Patent Grant
8893329
1. Field of the Inventions
The present application relates generally to climate control systems, and more specifically, to control schemes for environmentally-controlled beds and other seating assemblies.
2. Description of the Related Art
Temperature-conditioned and/or ambient air for environmental control of living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, suites of rooms within a building or the like. In the case of enclosed areas, such as homes, offices, libraries and the like, the interior space is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for a bed or other seating device so that desired heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, a bed situated within a hot, poorly-ventilated environment can be uncomfortable to the occupant. Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning, on a hot day, the bed occupant's back and other pressure points may remain sweaty while lying down. In the winter time, it is highly desirable to have the ability to quickly warm the bed of the occupant to facilitate the occupant's comfort, especially where heating units are unlikely to warm the indoor space as quickly. Therefore, a need exists to provide a climate-controlled bed assembly with improved heating, cooling and/or ventilation and enhanced control thereof.
According to some embodiments, a climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having a first climate zone and one or more fluid modules (e.g., blowers, fluid transfer devices, thermoelectric devices, convective heaters, other heating, cooling or ventilation devices, etc.) associated with the first climate zone. In some embodiments, least one fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device configured to selectively heat or cool a fluid. The climate controlled bed further includes at least one internal passageway through an interior of the upper portion, such that the internal passageway helps place at least one fluid module in fluid communication with at least one fluid distribution member located on or near a top of the upper portion. In some embodiments, at least one fluid distribution member is configured to generally distribute fluid toward an occupant along an area defined by the first climate zone. The bed additionally comprises a control module configured to regulate the operation of one or more fluid modules and an input device configured to permit an occupant to select a desired climate controlled setting or mode associated with the first climate zone. In one embodiment, at least one fluid module is operatively connected to the control module. In other arrangements, at least one input device is in data communication with the control module, wherein the input device is configured to receive instructions from an occupant regarding the desired climate controlled setting or mode. In some embodiments, the bed further includes one or more first temperature sensors configured to detect a first temperature associated with the first climate zone of the bed. The bed can also include one or more other sensors (e.g., over-temperature or fire sensors, humidity sensors, condensation sensors, pressure or occupant-detection sensors, etc.). In some embodiments, the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the at least one fluid module based, at least in part, on the setting or mode selected by an occupant using the at least one input device, and/or the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.
According to some embodiments, a climate controlled bed additionally includes at least a second climate zone and at least one second fluid module associated with the second climate zone. In some arrangements, the bed further comprises at least a second temperature sensor configured to detect a second temperature associated with the second climate zone. In one arrangement, the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the second fluid module based, at least in part, on the climate controlled setting or mode selected by an occupant using the at least one input device, and/or the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the climate controlled bed comprises at one additional climate zone (e.g., third, fourth, etc.), as desired or required. In certain embodiments, the first climate zone is located along a left side of the bed, and the second climate zone is located along a right side of the bed. In one embodiment, the first climate zone comprises at least two climate subzones, wherein the climate subzones are configured to be operated differently from each other and wherein fluid is supplied to each climate subzone from separate fluid modules. In some arrangements, the internal passageway of the upper portion is in fluid communication with a duct of a climate control system of a building in which the bed is located (e.g., duct, pipe, hose and/or other connection to a home's building's or other structure's HVAC system, central air, window air conditioning (AC) unit, heater, etc.). According to some embodiments, the control module of the bed is operatively connected to a control system of a climate control system of a building in which the bed is located.
According to some embodiments, a climate-conditioned bed further comprises a separate fluid source in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway, wherein fluids or other materials contained within said separate fluid source are configured to be selectively delivered to through the at least one internal passageway, toward a top surface of the upper portion. In some arrangements, the fluids or other materials contained within the separate fluid source comprise at least one of a medicament (e.g., asthma medication, anti-bacterial medication, anti-fungal medication, anesthetic, etc.), a therapeutic agent, an insect repellent, a fragrance, steam or other vapor and/or the like. In some embodiments, a climate conditioned bed additionally includes at least one humidity or moisture sensor and/or any other type of sensor.
According to some embodiments, the upper portion (e.g., mattress) of a bed comprises at least one viscoelastic layer. In some arrangements, the viscoelastic layer comprises a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings. In one embodiment, the first and second openings extend throughout an entire depth of said viscoelastic layer. In other embodiments, the viscoelastic layer includes fewer or more openings, which may be of the same or different sizes, as desired or required. In some embodiments, the second openings are larger than the first openings. In several arrangements, the second openings are configured to generally distribute fluid being delivered from the at least one fluid module to a top of the upper portion, while the first openings are configured to assist in the breathability of the viscoelastic layer.
According to some embodiments, the control module is configured to be operatively connected to at least one separate device or system. In some embodiments, such a separate device or system comprises a thermostat or other controller for a building's climate control system, a multimedia device (e.g., iPhone, Blackberry, other Smartphone, iPod, iPad, an audio and/or video player, television, radio, multimedia device, etc.), a control unit, a computer, an internet connection or another network connection.
In some arrangements, a fluid module, a first temperature sensor and a control module are included within a single housing. In one arrangement, a climate-conditioned bed further comprises a temperature alarm configured to be activated when the temperature associated with a climate zone exceeds a threshold temperature. In some embodiments, a control unit is configured to shut down the supply of air or other fluids upon the detection of a fire or other over-temperature condition. In one arrangement, the control module is configured to thermally pre-condition the bed by activating the at least one thermal module according to a setting selected by an occupant. For example, a bed can be pre-conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, ventilated, etc.) for a period of time prior to the time that a user anticipates using it.
According to some embodiments, a climate-conditioned seating assembly includes at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with the first climate zone. In one embodiment, the fluid module is configured to selectively transfer and environmentally-condition a fluid. The seating assembly additionally comprises a control module configured to regulate the operation of one or more fluid modules. In one embodiment, at least one fluid module is operatively connected to the control module. Further, the bed includes at least one user input device configured to allow an occupant to select a desired environmental control setting or mode associated with the first climate zone. In some arrangements, at least one fluid module is configured to deliver fluids through at least one interior passageway of the seating assembly, toward a top surface of said seating assembly. In one embodiment, the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of at least one fluid module based, at least in part, on (i) the environmental control setting or mode selected by an occupant, and/or (ii) a temperature associated with the at least first climate zone or the at least one fluid module. In some arrangements, the seating assembly is incorporated into a larger zonal system, wherein such a larger zonal system includes a main climate control system of an area (e.g., a home or other building's HVAC or other climate control system) in which the seating assembly is located. In one embodiment, the seating assembly is operatively connected to a control unit of the main climate control system. In some arrangements, at least one operational parameter of the at least one fluid module is configured to be adjusted based, at least in part, on an operational algorithm for the larger zonal system and at least one operational parameter of the main climate control system. In some embodiments, the seating assembly comprises a consumer bed, a ventilation bed, a low air loss bed, a hospital or other medical bed, a wheelchair, a vehicle seat, an office chair and/or any other type of seating device.
