Sensing apparatus for bedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep data collection devices are sensitive to the type of bed base, leading to inconsistent performance and potential loss of sensitivity due to the rigidity of the mattress or bed base.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor supported by a rigid panel support device, which is interposed between the bed base elements and the sensor, providing continuous support and minimizing the impact of the bed base on sensor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor is placed directly on the bed base elements, then the device structure is simple, but the sensor sensitivity and measurement accuracy deteriorate due to discontinuous support and local collapsing
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid panel is introduced as an intermediary element between the bed base elements and the sensor. This panel provides continuous, stable support to the sensor, preventing local collapsing and maintaining consistent contact with the bed base. The rigid panel acts as a mediator that transfers mechanical waves from the bed base to the sensor without amplifying the discontinuities present in the slatted bed base structure, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device construction.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor is placed directly on the bed base elements, then the device is easy to install, but the sensor may fall between slats and get stuck, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid panel serves as a mediator that spans across multiple bed base slats, distributing the sensor's weight across several support points. This prevents the sensor from falling between slats or becoming stuck in the gaps of the discontinuous bed base structure. The panel maintains reliable sensor positioning while keeping the overall device structure simple and easy to install.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid structure is used to distribute variable forces on the device, then the sensor performance improves, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure is segmented into multiple discrete rigid panels rather than using a single complex rigid framework. Each panel is simple in design and can be independently positioned on the bed base slats. This segmentation maintains the force-distributing functionality needed for consistent sensor performance while simplifying the overall device structure and improving ease of installation and handling.
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
The solution enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor by providing consistent support, reducing the likelihood of the sensor falling between slats or collapsing, and maintaining performance regardless of the bed base type.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor intended to capture mechanical waves passing through the bedding (typically generated by the living being)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
A device for acquiring physiological data of an individual, configured to be installed in bedding, with an acquisition portion (1A) which includes a sensor (5) intended to capture mechanical waves passing through the bedding, a support device comprising one or more rigid panels (2), the support device being configured to rest on bed base elements which may be discontinuous, for example slats, so that the support device is interposed between the bed base elements and the sensor, and can provide substantially continuous support to the sensor receiving the mechanical waves generated by the individual through the bedding, where appropriate with folding zones (3) between panels.