Capacitive Wire Integration in Mattress Edges for Stable Presence Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional presence-sensing technologies for automated furniture, such as bedding systems, are prone to inaccuracies due to shifting or bending sensors and are often too expensive or impractical for manufacturing, leading to issues with false triggers and sensitivity problems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a capacitive component, such as a capacitive wire, into the perimeter of furniture items, including automated bedding systems, which uses a processor to determine presence by monitoring changes in capacitance based on object proximity, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional presence-sensing switches are routed around the perimeter of a mattress, then presence detection function is provided, but the sensors shift or bend during bed articulation causing inaccurate readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresence detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical presence-sensing switches with capacitive sensing technology. The capacitive sensor detects changes in capacitance caused by the proximity of a person's body, eliminating the need for mechanical switches that shift or bend during bed articulation. This substitution of mechanical detection with electrical field-based detection resolves the position stability issue while maintaining presence detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional presence-sensing switches are used, then presence detection is possible, but the cost is high and manufacturing is impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresence detection functionVSAvoidmanufacturing feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs capacitive sensors that are significantly cheaper to manufacture than traditional mechanical presence-sensing switches. The capacitive sensing technology can be implemented using simple conductive materials and integrated circuits that reduce component costs and simplify the manufacturing process, making automated bedding systems more economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex mechanical switch assemblies and implements it through simpler capacitive sensing elements. By removing the mechanical components and retaining only the sensing capability through electrical fields, the system achieves presence detection with reduced complexity and lower manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If pressure pads and switches are used for presence detection, then detection function is provided, but false triggers occur due to incorrect sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoiddetection sensitivity accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes capacitive sensing technology that measures changes in capacitance rather than mechanical pressure. This parameter change from pressure-based detection to capacitance-based detection allows for more precise control of detection sensitivity. The system can distinguish between genuine presence (body proximity causing capacitance change) and false triggers (minor environmental variations) by monitoring capacitance threshold changes, thereby improving measurement precision and reducing false alarms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 capacitive presence-detection system effectively prevents unintended bed articulation, activates corresponding features, and reduces false triggers, offering improved reliability and manufacturing feasibility compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive wire may be secured to a perimeter of a top and bottom surface of a platform of an adjustable bed... a capacitive component is adapted to have a voltage based on the proximity of an object to the capacitive component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9337831B2Capacitive wire sensing for furniture

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO

AI summary

A system and method for incorporating presence-sensing technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to incorporating a conductive medium into the periphery of a furniture item, such as an adjustable bed, for detecting the presence of a user or other body. The bed includes a mattress with a covering material and a tape edge surrounding the perimeter of the mattress. A capacitive wire is coupled the tape edge, and is adapted to have a voltage based on proximity of an object to the capacitive wire. The bed also includes a processor coupled to the capacitive wire. The processor receives information provided by the capacitive wire, determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold, and indicates whether presence is detected. Based on a determination of presence, or lack of presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.