According to some embodiments, a climate-conditioned bed assembly includes a first climate zone and at least a second climate zone, at least one first fluid module associated with the first climate zone and at least one second fluid module associated with the second climate zone. In some embodiments, each of the first and second fluid modules comprises a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device, wherein the fluid transfer device is configured to transfer fluids through the bed assembly, and wherein the thermoelectric device is configured to selectively thermally-condition such fluids. In one embodiment, at least one first fluid module is configured to deliver fluids to the first climate zone and at least one second fluid module is configured to deliver fluids to the second climate zone. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of one or more of the fluid modules and/or other components of the bed. In several arrangements, each of the fluid modules is operatively connected to the control module. The bed additionally comprises one or more occupant input devices (e.g., remote control devices) configured to allow an occupant to select a climate control setting or mode for the first climate zone and/or the second climate zone. Such input devices can be configured to communicate with a control unit and/or any other components of the bed using one or more wireless and/or hardwired connections. In some embodiments, at least one control module is configured to adjust one or more operational parameters of at least one of the fluid modules based, at least in part, on the climate control setting or mode selected by an occupant;
wherein the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameters (e.g., blower flowrate, amount of heating or cooling of the thermoelectric device, etc.) of one or more fluid modules in order to maintain the desired climate control setting or mode in the first climate zone and/or the second climate zone, along an upper portion of the bed assembly. In some embodiments, the first climate zone is configured to be controlled independently of the second climate zone.
According to some embodiments, the desired climate control setting or mode is configured to vary over time as determined by a control algorithm and/or a software/hardware combination. In some embodiments, the bed comprises a thermal alarm such that the control module is configured to regulate at least one of the fluid modules to adjust a temperature (e.g., heat or cool) or feel (e.g., ventilate ambient air) along the upper portion of the first climate zone and/or the second climate zone to help awaken an occupant positioned thereon. In some arrangements, a climate controlled bed additionally includes one or more timers operatively connected to the control module, such that the timers are configured to regulate at least one of the fluid modules.
A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module. The control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the fluid module based on, at least in part, the setting or mode selected by an occupant using the at least one input device, and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.
According to certain arrangements, a climate-conditioned bed additionally includes at least a second climate zone and at least a second fluid module associated with the second climate zone. The thermally-conditioned bed further comprises at least a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the at least a second climate zone. In some embodiments, the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the second fluid module based on, at least in part, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.
In other embodiments, the first climate zone is located along a left side of the bed, and the second climate zone is located along a right side of the bed. In one configuration, the first climate zone comprises at least two climate subzones, wherein the climate subzones are adapted to be operated differently from each other. In other embodiments, the bed is in fluid communication with a building's HVAC system (e.g., central air, furnace, window air conditioner, etc.). In certain arrangements, the control module of the bed is operatively connected with a with a control system of a building's HVAC system.
According to other embodiments, the climate-conditioned bed further comprises a separate fluid source in fluid communication with a passageway of the bed's fluid distribution system, such that fluids or other materials contained within the separate fluid source are configured to be selectively delivered to the bed, toward an occupant. In one embodiment, the fluids or other materials contained within the separate fluid source comprise a medication (e.g., asthma medication, anti-bacterial or anti-fungal medication, anesthetic, etc.), a therapeutic agent, an insect repellent, a fragrance or any other substance.
In other arrangements, the climate-controlled bed includes at least one temperature sensor, humidity sensor, moisture sensor configured to detect the presence of water, sweat, urine or any other liquid, occupant detection sensor, timer and/or any other sensor or device. In one embodiment, the control module is configured to be operatively connected to at least one separate device or system, such as, for example, a multimedia device (e.g., mp3 player, iPod, iPad, other audio, video and/or other media player, etc.), a HVAC thermostat or other controller or control unit for a building (e.g., home, office or other commercial building, etc.) climate control system, a computer, a PDA, an internet connection or other network, etc. In certain embodiments, the climate-conditioned bed comprises a bed for home use, a medical bed, a wheelchair, vehicle seat, a stadium seat or any other type of seating assembly. In one embodiment, the climate controlled bed further includes a temperature alarm configured to be activated when the temperature associated with the at least a second climate zone exceeds a threshold temperature.
According to certain embodiments, a climate-conditioned seating assembly includes at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with the first climate zone. The fluid module is configured to selectively transfer and environmentally-condition (e.g., heat, cool, dehumidify, humidify, ventilate, filter or otherwise clean, etc.) a fluid. The seating assembly further comprises at least one control module configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module. In some arrangements, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module. The seating assembly further includes at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone, wherein the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the fluid module based on, at least in part, the setting or mode selected by an occupant and a temperature associated with the first climate zone.
In one embodiment, the climate-conditioned seating assembly is incorporated into a larger zonal system (e.g., a main HVAC system, other climate control device or system, etc.). In certain arrangements, the climate-conditioned seating assembly is operatively connected to a control system of a main HVAC system or other climate control device or system. In other embodiments, at least one operational parameter of the fluid module is configured to be adjusted based on, at least in part, a general operational algorithm for the larger zonal system and at least one operational parameter of a main HVAC system.
In certain arrangements, the climate-controlled assembly comprises a bed, medical bed, wheelchair, chair, vehicle seat, office chair, stadium seat or any other type of seating assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly is configured to collect and remove condensation formed within a portion of said assembly.
According to other embodiments, a climate-conditioned bed assembly includes at least one fluid module, wherein the fluid module is configured to selectively transfer and thermally-condition a fluid. The bed additionally includes at least one control module configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module. In one embodiment, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module. The climate-controlled bed assembly further includes at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode, wherein the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the fluid module based on, at least in part, the setting or mode selected by an occupant and a temperature associated with the fluid being environmentally-conditioned. In certain embodiments, the control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the fluid module in order to maintain a desired temperature or a desired temperature range along an upper portion of the bed assembly.
