Multi-Zone Fluid-Based Temperature Modulation for Bed Surfaces

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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 discomfort when users with different temperature preferences share a bed, and they are often noisy, inefficient, and not programmatically controllable to adapt to varying sleep cycle stages.

Innovation Solution

A multi-zone temperature modulation system using a fluid medium with thermoelectric devices and a pump system, including conduit circuits and valves, allows for independent temperature control in each zone, with programmable control via a computer interface to adjust temperatures over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control specificityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple temperature control functions into a single integrated apparatus that can serve multiple zones. One heating/cooling source and one pump are shared across multiple conduit circuits that distribute fluid to different zones, eliminating the need for separate apparatuses in each zone while maintaining independent temperature control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single temperature control apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple zones simultaneously. The system can direct heated or cooled fluid to different zones as needed, allowing one apparatus to perform the work of multiple separate apparatuses through its ability to service multiple conduit circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent temperature control apparatuses are used for each zone, then temperature control specificity is improved, but cost increases due to duplication of expensive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control specificityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional temperature control systems are used, then basic heating or cooling is provided, but noise interferes with sleep and therapeutic aspects are defeated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the noisy pump function from the sleeping area by placing it in a remote location such as a bedroom closet or hallway. The pump is connected to the temperature control apparatus through flexible conduit, allowing the noisy component to be physically separated from the quiet sleeping environment while maintaining functional connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If general temperature control of sleeping space is used, then overall comfort is improved, but localized control is unavailable and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort controlVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality control by providing independent temperature control for specific zones within the sleeping area. Each zone can be heated or cooled independently based on local needs, allowing users to create comfortable micro-environments without heating or cooling the entire sleeping space, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 providing personalized comfort and promoting deeper sleep by adapting to different temperature preferences and sleep cycle stages.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

A pump is able to be 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

PatentUS11583096B1Multi-zone temperature modulation system for bed or blanket

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 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.