Multi-zone temperature modulation system for bed or blanket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control systems for bed mattresses and furniture lack specificity in controlling temperatures across multiple zones, leading to user discomfort, inefficiency, and noise, particularly when shared by multiple individuals with differing temperature preferences, and are not programmatically controllable to adapt with sleep cycles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone temperature modulation system using a fluid medium with thermoelectric devices and a pump with a multi-way valve to independently control temperature in separate zones, allowing for selective heating or cooling and programmable temperature adjustments over time, minimizing the need for duplicate components and enhancing user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional single-zone temperature control systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature control specificity across multiple zones is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bed mattress into multiple independent temperature zones (e.g., head zone, foot zone, side zones) with separate conduit circuits for each zone. This segmentation allows independent temperature control in each zone while using a single shared pump and thermostat, achieving zone-specific temperature precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different temperature settings for different zones based on local user needs. Each zone can be independently heated or cooled to match the specific thermal requirements of different body parts or user preferences, providing localized temperature quality rather than uniform whole-bed control.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent temperature control apparatuses are used for each zone, then the temperature control specificity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump and thermostat components into a single shared unit that serves all temperature zones. The pump circulates fluid through multiple zone circuits, and the thermostat centrally controls heating/cooling for the entire system. This consolidation eliminates the need for duplicate pumps and thermostats in each zone, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining zone-independent temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump and thermostat are designed to serve multiple functions across different zones. The pump can circulate fluid through any or all zones simultaneously, and the thermostat can control temperature for the entire system or individual zones based on user preferences, providing universal functionality that reduces component duplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional temperature control systems are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the adaptability to different user preferences and sleep cycles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements programmable control that allows temperature settings to change dynamically over time and across different zones. Users can program different temperature profiles for different times of night or different zones, enabling the system to adapt to varying user needs and sleep cycle stages rather than maintaining static temperature settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors in each zone that provide feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the programmable controller to monitor actual temperatures and adjust heating/cooling accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to real-time conditions and user preferences while maintaining precise temperature control.
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 precise, independent temperature control in multiple zones, reducing user discomfort and energy consumption by allowing programmable adjustments to match individual preferences and sleep cycle stages, while minimizing the duplication of costly components.
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.