Crib bedding with temperature gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crib bedding technologies do not allow for continuous monitoring of a child's body temperature during sleep without disrupting the child, as traditional thermometer use can wake them up and cause discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A body temperature sensing mattress pad with a grid pattern of heat sensors, interconnected by grid array cables, and an electronics enclosure that produces a radio frequency signal for remote monitoring, featuring indicator lights for temperature alerts and battery access, allowing continuous temperature monitoring without disturbing the child.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thermometers are used to monitor a child's temperature, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the child is woken up and feels worse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary thermal sensor integrated into the mattress pad that indirectly measures the child's body temperature through thermal contact, eliminating the need for direct thermometer insertion or contact with the child. This mediator approach allows continuous monitoring without the harmful disturbance caused by traditional thermometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/probing action of traditional thermometers with an electronic thermal sensing system. The thermal sensors detect temperature changes through passive thermal conduction from the child's body to the sensor, substituting the active mechanical measurement process with a passive electronic detection method that causes no disturbance.
2Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented, then safety monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into multiple discrete thermal sensors arranged in a grid pattern across the mattress pad. Each sensor independently measures temperature at its location, and the system processes signals from multiple segments to provide comprehensive continuous monitoring. This segmentation allows reliable coverage of the entire sleeping surface while keeping individual sensor complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress pad integrates multiple functions into a single device: thermal sensing, signal processing, wireless communication, and visual indication. The electronics enclosure houses a microcontroller that performs multiple tasks including reading sensor data, processing temperature calculations, managing wireless transmissions to parent devices, and controlling indicator lights. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating 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
Enables continuous, non-intrusive monitoring of a child's body temperature, providing visual and remote alerts for high temperatures, ensuring the child's safety and well-being without waking them up.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat sensors which are arranged in a grid like pattern on the upper padded surface of the mattress pad
Implementation Method 2
an electronics enclosure which is disposed on a distal vertical edge of one of the four side panels... The electronics enclosure may produce a radio frequency signal which allows the mattress pad to communicate with an external device
Implementation Method 3
a first indicator light indicating proper operation of the body temperature sensing mattress pad... and a second indicator light which indicates a high temperature as detected by the heat sensing layer
Data Source
AI summary
Bedding for a crib mattress includes a plurality of temperature sensitive sensors disposed therein and an on-board power source. The sensors are configured to be in wireless communication with a monitoring device. A visual indicator is disposed upon the bedding and in electrical communication with the power source. The visual indicator is activated when a pre-set temperature is sensed by any one of the sensors.