In certain embodiments, the operational parameter of the fluid module being adjusted comprises a level of heating or cooling of a thermoelectric module, a flowrate of a fluid transfer device, a level of dehumidification or humidification and/or the like. In other arrangements, the desired temperature or the desired temperature range varies with time or as otherwise determined by an algorithm. In some configurations, the desired temperature or the desired temperature range increases or decreases within a predetermined time period so as to help awaken an occupant positioned thereon.
According to certain embodiments of the present application, a climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having a first climate zone and at least a second climate zone. At least one fluid module is associated with each of the first and second climate zones. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes at least one control module configured to regulate the operation of the fluid modules associated with the first and second climate zones. The fluid module is operatively connected to the at least one control module. The bed additionally includes at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to selectively alter the operation of the fluid module associated with the first climate zone and the second climate zone. Further, the bed comprises at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed, and at least a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the second climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some arrangements, the first climate zone is configured to be selectively operatively differently than the first climate zone.
In other embodiments, the first climate zone is located along a left side of the bed, and wherein the second climate zone is located along a right side of the bed. In one arrangement, the first climate zone comprises at least two climate subzones, which are configured to be operated differently from each other. In other arrangements, the bed is in fluid communication with a home's HVAC system. In certain embodiments, the thermally-conditioned bed further comprises at least one humidity sensor. In one embodiment, the control module is configured to be operatively connected to at least one separate device or system (e.g., a media player, home HVAC thermostat, etc.).
According to other embodiments, an environmentally-conditioned bed or other seating assembly is configured to collect and remove condensation that is formed therein. For example, such condensation can be evaporated or other channeled away from the bed or other seating assembly, as desired or required.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present inventions are described herein in connection with certain preferred embodiments, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the inventions presented herein. The drawings include the following figures.
The climate control devices disclosed herein, as well as the various systems and features associated with them, are described in the context of an environmentally (e.g., thermally) conditioned bed or other seating assembly (e.g., seat assemblies for automobiles, trains, planes, motorcycles, buses, other types of vehicles, wheelchairs, sofas, task chairs, office chairs, other types of chairs and/or the like) because they have particular utility in this context. However, the climate control devices, systems and methods described herein, or equivalents thereof, can be used in other contexts as well, such as, for example, but without limitation, other devices or systems where thermally-conditioned fluids are desired or required, electronic or other components where thermal or other environmental conditioning is desired or required and/or the like. As used herein with reference to air (or other fluids), beds (or other seating assemblies) and/or the like, the term “environmentally conditioned” is a broad term used in its ordinary sense and generally refers, without limitation, to temperature conditioning (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), humidity conditioning (e.g., dehumidification, humidification, etc.), ventilation and/or the like.
To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments, words such as up, upward, upper, top, down, downward, lower, bottom, vertical, horizontal, upstream, downstream and the other directional, direction-indicating words and/or the like are used to describe the accompanying figures. However, the illustrated embodiments can be located, configured and/or oriented in a variety of desired positions and should not be limited in scope by the use of such descriptive words herein.
With continued reference to
According to some embodiments, air or other fluid is supplied to each climate zone 11A-11D using one or more fluid modules 20A-20D. For example, in
According to some arrangements, each fluid module 20A-20D comprises a fluid transfer device (e.g., a blower, fan, etc.), a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier circuit) or any other heating or cooling device capable of thermally conditioning a fluid (e.g., convective heater), one or more sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, condensation, other types of sensors, etc.), other control features and/or any other component or feature, as desired or required. For convenience and ease of installation, for any of the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of these components can be included within a single housing or other enclosure. For example, a bed assembly can include a fluid module (e.g., blower, thermoelectric device, etc.), one or more sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.), control unit or other controller and/or any other component or device within a single housing. Such an embodiments can help simplify the overall design of a climate controlled seating assembly, can help facilitate repairs, replacement, maintenance and other activities associated with upkeep of the seating assembly and/or provide one or more other benefits. Additional details regarding fluid modules that could be included in a climate-control bed or other seating assembly are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,587,901, filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/047,077 on Jan. 31, 2005 and issued on Sep. 15, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/546,928, filed on Oct. 12, 2006 and published as U.S. Publ. No. 2008/0087316 on Apr. 17, 2008; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/364,285, filed on Feb. 2, 2009 and published as U.S. Publ. No. 2009/0193814 on Aug. 6, 2009, the entireties of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. As discussed in greater detail, each fluid module 20A-20D can be advantageously adapted to selectively provide thermally-conditioned (e.g., cooled, heated, etc.), thermally-unconditioned (e.g., ambient) and/or otherwise environmentally-modified (e.g., dehumidified) air or other fluids toward one or more bed occupants.
For example, with reference to the cross-sectional view of
Alternatively, as discussed herein with reference to
Regardless of their exact design, layout and other features, climate-controlled bed assemblies can be configured to selectively provide air or other fluids (e.g., heated and/or cooled air, ambient air, etc.) to one or more occupants positioned thereon. Thus, the incorporation of separate and/or distinct climate zones 11A-11D in a bed 10 can generally enhance an occupant's ability to control the resulting heating, cooling, ventilation and/or other climate control effect. For example, such a bed can be adapted to create a different thermally-conditioned environment for each occupant. In addition, a particular occupant can vary the heating, cooling and/or ventilation scheme within his or her personal region or space (e.g., the head area of the bed can be operated differently than the midsection or lower portion of the bed).
With continued reference to the schematic of
According to certain arrangements, the power source 54 comprises an AC adapter having a cable 60 that is configured to be plugged into a standard wall outlet, a DC adapter, a battery and/or the like. As illustrated schematically in
As illustrated in
With continued reference to
According to certain embodiments, a user input device 62, 64 comprises at least one controller that is configured to regulate one or more operational parameters of the climate controlled bed assembly 10. A user input device 62, 64 can include one or more buttons (e.g., push buttons), switches, dials, knobs, levers and/or the like. Such controllers can permit a user to select a desired mode of operation, a general heating, cooling and/or ventilation scheme, a temperature setting or range and/or any other operational parameter. For instance, in some arrangements, the input device 62, 64 allows users to select between “heating,” “cooling” or “ventilation.” In other embodiments, the controllers of the input device can be adjusted to select a particular level of heating, cooling or ventilation (e.g., low, medium, high, etc.) or a preferred temperature for the fluid being delivered toward an occupant positioned along an upper surface of the bed 10.
