Environmentally-conditioned bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional climate control systems are ineffective in providing individualized temperature modification for beds, leading to discomfort due to uneven heating or cooling, especially in poorly ventilated environments.

Innovation Solution

A climate-controlled bed design featuring a core with passageways, a fluid distribution member, and a thermoelectric device that allows for selective fluid transfer and temperature regulation, combined with comfort layers and flow diverters to distribute air evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional climate control systems are used for entire buildings or enclosed areas, then large-scale environmental control is achieved, but individualized temperature modification for specific zones like beds is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividualized temperature controlVSAvoiddiscomfort from uneven heating or cooling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bed is divided into multiple temperature control zones with independent fluid distribution channels, allowing different regions (e.g., head, torso, legs) to be controlled separately. This segmentation enables individualized temperature modification for each zone while maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides localized thermal conditioning by directing conditioned fluid through specific passageways to targeted areas of the bed. Each zone can be independently heated or cooled according to local comfort requirements, rather than treating the entire bed area uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If fluid distribution members with spacers are used to distribute air evenly, then uniform thermal coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform thermal coverageVSAvoidstructure with spacers and multiple layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid distribution member utilizes a spacer fabric or thin film structure with integrated passageways, eliminating the need for rigid complex frameworks. The flexible film maintains uniform fluid distribution while being simpler to manufacture and integrate into the bed assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer fabric acts as a porous material that allows uniform fluid distribution through its interconnected structure. The porosity provides even thermal coverage across the bed surface without requiring complex mechanical distribution components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Measurement precision

If thermoelectric devices are used for selective fluid transfer and temperature regulation, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption of thermoelectric device

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric device changes the thermal parameters of the fluid by applying electrical energy, precisely controlling temperature and flow characteristics. By adjusting electrical input parameters, the system achieves precise temperature regulation while managing energy consumption through efficient conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides targeted and efficient temperature control, enhancing occupant comfort by ensuring uniform thermal coverage and reducing fluid losses, while allowing for separate temperature control zones.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid module additionally comprises a thermoelectric device configured to selectively heat or cool fluid being transferred by the fluid transfer device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

The core includes one or more passageways configured to transfer fluid from the top core surface to the bottom core surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11297953B2Environmentally-conditioned bed

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member.