Systems and methods for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for regulating the temperature of furniture, such as electric blankets, require manual operation and lack advanced features for improving sleep quality, as they only provide heating and do not adapt to the user's biological signals or wake-up times.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors to detect biological signals, a temperature control device, and a processor that adjusts the temperature of the furniture based on detected signals and predetermined wake-up times, allowing for automated temperature regulation to enhance sleep quality and wake-up times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual electric blankets are used to regulate temperature, then heating function is provided, but automation and adaptability to user needs are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated temperature regulationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bed device automatically monitors user physiological parameters (heart rate, respiration, body temperature) and autonomously adjusts temperature without manual intervention. The system serves itself by using embedded sensors and processors to detect user state and control heating/cooling functions based on real-time data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bed device integrates multiple functions including temperature regulation, physiological monitoring, sleep stage detection, and wake-up assistance into a single system. The temperature control device can both heat and cool different zones of the bed, while sensors simultaneously track multiple user parameters to provide comprehensive sleep management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electric blankets provide heating function, then user warmth is improved, but additional functionality for sleep quality enhancement is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bed device integrates multiple functions including temperature regulation, physiological monitoring, sleep stage detection, and wake-up assistance into a single system. The temperature control device can both heat and cool different zones of the bed, while sensors simultaneously track multiple user parameters to provide comprehensive sleep management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable zones with separate temperature control for each zone. Sensors are distributed throughout the bed to monitor different user body regions, allowing localized temperature adjustment based on specific user needs in different areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If temperature is regulated during sleep, then sleep comfort is improved, but wake-up process optimization is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesleep-wake cycle optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by gradually increasing temperature in the wake-up zone before the user's scheduled wake time. Based on monitored sleep stages and physiological parameters, the system prepares the user for awakening by progressively warming the bed surface, making the transition from sleep to wake more comfortable and natural

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system improves sleep quality by automatically adjusting the temperature of the furniture to optimize comfort and wake-up times, enhancing both falling asleep and waking up processes.

Implementation Method 1

a first channel in fluid communication with the first portion of the article of furniture, and a second channel in fluid communication with the second portion of the article of furniture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation for heat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20220322842A1Systems and methods for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture
Publication Date: 2022.10.13 EIGHT SLEEP INC
  • US20220322842A1 patent drawing
  • US20220322842A1 patent drawing
  • US20220322842A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof. The system may comprise at least one sensor configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the article of furniture. The system may comprise a temperature control device configured to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture. The system may comprise a processor configured to (i) designate, while the user is asleep on the article of furniture, a time for the article of furniture to wake up the user based on the biological signal of the user that is detected by the at least one sensor while the user is using the article of furniture, and (ii) change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture by the temperature control device prior to the time.