Bed sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed systems lack efficient methods for detecting and controlling temperature and humidity levels, as well as user presence and comfort, which can lead to suboptimal sleeping conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bed system with a sensor strip that senses temperature, humidity, and user presence, integrated with a microclimate control system to adjust airflow and maintain desired comfort levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature and humidity sensors are integrated into the bed system, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensors and humidity sensors into a single integrated sensor strip that is attached to the mattress. This merging of multiple sensing functions into one compact component improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the sensors share a common mounting structure and control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip serves multiple functions: it simultaneously measures temperature, measures humidity, and detects user presence through pressure sensitivity. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather comprehensive environmental and user data without proportionally increasing device complexity, as all sensing capabilities are integrated into a single versatile component.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor strip is attached to the mattress surface, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into a separate, removable sensor strip that can be independently manufactured and then attached to the finished mattress. This segmentation allows the mattress and sensor strip to be produced separately using optimized processes for each component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through proper sensor placement on the mattress surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip is pre-assembled with all sensing elements, wiring, and connectors before being attached to the mattress. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and testing to be performed on the sensor strip independently, simplifying the final mattress assembly process and reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring accurate temperature detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If microclimate control system adjusts airflow based on sensor data, then user comfort is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microclimate control system continuously monitors temperature and humidity data from the sensors and dynamically adjusts airflow in real-time based on detected conditions and user preferences. This feedback mechanism ensures energy is only consumed when adjustments are needed, optimizing user comfort while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from constant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs periodic measurements of temperature and humidity at scheduled intervals, adjusting airflow only when changes exceed predetermined thresholds. This periodic operation pattern reduces energy consumption compared to continuous adjustment, while still maintaining user comfort by responding to significant environmental changes that affect sleeping conditions.
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 effectively maintains optimal sleeping conditions by accurately sensing and responding to temperature and humidity changes, enhancing user comfort and sleep quality.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensors for heating and cooling the one or more users of the bed
Implementation Method 2
humidity sensors for heating and cooling the one or more users of the bed
Implementation Method 3
heating and cooling systems and temperature sensors for heating and cooling the one or more users of the bed
Implementation Method 4
heating and cooling systems and temperature sensors for heating and cooling the one or more users of the bed
Data Source
AI summary
A mattress system can include a foam layer positioned proximate a mattress top and having a head end, a foot end, and opposite lateral ends, a mattress core positioned under the foam layer, and a sensor strip. The sensor strip can include a carrier strip and a plurality of sensors attached to the carrier strip and spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the carrier strip. The carrier strip can be configured to be releasably attached to the foam layer. The carrier strip can also extend between the opposite lateral ends of the foam layer.