Alternatively, an input device 62, 64 can be configured to provide various data and other information to the user that may be relevant to the operation of the bed 10. For example, the input device can comprise a display (e.g., LCD screen) that is adapted to provide information to a user, such as, for example, the current mode of operation, a real-time temperature or humidity reading, the date and time and/or the like. In certain embodiments, the input device comprises a touchscreen display that is configured to both provide information to and receive instructions from (e.g., using softkeys) a user. As discussed in greater detail herein, a user input device 62, 64 can be configured to also control one or more other devices, components and/or systems that are generally unrelated or only tangentially or remotely-related to the operation of the climate control system, such as, for example, a digital music player, a television, an alarm, a lamp, other light fixture, lights and/or the like, as desired or required. In some arrangements, the user input devices 62, 64 of a bed assembly 10 can be operatively connected to such other devices, components or systems using one or more hardwired and/or wireless connections.
In some arrangements, a user input device is customized according to users' needs or desires. As discussed herein, for example, the user input device can be configured to allow an occupant to regulate one or more aspects of the bed's climate control system (e.g., setting a target thermal conditioning or temperature setting along a top surface of the bed). Further, a user input device 62, 64 can be adapted to regulate other devices or systems, even if such devices or systems are not directly related to the climate control features of the bed assembly 10. For instance, an input device can control one or more aspects of a digital medial player (e.g., iPod, mp3 player, etc.), a television, a radio, a lamp, a home's lighting system, an alarm clock, a phone, a home's main HVAC system (e.g., central air-conditioning and/or heating system) and/or the like. A user input device can include one or more hardwired and/or wireless connections in order to properly communicate with such other devices or systems. According to some embodiments, the input devices supplied to end users are preconfigured to be used with one or more other devices and/or systems. Alternatively, however, a user may need to at least partially program or otherwise set-up an input device to operatively connect it to one or more ancillary devices or systems (e.g., using specific manufacturers' codes of the devices or systems with which the input device will be operatively connected, using online technical support protocols, etc.).
Moreover, as discussed in greater detail herein, a user input device 62, 64 can include a touchscreen or other display that is configured to provide information about the climate control bed assembly and/or any other device or system that is controlled or otherwise operatively connected to the input device. For example, such a display can indicate the specific operational mode under which the climate control system is operating, a target temperature setpoint or range that the climate control system is programmed to achieve, the temperature, humidity and/or other measurements related to the ambient environment of the room in which the bed is located, the date and time, the status of an alarm or other feature with which the bed's control unit is operatively connected, information regarding a digital media player or television to which the input device is operatively connected (e.g., a song title, television program title and other information, etc.) and/or the like. In addition, a user input device can be further personalized using skins or other decorative features, as desired or required.
A climate control bed assembly can be controlled, at least in part, by one or more other devices or systems, either in lieu of or in addition to a user input device. For example, in certain embodiments, a user can regulate the operation of the bed assembly (e.g., select a mode of operation, select an operating temperature or range, initiate a specific operating scheme or protocol, etc.) and/or control any other devices or systems with which the bed assembly is operatively connected using a desktop device (e.g., a personal computer), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a multimedia device (e.g., iPod, iPad, another multimedia device, etc.), a Smartphone (e.g., iPhone, Blackberry, etc.) or other mobile device and/or the like. As used herein, the term multimedia device or media player is a broad term used in its ordinary sense and includes, without limitation, a mp3 or other music or audio player, an iPod, an iPad, any other audio, video and/or other media player, a Smartphone (e.g., iPhone, Blackberry, etc.), a television, a computer or other device having a processor and/or the like. In other arrangements, the climate control system of a bed assembly can be configured to be in data communication with a wall-mounted device, such as, for example, a thermostat or other controller for a home climate control system (e.g., central air, heater, other HVAC system, etc.). As used herein, the term building's climate control system is a broad term used in its ordinary sense and includes, without limitation, a thermostat or any other controller configured to regulate, at least in part, one or more components of a building's air conditioning, heating, ventilation and/or other climate control system. As such, the term can include, without limitation, any thermostat or other controller configured to regulate a central air conditioning unit, cooler, cooling system, heater and/or any other HVAC device or system of a home or other residential building (e.g., apartment building, condominium, assisted living building, etc.), office or other commercial building, hospital, school or any other structure. Thus, a single controller can selectively modify the operation of a home's or other building's climate control system (e.g., central air-conditioning and heating system, furnace, etc.) and one or more climate controlled bed assemblies. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail herein with reference to
A climate control system for a bed assembly 10 can be additionally configured to continuously or intermittently communicate with one or more networks to receive firmware and/or other updates that help ensure that the system is operating correctly. For example, the control module 50, user input devices 62, 64 and/or any other component of the climate control system can be designed to connect to a network (e.g., interne). In some embodiments, the bed assembly is adapted to be operatively connected to a manufacturer's or supplier's website, server, network and/or the like to receive the necessary updates or patches. In other arrangements, such network connections can facilitate the repair, maintenance or troubleshooting of the climate control bed assembly, without the need for an on-site visit by a technician.
As illustrated in
According to certain arrangements, each user input device 62, 64 is adapted to regulate one or more fluid modules, climate zones and/or other devices or components of a climate controlled bed assembly 10. For example, with continued reference to the schematic of
According to certain arrangements, the various devices, components and features of a climate controlled bed assembly 10 are configured to adjust the type and/or level of heating, cooling, ventilation and/or other climate control effect by modifying the operation of the fluid modules 20A-20D. For example, the rate at which fluids are transferred toward an occupant (e.g., using a blower, fan or other fluid transfer device) can be advantageously controlled. Further, the amount and direction of electrical current delivered to the thermoelectric device can be altered to achieve a desired level of heat transfer to or from the fluid transferred by the fluid transfer device. One or more other aspects of the bed's climate control system can also be modified to achieve a desired operational scheme.
To help achieve a desired thermal conditioning effect in each climate zone 11A-11D, the fluid modules 20A-20D, other components of the climate control system and/or other portions of the bed 10 can comprise one or more sensors. For instance, such sensors can include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, condensation sensors, pressure sensors, occupant-detection sensors and/or the like. Accordingly, the climate control system can advantageously maintain a desired level of thermal conditioning (e.g., a setting, temperature value or range, etc.). The temperature sensors can be positioned within a thermoelectric device (e.g., along the substrate and/or between the pellets of the thermoelectric device), within or on other portions or components of the fluid module, upstream or downstream of a fluid module (e.g., within or near a fluid path to detect the amount of thermal conditioning occurring within the fluid module), along one or more top surfaces of the bed assembly 10 and/or at other location.
