Support Cushion Airflow Insert for Surface Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support cushions do not effectively control surface temperature and airflow, which can lead to inadequate sleep comfort and contribute to sleep deprivation, impacting health and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A support cushion system, such as a mattress assembly, incorporating a support insert with an impermeable or semipermeable membrane bag and an air flow unit connected to a fan, heating, or cooling unit, which directs air through a porous visco-elastic foam layer to control temperature and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional support cushions are used without airflow control mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but surface temperature regulation is inadequate leading to poor sleep comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a network of air channels and bladders integrated within the cushion layers that utilize pneumatic principles to circulate air through the cushion structure. This allows active temperature regulation by controlling airflow patterns without requiring complex mechanical moving parts, thus achieving temperature control while maintaining relatively simple construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible air channels and bladders made from thin film materials that are integrated between the cushion layers. These flexible structures conform to the cushion's compression and expansion while maintaining sealed airflow paths, enabling temperature regulation without rigid mechanical components that would increase complexity
2Ease of operation
If airflow control mechanisms are added to regulate surface temperature, then sleep comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion system incorporates sensors that automatically detect temperature and occupancy conditions, and the airflow control mechanism responds autonomously without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates by adjusting airflow based on detected conditions, improving ease of operation while keeping the control system relatively simple through automated rather than manually-controlled mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides temperature regulation, monitors occupancy through airflow resistance detection, and can potentially provide massage or circulation benefits. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive comfort control through a single integrated system rather than separate mechanisms for each function
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 system allows for individualized comfort by regulating airflow and temperature, enhancing sleep quality and reducing sleep debt, thereby improving health and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The air flow unit includes a fan which provides air flow into the interior of the support insert
Implementation Method 2
The air flow unit, in some embodiments, further includes a heating unit and/or a cooling unit to provide thermally controlled air flow into the interior of the support insert
Implementation Method 3
The air flow unit, in some embodiments, further includes a heating unit and/or a cooling unit to provide thermally controlled air flow into the interior of the support insert
Implementation Method 4
the body supporting layer is comprised of a substantially uniform layer of a porous visco-elastic foam
Data Source
AI summary
A support cushion for providing individualized heating and cooling to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes a body supporting layer and a base layer positioned adjacent to and below the body supporting layer. The base layer defines a cavity with a support insert positioned within the cavity. The support insert includes a bag defining one or more outlet holes positioned adjacent to the body supporting layer and further defining an inlet hole. A fan is operably connected to the inlet hole of the bag to provide air flow into the inlet hole of the bag and out of the one or more outlet holes of the bag. Methods of controlling the surface temperature of a support cushion are also provided.