Mattress Topper Air Circulation Design for Surface Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattresses and mattress toppers fail to effectively regulate temperature and humidity directly beneath the sleeper's body, leading to discomfort due to inadequate airflow and humidity management, and often require specialty beds or devices that are not suitable for use with existing mattresses.
Innovation Solution
A mattress topper with a pressure distribution layer, air circulation system, and lateral airflow layer that allows for unimpeded air flow and temperature control, featuring air-permeable materials, electrically powered blowers, and heating elements, designed to be thin and conformable for use on existing mattresses without disrupting comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If forced air is introduced directly into the sleep environment to effect thermal and humidity amelioration, then the sleep environment temperature and humidity are improved, but the surface beneath the sleeper remains uncooled causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides air circulation into two separate pathways: one for the sleep environment (through lateral air-flow layer 28) and one for the surface beneath the sleeper (through pressure distribution layer 24). This segmentation allows independent control of air flow to different regions, enabling cooling of the surface while maintaining comfortable sleep environment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air flow path through the pressure distribution layer that carries cooled air directly to the surface beneath the sleeper. This intermediary pathway acts as a mediator between the air circulation device and the sleeper's body, delivering cooling effect without requiring direct contact between the sleeper and the air circulation system.
2Temperature
If a specialty bed configuration is used to provide cooling through the surface, then thermal amelioration is achieved, but the device is not suitable for use with existing mattresses
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress topper is designed with universal applicability to work with any existing mattress or bed configuration. The pressure distribution layer 24 and lateral air-flow layer 28 can be placed on top of any mattress surface, and the air circulation device can adapt to different bed sizes and types. This multi-functionality allows the same device to provide surface cooling across diverse mattress configurations without requiring specialty bed constructions.
3Temperature
If air-permeable materials are used to allow air flow through the mattress topper, then thermal regulation is improved, but structural support and separation maintenance become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction combining air-permeable fabrics with supportive structural elements. The pressure distribution layer 24 uses a composite of breathable fabric and supportive filling material, while the lateral air-flow layer 28 combines air-permeable fabric with vertical polymer fibers. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of air permeability for thermal regulation and structural integrity for layer separation maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress topper have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The pressure distribution layer has air-permeable regions for cooling and stronger structural regions for support. The lateral air-flow layer has vertically oriented fibers in specific areas to maintain separation while allowing air flow. This local quality differentiation allows the material to simultaneously provide air permeability where needed and structural support where required.
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
Provides effective temperature and humidity regulation directly under the sleeper and in the sleep environment, enhancing comfort by distributing air flow and heat management without generating significant noise or affecting the underlying mattress's comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically powered air circulation device for drawing air into the interior volume of the pressure distribution layer via the at least one air inlet port
Implementation Method 2
A lateral air-flow layer is disposed above the pressure distribution layer and is configured to provide air flow both upwardly and laterally
Data Source
AI summary
A mattress topper for providing improved comfort to a sleeper comprises a pressure distribution layer defining an interior volume. The pressure distribution layer has substantially air-impermeable side walls and a substantially air-impermeable base, and a top surface having at least a region that is air permeable. Support material is contained within the interior volume. The mattress topper includes at least one electrically powered air circulation device for drawing air into the interior volume of the pressure distribution layer via at least one air inlet port. A lateral air-flow layer is disposed above the pressure distribution layer and is configured to provide substantially unimpeded air flow both upwardly and laterally.