Devices and Systems to Control Bed Temperature and Moisture Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and systems for controlling bed temperature and moisture levels face challenges, particularly in cooling and efficiently managing humidity, as they often require separate thermal components and struggle with moisture accumulation, which can impact sleep quality and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of devices and systems that utilize intra-room and intra-bed flow channels to conduct air or liquid flows, allowing for isolated airflow or liquid circulation between a central HVAC system and the bed, enabling efficient temperature control and humidity management, with a hybrid approach combining air and liquid flows to enhance cooling and moisture removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid flow is used for thermal transfer, then cooling efficiency is improved, but moisture removal capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal management function into two separate fluid circulation paths: a liquid flow path for efficient heat transfer and an air flow path for moisture removal. This segmentation allows each fluid to perform its optimal function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and moisture removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges air flow and liquid flow systems into a hybrid configuration where both fluids circulate through the bedding component simultaneously. The air flow channels and liquid flow channels are integrated but functionally separate, enabling the combination of liquid's superior thermal transfer with air's moisture removal capability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If air flow is used for moisture removal, then humidity control is improved, but thermal transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid circulation into distinct air flow channels and liquid flow channels within the bedding component. The air flow path is optimized for moisture evaporation and removal, while the liquid flow path handles thermal transfer, allowing each to perform its specialized function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system merges air and liquid flow mechanisms into a unified thermal management solution. Air flows through permeable regions to remove moisture while liquid circulates through dedicated channels for efficient heat transfer, achieving both functions simultaneously
3Reliability
If separate thermal components are used for temperature and humidity control, then functional effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges temperature control and humidity control into a single integrated fluid circulation system. Both air and liquid flows are managed through coordinated circulation paths that work together to simultaneously achieve thermal regulation and moisture management, reducing the need for entirely separate heating/cooling and dehumidification systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid circulation system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same circulation infrastructure serves both thermal transfer and moisture removal purposes. The bedding component structure supports dual fluid paths that can be independently controlled but function together as a unified system
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
This solution effectively manages bed climate by isolating airflow or liquid circulation, improving cooling efficiency, reducing moisture accumulation, and enhancing sleep quality by maintaining preferred temperature and humidity levels, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
one or more intra-bed flow channels which conduct a flowable substance through a bedding component
Implementation Method 2
conduct a flowable substance through a bedding component in order to change the climate
Implementation Method 3
devices to control bed temperature and humidity using air flow
Implementation Method 4
air flow can be better for removing moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and systems to control and customize the temperature and moisture levels of a bed. A device or system can include: intra-room channels which conduct a flowable substance between a central HVAC vent and a bed; and intra-bed channels which conduct a flowable substance through a bedding component such as a bed mattress, bed mattress pad or topper, lower/fitted bed sheet, upper bed sheet, blanket, comforter, or quilt. A device or system can be a hybrid system wherein a liquid flow channel is nested inside an air flow channel.