Article comprising a temperature-conditioned surface, thermoelectric control unit, and method for temperature-conditioning the surface of an article
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for beds and furniture lack programmable control over time, failing to adapt to individual sleep cycles and user preferences, leading to suboptimal sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-conditioned mattress system with thermoelectric control units and a remote device for real-time temperature adjustment, using flexible fluid supply and return lines, and a control unit with a processor and antenna for programmable temperature control based on data from body sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If programmable temperature control over time is implemented, then sleep quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable temperature zones (head zone, body zone, foot zone) that can be programmed with different temperature schedules. Each zone has its own heating elements and control circuitry, allowing customized temperature profiles for different body regions throughout the sleep cycle without requiring a single complex centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-conditions the mattress surface to optimal temperatures before the user enters sleep stages. Temperature profiles are programmed in advance to match anticipated sleep cycle patterns, with the controller automatically adjusting temperatures at predetermined times and stages, eliminating the need for real-time complex adjustments during sleep.
2Ease of operation
If real-time temperature adjustment is implemented, then comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system operates in periodic cycles corresponding to sleep stages (light sleep, deep sleep, REM). During light sleep, temperatures are maintained at higher levels for comfort. During deep sleep, temperatures are reduced to conserve energy while maintaining minimum comfort thresholds. The system transitions between these periodic temperature states based on detected sleep stage patterns, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-level heating.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors embedded in the mattress continuously monitor actual surface temperatures and feed this data back to the controller. The controller compares actual temperatures with target temperatures from the programmed profile and adjusts heating element power accordingly, maintaining optimal comfort while minimizing energy waste through precise feedback-controlled adjustments rather than continuous maximum power operation.
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 sleep quality by allowing precise temperature adjustments over time to match individual sleep cycles, promoting deeper and more restful sleep.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric control unit (10) operatively connected to the mattress pad (11), wherein the thermoelectric control unit is operable to selectively heat or cool the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The more advanced of these systems utilize a heat source or sink (i.e., cooling source) to heat or cool a reservoir of fluid to a selected target temperature and pump the heated or cooled fluid through the available conduit, relying on principles of heat exchange to control the surface temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems, methods, and articles for temperature conditioning a surface. An article is formed from a first layer having a plurality of openings and a second layer having a corresponding plurality of openings. At least one interior chamber constructed and configured to retain a fluid without leaking is defined between an interior surface of the first layer and an interior surface of the second layer. At least one flexible fluid supply line delivers the fluid to the at least one interior chamber. At least one flexible fluid return line removes the fluid from the at least one interior chamber. At least one control unit that is operable to selectively cool or heat the fluid is attached to the at least one flexible fluid supply line and the at least one flexible fluid return line.