According to one embodiment, a thermally-conditioned bed assembly 10 comprises a closed-loop control scheme, under which the function of one or more fluid modules (e.g., blower or other fluid transfer device, thermoelectric device or other heating/cooling device and/or the like) is automatically adjusted to maintain a desired operational setting. For example, the climate control system can be regulated by comparing a desired setting (e.g., a target temperature value or range, a target cooling, heating or ventilation effect, etc.) to data retrieved by one or more sensors (e.g., ambient temperature, conditioned fluid temperature, relative humidity, etc.).
In certain arrangements, a climate control system for a bed or other seating assembly can comprise a closed-loop control scheme with a modified algorithm that is configured to reduce or minimize the level of polarity switching occurring in one or more of the thermoelectric devices of the fluid modules 20A-20D. As a result, the reliability of the overall climate control system can be advantageously improved.
As discussed in greater detail herein, a thermally-conditioned bed 10 or other seating assembly can include one, two or more different climate zones 11A-11D. In some embodiments, as illustrated schematically in
A climate controlled bed or other seating assembly can be operated under a number of different schemes. For example, in a simple configuration, a user selects a desired general setting or mode (e.g., “heating,” “cooling,” “ventilation,” “high,” “medium,” “low,” etc.). In response to a user's selection, the climate control system can maintain a corresponding setting or mode for a particular time period or until the user instruct the system otherwise. In other arrangements, a user chooses a desired setting (e.g., a target temperature value or range, some other desired cooling, heating or ventilation effect, etc.), and the climate control system automatically makes the necessary adjustments to maintain such a value, range or effect. Under such an automated or semi-automated scheme, the climate control system can comprise one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc.) that are adapted to facilitate the system to achieve the desired climate conditioning setting (e.g., using feedback loops). In other embodiments, the various components of a climate controlled bed can be operated according to a predetermined schedule or protocol. Such schedules or protocols can be based on, for example, the time of day, the time when a user typically or actually goes to bed, the projected or actual wake-up time, the ambient temperature within or outside the room where the bed is located and/or any other input or factor. Accordingly, the control module 50 and/or other component of the climate control system can comprise or be operatively connected to a control algorithm that helps execute a particular protocol.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, the control system can be operatively connected to one or more input devices 62, 64 that advantageously permit users to selectively modify the operation of an environmentally conditioned bed or other seating assembly. As discussed in greater detail herein, such input devices can allow a user to customize the manner in which the bed or other assembly is controlled, in accordance with the user's desires or preferences.
According to certain embodiments, a climate control system for a bed or other seating assembly can be adapted to provide a desired level of thermal pre-conditioning. Such a pre-conditioning feature can allow a user to program a bed so that it achieves a particular temperature or setting prior to use. For example, an input device can be used to direct the climate control system to cool, heat and/or ventilate the bed prior to the user's anticipated sleep time. Likewise, a user can selectively program a climate control system to regulate the temperature or other environmental-conditioning effect during the anticipated sleep period. In such arrangements, a user can set a different target temperature, thermal conditioning effect, desired comfort level and/or any other setting for a specific time period. Such setpoints can be programmed for various desired or required time intervals (e.g., 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, less than 10 minutes, greater than 4 hours, values in between such ranges, etc.). Accordingly, a user can customize the operation of a climate controlled bed assembly according to his or her specific needs and preferences.
Further, the control system can be configured to change the heating, cooling, ventilation and/or other climate conditioning settings of the bed to help a user wake up and/or fall asleep. For example, the flowrate, temperature and/or other properties of the air delivered to the top surfaces of a bed can be increased or decreased to help awaken an occupant or to urge an occupant to get out of bed.
Moreover, a climate control system for a bed or other seating assembly can be adapted to shut down after the passage of a particular time period and/or in response to one or more other occurrences or factors. In certain arrangements, the operation of one or more fluid modules 20A-20D is altered (e.g., the speed of the fluid transfer device is reduced or increased, the heating and/or cooling effect is reduced or increased, etc.) or completely terminated at a specific time or following a predetermined elapsed time period after which an occupant initially becomes situated on a bed or other seating assembly. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the bed or other seating assembly includes one or more occupant sensors (e.g., pressure sensors) to accurately detect the presence of an occupant positioned thereon.
As discussed herein, a climate-conditioned bed or other seating assembly can include one or more humidity sensors. Such humidity sensors can be positioned along any component of the bed's climate control system (e.g., user input devices, control module, fluid modules, etc.), any other portion of the bed assembly (e.g., mattress or other support member) and/or the like. Regardless of their exact configuration, location and other details, humidity sensors can be operatively connected to the climate control system to provide additional control options to a user.
According to certain arrangements, the relative humidity of the air or other fluids surrounding a bed assembly and/or passing through the fluid modules, passages and/or other portions of a bed assembly can be detected. In other embodiments, a climate controlled bed or other seating assembly includes one or more condensation sensors, either in lieu of or in addition to one or more humidity sensors. Such humidify and/or condensation sensors can help protect against the undesirable and potentially dangerous formation of condensate within one or more portions or components of a bed assembly. For instance, if relatively humid air is sufficiently cooled by a fluid module, condensation may form along one or more components or portions of the assembly's climate control system. If not removed or otherwise handled, such condensation can cause corrosion and/or other moisture-related problems. Further, condensation can negatively affect one or more electrical circuits or other vulnerable components of the climate control system.
Accordingly, in certain arrangements, a climate control system for a bed or other seating assembly is configured to make the necessary operational changes so as to reduce the likelihood of condensate formation. For example, under certain circumstances, the amount of cooling provided by the fluid modules 20A-20D (e.g., the thermoelectric devices or other cooling devices) to the air delivered through the bed assembly can be reduced. Alternatively, the control system can be configured to cycle between heating and cooling modes in order to evaporate at least some of the condensate that may have formed. In some arrangements, information regarding the temperature, relative humidity and other ambient conditions can be advantageously shown on a screen or display to alert the user of a potentially undesirable situation.
