Environmentally-conditioned mattress
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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 temperature conditioning of air or fluids, along with a comfort layer and flow diverters to ensure even distribution and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air-conditioning systems are used to cool the entire building, then the overall indoor temperature is reduced, but the bed occupant's back and pressure points remain sweaty due to uneven cooling coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the bed into multiple temperature zones with independent control. Different regions of the bed (head, torso, legs) can be cooled or heated at different temperatures and rates, allowing targeted climate control at the occupant's back and pressure points rather than uniform cooling of the entire bed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed climate control system is segmented into multiple independent thermal zones, each with its own fluid distribution channels and control mechanisms. This segmentation enables selective heating or cooling of specific body contact areas, resolving the issue of uneven cooling where the back and pressure points remain sweaty while other areas are cooled.
2Temperature
If heating units are used to warm the indoor space in winter, then the overall room temperature increases slowly, but the bed occupant needs quick warming for comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating heating power directly at the bed surface and occupant contact points through targeted fluid delivery. This allows rapid localized warming of the bed and occupant's body without requiring slow whole-room heating, achieving quick comfort enhancement in winter conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid intermediary (heated or cooled fluid delivered through channels) to transfer thermal energy directly to the bed and occupant. This intermediary mechanism enables rapid heat transfer to the bed surface and occupant's body, achieving quick warming effect without relying on slow ambient air heating from conventional heating units.
3Productivity
If fluid channels are made larger to improve fluid distribution, then fluid flow efficiency increases, but the bed structure becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface distribution to three-dimensional fluid distribution by embedding channels within the bed's volumetric structure. This allows efficient fluid delivery throughout the bed matrix without requiring large surface-area channels, maintaining structural compactness while achieving thorough fluid distribution to all thermal zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution channels are nested within the bed's internal structure, with channels embedded in the bed matrix and comfort layers. This nesting arrangement allows efficient fluid distribution through integrated pathways without adding external complexity or increasing the bed's overall footprint, as the distribution system is contained within the existing bed volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bed is divided into multiple hydraulically isolated zones for independent control, then individualized temperature control is achieved, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is segmented into multiple hydraulically isolated thermal zones, each with independent fluid control. This segmentation enables different temperature settings for different body regions (e.g., cooler feet, warmer torso), achieving individualized temperature control that adapts to the occupant's specific comfort needs and medical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal zoning for independent temperature control, enables rapid heating or cooling response, and maintains structural integration within the bed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite the added zoning capability.
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 climate control, enhancing occupant comfort by ensuring uniform thermal coverage and reducing fluid losses, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device
Implementation Method 2
the spacer comprises a spacer fabric, a spacer material and/or any other member that is configured to generally allow fluid to pass therethrough
Data Source
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.