Temperature regulating foam padding with passive cooling and active heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattresses fail to effectively regulate temperature for thermal comfort during sleep, as active cooling techniques are energy-intensive and passive cooling methods provide only short-lived cooling effects without control over temperature adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A foam padding with multiple zones, incorporating passive cooling devices and heating elements, connected by conductive bands, and controlled by sensors and a controller to adjust temperature dynamically based on user's temperature and heart rate, allowing for both passive cooling and active heating to maintain thermal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active cooling techniques with cooling fluid or forced air are used to regulate mattress temperature, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical cooling systems (pumps, fans, forced air) with a passive thermal management system using phase-change materials and conductive pathways. The PCM absorbs excess heat through phase transition without requiring mechanical movement or external energy input, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature regulation capability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress system uses the user's own body heat to drive the cooling mechanism. The PCM absorbs heat from the user's body during the day, and the stored thermal energy is later released during cooler nighttime hours. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external energy sources while maintaining temperature regulation functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive cooling techniques with phase-change-materials or gel-infused foams are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent thermal zones, each containing its own PCM containers and conductive pathways. This segmentation allows different zones to be controlled independently, enabling selective temperature adjustment in specific areas without requiring active mechanical systems. Users can target cooling to particular body regions while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable conductive pathways that can be dynamically configured to redirect thermal energy flow. By modifying the conductivity of pathways connecting PCM containers to different mattress zones, the system adapts to varying thermal demands throughout the night, providing temperature control capability while maintaining passive, low-energy operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive cooling elements are integrated into the mattress, then energy consumption is reduced, but cooling duration is limited to instant and short-lived effects
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM containers are pre-charged with thermal energy during daytime hours when ambient temperatures are higher and the user is typically awake. This preliminary charging stores thermal energy in advance, which is then released during nighttime sleep hours when cooling is most needed. This time-shifted thermal management extends the effective cooling duration throughout the night without requiring continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress integrates multiple materials with complementary thermal properties: phase-change materials for heat absorption and storage, conductive materials for heat transfer pathways, and insulating materials to retain thermal energy. This composite structure creates a multi-layered thermal management system that extends cooling duration by sequentially engaging different material properties throughout the night.
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 solution provides a long-lasting, energy-efficient temperature regulation system that adjusts mattress zones independently to enhance sleep quality by managing thermal energy flow, ensuring comfort throughout different sleep phases.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive band is adapted to transport thermal energy between the first zone and the second zone
Implementation Method 2
The heating device can further be a warming band for increasing the temperature of the first zone
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulating foam padding including a plurality of zones, at least one passive cooling device, disposed in at least a first zone of the plurality of zones, at least one heating device, disposed in at least the first zone, at least one temperature sensor and/or heart rate sensor, disposed in the first zone, and a controller, connected to the heating device and the sensor(s) for controlling the heating device.