaining a constant body temperature and humidity level
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cover for a ventilated body support cushion, comprising: a top panel having an upper layer ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and a lower layer fire resistant yarn knit to said upper layer; a border disposed beneath said top panel and having an inner panel, said inner panel including a bi-directionally stretched spacer fabric, said spacer fabric further comprising a three dimensional cross-structure; and, said spacer fabric improving ventilation by reducing dry thermal resistance.