Multi-Zone Bed Temperature Control With Shared Fluid Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control systems for bed mattresses and furniture lack specificity in controlling temperatures across multiple zones, are often noisy, and require duplicate expensive components for independent zone control, and are not programmatically controllable to adapt to varying user preferences or sleep cycles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone temperature modulation system using a fluid medium with thermoelectric devices and a pump system, including a multichannel pump and multi-way valve, to independently control temperature in different zones, with programmable control and temperature sensors for efficient target temperature achievement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent temperature control apparatuses are used for each zone, then temperature control specificity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to duplication of pumps and heating/cooling sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bed into multiple temperature zones with independent conduit circuits for each zone, allowing selective temperature control in different regions while using a single shared pump and thermoelectric device
Solution Approach 2:
A single pump and thermoelectric device serve multiple zones simultaneously by directing fluid through different conduit circuits, eliminating the need for duplicate components in each zone while maintaining independent temperature control capability
2Reliability
If conventional circulation pumps are used for fluid circulation, then temperature control function is achieved, but noise level increases interfering with sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical circulation pumps with a thermoelectric device that uses electrical current to directly heat or cool the fluid, eliminating mechanical moving parts and associated noise while maintaining temperature control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluid circulation through embedded conduits to transfer thermal energy, replacing direct contact heating/cooling elements with indirect fluid-mediated heat transfer, which reduces noise and improves comfort
3Device complexity
If a single temperature control system is used for the entire bed, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control specificity deteriorates when different zones require different temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independent temperature zones, each with its own conduit circuit, allowing different temperature settings in different regions while maintaining a single unified control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically directs fluid flow to different zones based on temperature requirements, allowing flexible allocation of thermal energy to various zones independently while using a single pump and control apparatus
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
Enables selective and independent heating or cooling of specific zones using a single apparatus, reducing costs and noise, while allowing for programmable temperature adjustments over time to enhance user comfort and sleep quality.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric device is used to modulate the temperature of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
A pump is used to pump the fluid through the conduit circuits
Implementation Method 3
utilizing principles of heat exchange to heat or cool the bed surface
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.