Air Distribution Pad Channels for Personalized Bed Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale environmental control systems, such as HVAC, cannot provide personalized control over thermal comfort within a bed, leading to inconsistent ambient conditions for users.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an air distribution pad placed on a mattress, which includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and a spacer material allowing air to pass through, coupled with an air distributor that directs heated or cooled air from a thermoelectric device to provide personalized heating or cooling to a user's personal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large-scale environmental control systems (HVAC) are used, then overall building temperature control is improved, but personalized thermal comfort control within the bed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal control function into segments: the HVAC system handles overall building temperature control, while the bed integration system with heating/cooling elements distributed across the mattress surface provides localized personalized thermal control. This segmentation allows both large-scale and personalized control to coexist effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed integration system implements local quality by providing different thermal conditions at different locations on the bed surface. Heating and cooling elements are distributed across the mattress to create zone-specific temperature control, allowing each user to have personalized thermal comfort while the HVAC system maintains overall building temperature.
2Ease of operation
If a distribution pad with multiple layers and spacer material is used, then airflow distribution and thermal comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution pad is segmented into multiple functional layers: an upper layer, a lower layer, and a spacer material layer positioned between them. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones for air distribution while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer material is nested between the upper and lower layers, creating a compact multi-layer structure. The air distributor is integrated within the pad assembly, with ports receiving air hoses that connect to the heating/cooling elements. This nested arrangement achieves complex airflow distribution without excessive external complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If stitching is used to couple layers and form channels, then manufacturing precision and channel formation are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stitching structure serves dual purposes: it mechanically couples the upper and lower layers together while simultaneously forming the air distribution channels through the spacer material. This self-service approach integrates two functions into a single manufacturing step, improving precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing 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 effectively enhances user comfort by allowing for precise control over temperature and airflow within the personal space, improving thermal comfort and humidity control, while maintaining a neutral cushion feel to integrate seamlessly with existing bedding.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer material located between the upper layer and the lower layer, the spacer material configured to allow air to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The stitching provides one or more channels formed through the spacer material in fluid communication with the air distributor. The one or more channels are configured to direct air from the air distributor along the one or more channels
Implementation Method 3
an air distributor configured to distribute air to the spacer material, wherein the air distributor comprises a port configured to receive an air hose
Implementation Method 4
an engine configured to perform at least one of heating air or cooling air
Data Source
AI summary
An air distribution pad comprises an upper layer, a lower layer, and a spacer material located between the upper layer and the lower layer, the spacer material configured to allow air to pass therethrough. An air distributor is configured to distribute air to the spacer material, wherein the air distributor comprises a port configured to receive an air hose, wherein the port is directed laterally sideways from the air distributor. At least one joining structure is coupled to the upper layer and the lower layer, the at least one joining structure providing one or more channels formed through the spacer material in fluid communication with the air distributor. The one or more channels are configured to direct generally laterally flowing air from the port of the air distributor to a generally longitudinal direction along the at least one channel.