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 are inefficient in providing independent and programmable temperature modulation across multiple zones, leading to discomfort and energy inefficiency, especially when shared by multiple users with differing temperature preferences, and lack the ability to adjust temperatures according to 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, using conduit circuits and temperature sensors for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional temperature control systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but multiple independent systems are required for multiple zones, increasing device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-zone temperature controlVSAvoidnumber of independent systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple temperature control zones into a single integrated system where one temperature control apparatus serves multiple zones through a multi-way valve that directs fluid flow to different zones. This eliminates the need for separate independent systems for each zone, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to control temperature in multiple zones simultaneously or independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the temperature control system into distinct zones with independent conduit circuits, allowing each zone to be controlled independently through the multi-way valve while sharing common fluid reservoirs and heating/cooling sources. This segmentation enables multi-zone control without requiring fully independent systems for each zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent temperature control apparatuses are used for different zones, then independent temperature modulation is achieved, but the most expensive and noisy parts are substantially duplicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent temperature modulation per zoneVSAvoidcost and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the expensive and noisy components (temperature control apparatus, fluid reservoirs, heating/cooling sources) into a single shared system that serves multiple zones. The multi-way valve enables independent temperature modulation for each zone by directing fluid flow appropriately, while avoiding duplication of the costly and noisy components across multiple independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If conventional single-zone systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but programmable control over time according to sleep cycles is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogrammable temperature controlVSAvoidtemperature adjustment over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic temperature control by programming the system to automatically adjust temperatures in different zones at different times according to sleep cycles. The system can transition between heating and cooling modes, adjust flow rates, and modify zone temperatures dynamically throughout the night without manual intervention, enabling adaptability to temporal variations in user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient, cost-effective, and programmable temperature control in multiple zones, improving comfort and energy efficiency by allowing independent temperature settings for each zone and adjusting temperatures according to user preferences and sleep cycles.

Implementation Method 1

A thermoelectric device is used to modulate the temperature of the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

A pump is used to pump the fluid through the conduit circuits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

utilizing principles of heat exchange to heat or cool the bed surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10477978B1Multi-zone temperature modulation system for bed or blanket

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SLEEP SOLUTIONS INC

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.