Distribution pad for a temperature control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental control systems, such as HVAC, cannot provide personalized thermal comfort within a bed, leaving users dependent on ambient conditions for sleep comfort.
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 an engine to provide personalized heating or cooling to a user's personal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large-scale environmental control (HVAC) is used, then building-wide temperature control is achieved, but personalized thermal comfort within the bed cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bed into multiple independently controllable zones (head, foot, sides) with separate air distribution pads and channels for each zone. This allows personalized thermal comfort control for different body regions while using a relatively simple overall system architecture, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing differentiated temperature and airflow control to specific regions of the bed (head zone, foot zone, side zones) rather than uniform control. Each zone has its own air distribution characteristics tailored to local thermal comfort needs, enabling personalized comfort without requiring an overly complex system.
2Ease of operation
If air is directed laterally into the distribution pad, then air can be supplied to the spacer material, but the airflow direction needs to be changed to longitudinal for proper distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution channels incorporate curved transitions that smoothly redirect airflow from lateral entry direction to longitudinal distribution direction. These curved channel designs enable effective airflow direction control while maintaining relatively simple channel structures, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device 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 of temperature and humidity within the personal space, improving sleep comfort by providing optimized air distribution and circulation.
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
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
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.