Integrated Cradle System for Wireless Bed Remote Control Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed control technologies, including wired controllers and smartphone apps, result in clutter, aesthetics issues, and sleep disruption due to visibility or audible alerts, while wireless remotes are prone to loss and require unsightly attachments.
Innovation Solution
A support system integrated into the bed secures a remote control or cradle to a mattress, allowing wireless charging and concealment, with a coupler that removably engages the control, ensuring accessibility and aesthetic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control is placed on a nightstand or bed covers, then it is accessible for controlling bed functions, but it creates clutter and may disrupt sleep by rolling onto the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the remote control with the bed structure itself by integrating a controller into the headboard or bed frame. This merging eliminates the need for separate remote controls that create clutter, while maintaining accessibility through built-in controls that are part of the bed's structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the user and bed functions. Instead of direct physical contact with wired controllers or loose remotes, the system uses wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to transmit control commands, eliminating the physical presence of controllers that cause clutter and sleep disruption.
2Reliability
If wired controllers are used to control bed features, then control functionality is reliable, but wires and cords create unsightly appearance and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired control system with a wireless electronic control system. Instead of physical connections through wires and cords, the system uses wireless communication protocols to transmit control signals, eliminating the visual and safety issues of exposed wiring while maintaining reliable control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the physical wire-and-cord infrastructure. By separating the control signals from their physical transmission medium, the system removes the unsightly and hazardous wires while preserving the essential control function through wireless communication.
3Device complexity
If smartphone apps are used to control smart bed features, then no extra devices are needed, but personal devices add clutter and may produce disruptive audible or vibrating alarms during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into dedicated bed control functionality separate from personal electronic devices. Instead of using smartphones that serve multiple purposes including receiving calls and notifications, the system provides dedicated bed controls that can be silenced or disabled during sleep hours, preventing disruptive alarms while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the bed control system to autonomously manage alert and notification settings. The system can automatically silence alarms and notifications during designated sleep periods without requiring user intervention, thereby preventing disruptive sounds and vibrations while maintaining full control functionality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for integrating remote controls into beds are provided. A bed includes a bedframe; a mattress; a cradle configured to be removably coupled to the mattress; and a remote control that controls a function of at least one of the bedframe or the mattress. The cradle includes a receptacle and a remote system including at least one control to control at least one of the bedframe or the mattress. The remote control is receivable by the cradle based on the cradle being coupled to the mattress.