Inflatable Air Mattress With Integrated Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable air mattress systems lack the ability to efficiently and wirelessly control the firmness and integration of peripheral devices, limiting user customization and expandability.
Innovation Solution
An air bed system with a pump unit and controller that forms a wireless network with peripheral devices, allowing for control signal transmission and reception, enabling adjustment of air pressure and integration of new devices without physical connectors, using communication protocols like IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless control is implemented for air mattress firmness adjustment, then user customization and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of pump unit, controller, and wireless communication components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump unit, controller, and wireless communication interface into an integrated assembly that can be attached to the air mattress. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by providing wireless control functionality (improving ease of operation) while containing the complexity within a single modular unit rather than分散 multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages wireless communication, controls the pump for firmness adjustment, and can interface with various peripheral devices. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation by consolidating control capabilities while managing device complexity through shared hardware resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral devices are integrated into the air bed system, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to network formation and device pairing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically performs device pairing and network configuration when peripheral devices are introduced to the system. This self-service capability improves adaptability by allowing easy integration of peripheral devices while reducing the complexity burden on the user, as the system autonomously manages the configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller detects the presence of peripheral devices, automatically pairs them through wireless communication, and confirms successful integration. This feedback loop enables versatile device integration while managing complexity through automated detection and configuration protocols.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical connectors are replaced with wireless communication, then ease of manufacture and expandability are improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential wireless signal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors with wireless communication interfaces for control signal transmission. This substitution improves ease of manufacture by eliminating physical connector assemblies and enhances expandability by allowing wireless peripheral devices. The reliability concern is addressed through robust wireless communication protocols and error handling mechanisms implemented in the controller.
Data Source
AI summary
An air bed system including a plurality of peripheral devices and a pump unit configured to adjust a firmness of an air mattress, the pump unit including a pump. The system further includes a controller configured to execute instructions that cause the pump unit to wirelessly pair with at least one of the plurality of peripheral devices. The pump unit is configured to receive at least one control signal addressed to the at least one of the plurality of peripheral devices, and transmit the at least one control signal to the addressed device.