Pocketed Coil Cushion Airflow Layout for Surface Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support cushions, such as mattresses, fail to effectively control surface temperature and air flow, which can lead to discomfort and sleep deprivation, impacting overall health and productivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pocketed coil layer with a plurality of fabric types to direct air flow, combined with a fan system and thermally controlled units, allows for individualized control of air temperature and flow to the surface of the support cushions, enhancing comfort and sleep quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single fabric type is used for pocketed coils, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but air flow cannot be effectively directed to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different fabric types in different regions of the pocketed coil layer. Specifically, the first group of pocketed coils (perimeter) uses a first fabric type while the second group of pocketed coils (interior) uses a second fabric type. This allows different regions to serve different functions: the perimeter fabric provides structural support while the interior fabric directs air flow to the surface, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and air flow control.
2Device complexity
If no active air flow system is used, then the device is simpler, but surface temperature cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing a fan system that forces air flow through the pocketed coil layer. The fan creates a controlled air current that moves through the different fabric types, enabling active surface temperature control. This pneumatic approach allows temperature regulation without requiring complex thermal systems, balancing device complexity with temperature control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uniform air flow is provided across the entire surface, then the system is simpler to control, but individualized comfort cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pocketed coil layer into distinct groups: a first group of perimeter coils and a second group of interior coils. Each group uses different fabric types and can be controlled independently through separate air flow channels. This segmentation allows different zones of the support cushion to provide different levels of air flow and temperature control, enabling individualized comfort while maintaining relatively simple control 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
This solution enables users to customize their comfort by regulating air flow and temperature, improving sleep quality and reducing sleep debt, thereby addressing health and productivity issues related to sleep deprivation.
Implementation Method 1
a fan operably connected through a conduit to an inlet hole of the base layer, the fan for providing air flow into the inlet hole of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit configured to heat the air flowing through the pocketed coil layer
Implementation Method 3
a cooling unit configured to cool the air flowing through the pocketed coil layer
Data Source
AI summary
A support cushion for providing air flow to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes pocketed coil layer and a base layer positioned adjacent to and below the pocketed coil layer. The pocketed coil layer including a plurality of fabric types for directing air flow. A fan is operably connected to the inlet hole of the base layer to provide air flow into and through the pocketed coil layer to a body support layer. Methods of controlling air flow through a support cushion are also provided.