Mattress Microclimate Control Using Conditioned Air Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed systems lack effective microclimate control, leading to inadequate temperature regulation and comfort during sleep, as they often rely on localized heating and cooling mechanisms that fail to provide uniform and precise temperature management across the mattress surface.
Innovation Solution
A bed system with a microclimate control subsystem that includes airflow pads and a fan assembly to supply conditioned air, allowing for precise temperature control by circulating and refreshing air at the mattress surface, integrated with a thermal module for heating, cooling, and sound reduction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If localized heating and cooling mechanisms are used in traditional bed systems, then temperature control is provided, but uniform and precise temperature management across the mattress surface is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent temperature control zones, each with its own heating and cooling mechanisms. This segmentation allows precise temperature management in different regions of the mattress surface, ensuring uniform temperature distribution while maintaining the ability to control each zone independently based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress are equipped with customized heating and cooling capabilities tailored to specific user requirements. The system applies local quality by providing enhanced temperature control in areas where users typically need it most, such as under the head and feet regions, while maintaining adequate control across the entire surface.
2Temperature
If air circulation systems are added to improve temperature regulation, then microclimate control is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides temperature regulation through convection, facilitates humidity control, and enables rapid cooling when needed. By integrating these functions into a single system with adjustable airflow patterns, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving superior microclimate control compared to separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 system provides consistent and uniform temperature control, enhancing sleep comfort by effectively managing heat distribution and humidity, while maintaining the durability and comfort of the mattress.
Implementation Method 1
a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a thermal module for heating, cooling, and sound reduction mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
integrated with a thermal module for heating, cooling, and sound reduction mechanisms
Implementation Method 4
air is forced to be drawn from the airflow pads so that air at the mattress top is suctioned into the mattress and permits for the air to be circulated and refreshed at the mattress top
Data Source
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AI summary
A bed system includes microclimate control capabilities for providing quality sleep experience. The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress, or draw ambient air from the mattress, to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress. Utilizing supply of conditioned air to provide air at desired temperature to the mattress system, or utilizing air suction to drain heat away from the mattress system, can provide precise microclimate control at the mattress, thereby permitting conformable sleep.