Using force sensors in bed systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed systems lack accurate and noise-free force signal collection, which is essential for determining user parameters like weight, biometrics, sleep stage, and restlessness, due to interference from lateral loads and friction.
Innovation Solution
Integration of force sensors into the legs of the bed system, constrained to two degrees of freedom (vertical motion and rotational motion), with deformable portions and preamplifiers to enhance signal accuracy and reduce noise, allowing for precise determination of user parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force sensors are integrated into bed legs, then measurement precision of user parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor, preamplifier, and leg structure are merged into an integrated assembly where the sensor is mounted within the leg and electrically connected to the preamplifier, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
A preamplifier is introduced as an intermediary component between the force sensor and the control system to amplify weak sensor signals before transmission, improving signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy without requiring complex high-gain amplification at the control system
2Measurement precision
If force sensors are constrained to two degrees of freedom, then noise from lateral loads is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible constraint elements or mounting structures are used to accommodate minor misalignments and manufacturing tolerances while still effectively constraining the sensor to two degrees of freedom, reducing the impact of manufacturing precision variations on sensor performance
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint mechanism is designed to be sensitive primarily to vertical and rotational forces while being compliant or insensitive to lateral loads, changing the mechanical parameters of the constraint system to achieve degree of freedom limitation without requiring extreme manufacturing precision
3Ease of operation
If deformable portions are added to the foot, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foot is segmented into rigid portions for structural strength and deformable portions for ease of assembly, with the deformable sections designed as separate elements that can be easily attached or adjusted without compromising the overall structural integrity of the foot assembly
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 bed system provides improved accuracy in force signal collection, reducing noise and facilitating precise determination of user parameters such as weight, biometrics, and sleep stage, with ease of assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor connected to the mount, the force sensor configured to sense a force applied to the leg
Data Source
AI summary
A bed system includes a support platform and a plurality of legs supporting the support platform. Each leg of the plurality of legs includes a force sensor that is configured to sense a force applied to the leg.