Temperature-controlled multi-zone mattress-style support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed temperature adjustment technologies, such as electric blankets and devices like AmbiSleep and Chillipad, lack precise temperature control and are inefficient, often leading to overheating or excessive noise, and fail to account for individual zones of temperature variation in the bed environment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone mattress-style support system with integrated temperature sensors and adjustable heating and cooling zones, using electrical resistance wires and air ducts with fans for passive or active cooling, allowing for independent temperature control of different areas of the bed based on real-time temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical blankets with constant power input are used, then heating function is provided, but temperature control precision deteriorates leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The heating zones use variable power input that dynamically adjusts based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The controller modulates the power delivered to each heating zone to maintain the desired temperature setpoint, transitioning from static constant power to dynamic adaptive power control.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are integrated into each heating zone to continuously monitor the actual temperature. The controller receives this feedback and adjusts the power input to heating elements accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overheating and maintains precise temperature control.
2Temperature
If electric blankets supply heat uniformly, then heating coverage is maximized, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to heating unnecessary areas
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface is divided into multiple independent heating zones with individual temperature sensors and control circuits. Each zone can be controlled separately, allowing the system to apply heat only where needed rather than uniformly across the entire bed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the bed can have different temperature settings and power levels tailored to local needs. The controller adjusts each zone independently based on its sensor feedback, providing localized temperature control that matches actual thermal requirements in different areas.
3Temperature
If devices like AmbiSleep and Chillipad are used, then cooling function is provided, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes naturally cool ambient air from the room as the cooling source, eliminating the need for active refrigeration systems, compressors, or complex thermoelectric cooling devices. The fans simply circulate this ambient air through the mattress to achieve cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function extracts heat from the bed interior by circulating ambient air through the mattress structure. This passive cooling approach removes the need for complex active cooling mechanisms while still providing effective temperature reduction.
4Ease of manufacture
If discrete power steps are used in electric blankets, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to individual needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static discrete power steps to dynamic continuous power adjustment. The controller can vary the power output to each heating zone across a continuous range, allowing precise adaptation to individual user preferences and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensor feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust power levels to achieve and maintain precise temperature setpoints, eliminating the need for manual discrete step selection and providing continuous adaptability.
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 provides optimal temperature adjustment for improved sleep by accounting for individual zones and ambient temperature, reducing noise, and enhancing comfort and hygiene by controlling moisture levels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of the bed environment in each zone of the mattress-style support structure
Implementation Method 2
The individual heating zones include electrical resistance wires for heating the zones
Implementation Method 3
The cooling zones include air ducts with fans for cooling the zones
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting the microclimate of a bed environment includes a multi-zone mattress-style support having individual heating zones, a heater for heating the individual heating zones, a cooler for cooling the multi-zone mattress-style support, and temperature sensors. The cooler includes the multi-zone mattress-style support at least one air duct with the multi-zone mattress-style support for transporting ambient air through the multi-zone mattress-style support.