Networked Adjustable Bed Control for Multi-Device User Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable beds lack the ability to control additional devices and provide independent functionality, limiting user convenience and independence, especially for individuals with medical needs who spend extended time in bed.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bed system incorporating an air inflatable mattress with flex regions, a programmable logic controller, remote memory storage, and various remote control options (cell phone, Bluetooth, ultra-wide band, wireless USB) to control bed positions, vibrations, and external devices like lamps and air purification systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable bed includes basic bed section positioning functionality, then the bed can provide required medical positions and user comfort, but the bed cannot control additional devices or provide extended user independence
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable bed system is designed to perform multiple functions beyond basic positioning. The control unit can control not only the bed sections but also additional devices such as lamps, air purifiers, televisions, and other room devices. This multi-functionality allows a single system to serve as both a bed controller and a room device hub, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices. The control unit receives user inputs and translates them into appropriate commands for different devices. This intermediary approach allows the system to manage multiple functions and devices through a unified interface, improving versatility while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control logic.
2Ease of operation
If the bed provides only basic positioning functions, then the system remains simple, but users with medical needs cannot control other beneficial devices independently
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to independently control not only their bed positioning but also additional devices such as lighting, air purification, and entertainment systems. By integrating these control capabilities directly into the bed system, users with medical needs can manage their environment without requiring assistance from others, thereby improving ease of operation and user independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple types of devices through a universal control interface. This allows users to operate diverse devices (bed sections, lamps, air purifiers, TVs) through a single unified system, improving ease of operation by providing comprehensive control without requiring users to learn multiple separate control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If the adjustable bed includes multiple actuators and control features, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own actuator. This segmentation allows precise positioning of individual sections (such as head, middle, and foot sections) while maintaining overall system manageability. Each actuator handles a specific section, which simplifies the control logic for each component while achieving high overall positioning precision through coordinated operation of multiple segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the position of bed sections and adjust actuator operations accordingly. This feedback system ensures precise positioning by continuously comparing actual positions with target positions and making real-time adjustments. The feedback approach maintains positioning precision while managing complexity through automated control algorithms that reduce the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
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
Enhances user independence by allowing control of multiple devices from the bed, providing customizable comfort and convenience, and enabling seamless transfer of user preferences between beds.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump to regulate the air pressure in the air inflatable mattress
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable bed is controlled through a network. When controlled through a telephone network, a phone provides communication with a control box for the adjustable bed, and optionally a second system associated with the bed and controlled through the control box. When controlled through an internetwork such as the Internet, functions of the adjustable bed and optionally functions of a second system associated with the adjustable bed can be controlled. The network can be wired, wireless, near field, or wide band.