According to other embodiments, an environmentally-conditioned bed or other seating assembly is configured to collect and remove condensation that is formed therein. For example, such condensation can be evaporated or other channeled away from the bed or other seating assembly, as desired or required. Additional information regarding the collection and/or removal of condensate from seating assemblies is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/364,285, filed on Feb. 2, 2009 and titled CONDENSATION AND HUMIDITY SENSORS FOR THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
In addition, the use of relative humidity sensors can permit an environmentally-conditioned bed or other seating assembly to operate within a desired “comfort zone.” One embodiment of such a comfort zone (generally represented by cross-hatched area 510) is schematically illustrated in the graph 500 of
For example, with reference to a condition generally represented as point 520C on the graph 500 of
In some embodiments, a climate control system for a bed is configured to include additional comfort zones or target operating conditions. For example, as illustrated schematically in
In other embodiments, a climate control system can include one, two or more target comfort zones, as desired or required. For example, a climate control system can include separate target zones for summer and winter operation. In such arrangements, therefore, the climate control system can be configured to detect the time of year and/or the desired comfort zone under which a climate controlled bed or other seat assembly is to be operated.
The incorporation of such automated control schemes within a climate control system can generally offer a more sophisticated method of operating a climate-conditioned bed or other seat assembly. Further, such schemes can help simplify the operation of a climate controlled bed and/or lower costs (e.g., manufacturing costs, operating costs, etc.). This can be particularly important where it is required or highly desirable to maintain a threshold comfort level, such as, for example, for patients in hospital beds, other types of medical beds and/or the like. Further, such control schemes can be especially useful for beds and other seating assemblies configured to receive occupants that have limited mobility and/or for beds or other seating assemblies where occupants are typically seated for extended time periods (e.g., conventional beds, hospital beds, convalescent beds, other medical beds, etc.).
According to some embodiments, data or other information obtained by one or more sensors are used to selectively control a climate control system in order to achieve an environmental condition which is located within a desired comfort zone 510, 514 (
Regardless of the quantity, type, location and/or other details regarding the sensors included within a particular assembly, the various components of the climate control system can be configured to operate (in one embodiment, preferably automatically) in accordance with a desired control algorithm. According to some embodiments, the control algorithm includes a level of complexity so that it automatically varies the amount of heating, cooling and/or provided at the bed assembly based, at least in part, on the existing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, etc.) and the target comfort zone.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a control system for an environmentally-conditioned bed (e.g., ventilated bed, low air loss bed, other consumer or medical bed, etc.) or other seating assembly is configured to receive, as inputs into its control algorithm, data and/or other information regarding the temperature and relative humidity from one or more locations. For example, a climate controlled bed can include fluid distribution systems 18′ (
Temperature sensors included in a climate controlled bed assembly (e.g., on, near or within a thermoelectric device, blower and/or other portion of a fluid module, on, near or within one or more layers of the mattress, foundation or other portion of the bed's structure, etc.) can be used to advantageously detect a fire or other over-temperature event or conditions that are likely to result in such events. For example, such sensors could be the same as the sensors that are discussed above and that are used to control the climate control system according to a desired setting. Alternatively, such sensors can be separate and distinct from sensors used in the normal regulation of the bed's climate control system. Fire or over-temperature sensors can be located within or outside of thermoelectric devices, on the blower intake or outlet, within, on or near other portions of a fluid module, within or near the bed's fluid ducts or other openings, within or near the bed's foundation or base and/or at any other location. Such fire or over-temperature sensors can be operatively coupled to an electronic control unit and/or any other component or system of the bed's climate control system.
According to some embodiments, when one or more fire or over-temperature sensors detect a temperature that is above a particular threshold, a signal can be transmitted to the bed assembly's climate control system (e.g., ECU, MCU, etc.). In response to receiving such an “over the limit” signal, the controller can be adapted to shut down power to fluid modules and/or any other systems that are configured to supply air or other fluid to the bed assembly. In some embodiments, the bed includes one or more fluid pumps (e.g., to selectively deliver air or other fluids to an air mattress, an air bladder, etc.), blowers or other fluid transfer devices and/or other devices or portions that require air to be delivered to the bed. In the presence of a fire, spark or other threatening event, air or other fluid being supplied to the bed can further fuel the fire. The bed's control system can be configured to shut down one or more devices or sub-systems (e.g., fluid module, air pump, etc.) or the entire electrical system associated with the bed assembly, as desired or required.
Accordingly, the threat created by such a fire or other over-temperature situation can be advantageously mitigated. Thus, the overall safety of the climate controlled bed (e.g., ventilated bed, low air loss bed, other conventional or consumer bed, medical bed, etc.) assembly can be improved. Such a safety feature can be incorporated into any of the bed embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, a control unit (e.g., ECU, MCU, other controller, etc.) can be configured to regulate one or more fluid modules (e.g., blower, thermoelectric device, etc.) and/or other components of a climate controlled bed (e.g., ventilated bed, low air loss bed, consumer bed, hospital or other medical bed) using a control algorithm (e.g., stored within or operatively connected to a control unit), some hardware/software combination, the interne or other network connection and/or the like.
Under some operational scenarios, such as, for example, when two or more fluid modules 20A-20D are working at the same time, the noise level generated by a climate-conditioned bed may create a nuisance or otherwise become bothersome to the bed's occupant(s). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control module or other portion of the climate control system is programmed to ensure that the fluid modules 20A-20D are activated, deactivated, modulated and/or otherwise operated in a manner that ensures that the overall noise level originating from the bed or other seating assembly remains below a desired or required threshold level. For example, with reference to the bed assembly depicted in
Relatedly, the climate control system of a bed or other seating assembly can be configured to cycle (e.g., turn on or off, modulate, etc.) the various fluid modules 20A-20D according to a particular algorithm or protocol to achieve a desired level of power conservation. Regardless of whether the fluid module cycling is performed for noise reduction, power conservation and/or any other purpose, the individual components of a single fluid module 20A-20D, such as, for example, a blower, fan or other fluid transfer device, a thermoelectric device and/or the like, can be controlled independently of each other. Additional details regarding such operational schemes can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,254, filed Sep. 10, 2008, published as U.S. Publication No. 2009/0064411 and titled OPERATIONAL CONTROL SCHEMES FOR VENTILATED SEAT OR BED ASSEMBLIES, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
According to some embodiments, the power source 54 (e.g., AC power supply, battery or other DC power supply, etc.) of the environmentally-conditioned bed or other seat assembly is sized for enhanced, improved or optimal cooling performance. As a result, such a design feature can help to further lower power consumption and allow the climate control system to operate more efficiently, as the amount of wasted electrical energy is reduced or minimized.
