Adjustable Foundation Switching for Synchronized Bed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mattress systems with multiple adjustable foundations face challenges in synchronizing the operation of headboard and footboard drive mechanisms across different bed configurations, particularly when supporting a single mattress with two side-by-side foundations, leading to inconsistent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A configurable device, such as a configuration switch on the central controller, allows users to select between independent and synchronized control of the drive mechanisms based on bed configurations, ensuring that the headboard and footboard mechanisms operate in tandem or independently as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump and valve assembly is used to control multiple air chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust firmness for each zone is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air mattress into multiple independently controllable zones (head section, foot section, left side, right side) with separate air chambers. Each zone can be adjusted independently for firmness and position, allowing different sleeping preferences for different body regions while using a unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
A single pump and valve assembly is designed to serve multiple air chambers through a centralized control system. The controller can route air flow to different zones based on user input, providing multi-functional capability from a single mechanical unit, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If two separate remote controls are used for position and firmness control, then the ease of operation for each function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines position control and firmness control functions into a single remote control device. The remote communicates with a centralized controller that manages both the pump/valve assembly for firmness adjustment and the drive mechanisms for position adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple remotes while maintaining ease of operation through integrated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The single remote control is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating buttons and interfaces for both position adjustment (head elevation, foot elevation) and firmness control (air chamber pressure). This universal controller simplifies the user experience by providing all controls in one device rather than requiring separate remotes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If synchronized control is implemented for king-size beds with single mattress, then the uniformity of bed adjustment is improved, but the adaptability to different bed configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable. A configuration switch or setting allows the system to adapt between different operating modes: synchronized control mode for king-size beds with single mattresses (where both sides move together), and independent control mode for split king-size beds (where each side can be adjusted separately). This dynamic adaptability maintains uniformity when needed while providing flexibility for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its control parameters based on the selected bed configuration. When configured for a single mattress, the controller synchronizes the drive mechanisms on both sides to move uniformly. When configured for split beds, the controller allows independent operation of each side's drive mechanism. This parameter change approach enables the same hardware to serve multiple bed configurations effectively.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent control is implemented for split king-size beds, then the adaptability to different user preferences is improved, but the consistency of operation across configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its control behavior based on the configured bed type. For split king-size beds, the controller enables independent operation of left and right side drive mechanisms, allowing each user to customize their side independently. For other configurations, the same controller automatically switches to synchronized operation, ensuring operational consistency across different bed types through adaptive control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system modifies its operational parameters according to the selected configuration mode. In independent control mode for split beds, each side can be adjusted separately to match individual user preferences. In synchronized mode for other configurations, the system maintains consistent operation across both sides. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the level of independence to the specific bed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, this disclosure describes an adjustable bed system that includes first and second adjustable foundations, at least one first motor to adjust the first adjustable foundation, at least one second motor to adjust the second adjustable foundation, a configurable device having a first state and a second state, and a central controller in communication with the device, the controller configured to receive an input representing one of the first state and the second state, the controller including a processor configured to control the at least one first motor and the at least one second motor based on the received input.