Any of the embodiments of a climate conditioned bed or other seating assembly disclosed herein can comprise a “thermal alarm.” For example, a climate control system can be configured to make a relatively rapid change in temperature and/or airflow to help awaken one or more of the bed's occupants. Depending on people's personal tendencies and sleep habits, such a thermal alarm can be configured to help awaken a bed occupant as a result of decreasing comfort, raising awareness and/or in any other manner. In some arrangements, the thermal alarm includes raising the temperature along the top surface of the bed assembly (e.g., by delivering heated air through the bed assembly). Such a feature can allow an occupant to wake up more naturally or gradually. Alternatively, depending on a user's preferences, the thermal alarm can include lowering the temperature to gradually or rapidly decrease an occupant's comfort level. A climate-conditioned bed assembly can also include one or more other types of alarms (e.g., a conventional audible alarm, an alarm equipped with a radio, digital media player or the like, etc.), either in addition to or in lieu of a thermal alarm. In some arrangements, such alarm features and/or devices can be operatively connected to the control module of the climate control system to allow a user to regulate their function through an input device 62, 64 or any other controller. A bed assembly can have one or more thermal alarms that are separately controlled. Thus, the bed's occupants can choose whether to set such an alarm, and if so, how it is to be implemented.
Other embodiments of climate controlled bed assemblies 110, 210, 310 are schematically illustrated in
The bed 110 of
In the embodiment illustrated in
As a result of the configuration illustrated in
According to some embodiments, as illustrated in
The embodiment illustrated in
As noted herein, a climate controlled bed can include one or more different climate zones configured to provide separate heating, cooling, ventilation and/or other environmental control to one, two or more occupants. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
As illustrated in
Each of the climate zones in the bed assemblies schematically illustrated in
In other embodiments, however, a bed having two, three or more climate zones can be used by only a single occupant. Thus, such a single occupant can choose to operate the bed's different zones with a common climate control scheme. Consequently, in the beds depicted in
One embodiment of a control unit 600 (e.g., an ECU or master control unit (MCU), etc.) for a climate controlled bed assembly, such as any of those disclosed herein, is illustrated in
With continued reference to
According to some embodiments, the control unit 600 includes one or more ports, outlets, adapters or other couplings configured for hardwired connections. As noted herein, the control unit can be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more components of the bed assembly (e.g., remote controllers, fluid modules, a home's air conditioner unit, heater or other HVAC system, etc.), either in addition to or in lieu of hardwired connections. The control unit embodiment illustrated in
According to several embodiments, a remote control device can be configured to communicate with a bed's ECU or other control unit, one or more fluid modules, other components or systems of the bed, a home's climate control system, a media player or other device that is in data communication with the bed assembly and/or the like. As noted herein, the remote control device can be adapted to connect to control unit using one or more hardwired and/or wireless connections. In some arrangements, a bed assembly's climate control system can be configured to be operated using a single remote control device 700. For example, the remote control device 700 depicted in
Another embodiment of a remote control device 700′ is illustrated in
With continued reference to
In other embodiments, the ECU, other control unit or module and/or any other component, system and/or subsystem of the bed (or any other device or system that is configured to be operated, at least in part, by the bed's control system, e.g., media player, home climate control system, etc.) can be configured to be controlled by one or more other devices, such as, for example, a Smartphone (e.g., iPhone, Blackberry, etc.), a media device (e.g., iPod, iPad, mp3 player, other music and/or video players, etc.), a mobile phone, a personal computer, the internet and/or the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more downloadable software applications can be developed to allow users to communicate with a bed's control system using such devices.
According to some embodiments, a remote control device for a bed assembly can include one or more buttons or other controllers that enable a user to quickly and easily set a pre-conditioning mode. For example, in one arrangement, the remote control device includes buttons for general pre-conditioning, high heat or low heat pre-conditioning, high cool or low cool pre-conditioning and/or the like. In other embodiments, a remote control device includes other buttons that facilitate the control of the bed assembly, as desired or required.
As illustrated in
In some of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, a climate controlled bed includes one or more standard or non-standard connection ports. For example, as illustrated in
In other arrangements, a bed's climate control system is configured to communicate with an external device or system (e.g., computer, internet, other network, etc.) using one or more wireless connections (e.g., radio frequency, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), either in addition to or in lieu of any port or hardwired connections.
The control panel 850 and its various features can be operatively connected to the fluid modules, controllers or other control units and/or any other electrical components of the climate controlled bed 810. Thus, a user can control the operation of the bed 810 using a user input device 862, 864 and/or any switches, knobs and/or other selectors positioned on the control panel 850 or any other portion of the bed 810. As shown, the power cord 860, the input devices 862, 864 and/or other devices can be removably attached to corresponding slots or other connection sites on the control panel 850. This can permit a user to disconnect some or all of the components from the panel 850 when the climate control features of the bed are not desired or when the bed is being serviced, repaired, moved, repositioned or otherwise out of service. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a control panel can include one or more other ports, jacks, couplings and/or other electrical or data connections, as desired or required. For instance, the control panel 850 can include one or more audio and/or video input ports for connecting a digital media player (e.g., iPod, iPad, mp3 player, iPhone, Blackberry or other smart phones, television, other monitor or display, etc.). In other embodiments, the control panel 850 comprises ports or other coupling devices for connecting the climate control system to other devices or systems (e.g., other media or entertainment devices, an alarm clock, a home HVAC thermostat and/or the like).
As discussed in greater detail above, for any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, the operation of the bed assembly can be controlled using one or more hardwired and/or wireless user input devices (e.g., remote controls or other handheld devices). In some arrangements, for example, the control devices can be configured to communicate with a main control module (e.g., ECU) or processor, one or more fluid modules, timers, sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc.) and/or any other components using infrared, radio frequency (RF) and/or any other wireless methods or technologies.
With continued reference to
Another embodiment of a climate control bed 1010 is illustrated in
Another arrangement of a climate controlled bed assembly 1210 is illustrated in
With continued reference to
With reference to
As illustrated in
In the embodiment depicted in
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
One or more additional members or devices can be used to secure a control panel or other portion of a control module within an enclosure or other area of the bed assembly. For example, with reference to
In addition, in embodiments that include control panels with switches, user input devices or other control devices, ports and/or the like, such as, for example, those illustrated and discussed herein, users can conveniently configure a climate controlled bed assembly for use in just a few steps. For example, before the climate control features of such a bed assembly can be activated, a user may need to connect a power cable, a user input device (e.g., remote control device), an interconnecting cable and/or any other device to one or more control panels (e.g., along a lower portion of the bed). In some embodiments, the user may also need to select a desired setting or mode of operation using an ON/OFF switch and/or any other control device. As discussed, in any of the embodiments illustrated in
As illustrated in
With continued reference to
Placing one or more climate zones of a bed assembly in fluid communication with a HVAC system or other climate control system can offer certain advantages, regardless of the manner in which such a connection is accomplished. For example, under such systems, the need for separate fluid modules as part of the bed assembly can be eliminated. Thus, heated, cooled, dehumidified and/or otherwise conditioned air can be delivered directly to the bed assembly. Consequently, a less complicated and more cost-effective bed assembly can be advantageously provided. Further, the need for electrical components can be eliminated. One embodiment of such a bed assembly 2110 is schematically illustrated in
In other embodiments, conditioned air can be provided from a home's or other facility's HVAC system into the inlet of one or more fluid modules of the bed assembly. This can result in a more energy efficient and cost effective system, as the amount of thermal conditioning (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.) required by the fluid modules or other components of the bed assembly may be reduced.
As schematically illustrated in
In other embodiments, the bed is adapted to receive other types of fluids or substances from the fluid source 2360, either in addition to or in lieu of HVAC air and/or medicaments. For example, insect repellent (e.g., citronella, Deet, etc.) can be provided to a bed situated in an environment in which bugs present health risks or a general nuisance. In certain arrangements, fragrances and/or other cosmetic substances are delivered to the bed to help create a desired sleeping or comfort environment. Any other liquid, gas, fluid and/or substance can be selectively provided to a climate control bed, as desired or required.
With continued reference to
According to some arrangements, a fluid transfer device (e.g., pump) is used to transfer a desired volume of a fluid from the fluid source 2360 to the conduit 2350 and/or other hydraulic components (e.g., interconnecting duct 2320, fluid distribution system of a bed or other seating assembly, etc.). Alternatively, the fluids and/or other materials contained within a fluid source 2360 can be delivered to the bed or other seating assembly using one or more other devices or methods, such as, for example, an ejector (or other Bernoulli-type device), gravity or the like.
As discussed herein and illustrated in the arrangement of
As discussed above, a separate fluid source does not need to be connected to a HVAC system configured to provide environmentally-conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air, ambient air, humidity-modified air, etc.) to a seating assembly. For example, as illustrated in
In any of the various embodiments disclosed herein, or variations thereof, a fluid source can include a container (e.g., a tank, reservoir, bottle, vial, ampoule, gel-pack, etc.) that is otherwise configured to be used with a climate controlled seating assembly. For example, such a container can be sized and shaped to fit within the internal compartment 2362′ of the assembly illustrated in
In some arrangements, information regarding the temperature, flowrate, humidity level and/or other characteristics or properties of conditioned air being conveyed in a HVAC system can be detected and transmitted (e.g., using hardwired or wireless connections) to a control module (e.g., ECU) of the bed's climate control system. Accordingly, the bed's climate control system can adjust one or more devices or settings to achieve a desired cooling and/or heating effect one or more bed occupants. The interconnecting ducts can include one or more valves (e.g. modulating valves, bleed valves, bypass valves, etc.) or other devices to selectively limit the volume of air being delivered to the bed assembly. For example, the entire stream of pre-conditioned air may need to be diverted away from the climate controlled bed assembly in order to achieve a desired cooling or heating condition along the top surface of the bed. Any of the embodiments of a climate controlled bed assembly disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, can be placed in fluid communication with a main HVAC system.
According to certain embodiments, the various control modules of the bed's climate control system are configured to receive information (e.g., temperature, flowrate, humidity, etc.) regarding the air being delivered from a main HVAC system to one or more climate zones of the bed assembly. As a result, the climate module can use this information to achieve the desired cooling, heating and/or ventilation effect for each climate zone, either with or without the assistance from the various fluid modules. In some arrangements, the air being delivered to the bed's climate control system can be regulated (e.g., by dampers, valves, bleed-offs, modulators, etc.) in order to achieve the desired thermal conditioning along one or more portions of the bed assembly.
In some arrangements, data or information related to the temperature and/or humidity of the room in which the bed assembly is transmitted to the bed's climate control system. In one embodiment, such data can be provided to the user via a user input device and/or any other component or device. In alternative arrangements, information regarding a bed's climate zone(s), the operation of the fluid modules and/or any other operational aspect of the bed can be transmitted and/or displayed by a controller (e.g., thermostat) of the home's main HVAC system. Accordingly, one or more environmentally conditioned bed assemblies can be advantageously controlled using a home's thermostat or other controller. Similarly, one or more user input devices can be used to adjust or otherwise control the operation of the home's main HVAC system.
According to some embodiments, a climate control bed or other seating assembly can constitute merely one component of a larger zonal cooling system. As discussed herein, a bed can be placed in fluid and/or data communication with one or more HVAC systems (e.g., central heating and cooling unit, furnace, other thermal conditioning device, etc.) or other thermal conditioning devices or systems of a home or other facility (e.g., hospital, clinic, convalescent home or other medical facility, a hotel, etc.). As a result, the climate control system of the bed or other seating assembly located within a particular room or area can be operatively connected to the control system of one or more other climate control systems (e.g., main HVAC system). Thus, such configurations can be used to operate the climate controlled bed (or other seating assembly, e.g., medical bed, wheelchair, sofa, other chair, etc.) and a building's other climate control system in a manner that helps achieve one or more objectives. For example, under an energy efficiency mode, when a climate controlled bed is in operation, the level of cooling, heating or ventilation occurring within the corresponding room or area of a building can be advantageously reduced or eliminated. In such an embodiment, the bed or other seating assembly can be viewed as a smaller climate control zone within a larger climate control zone (e.g., the room).
Alternatively, when the bed is not being used, the home's or other facility's HVAC control system can be configured to operate in a manner that achieves a desired comfort level (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) within the entire room or area in which the seating assembly is positioned.
In other arrangements, a room (or other defined or undefined area) is operated so as to achieve a first conditioning effect (e.g., cooling, heating, ventilation, etc.) within the entire room and a second conditioning effect specific only to a bed or other seating assembly positioned within that room. Thus, depending on the control algorithm being used, a main HVAC system may or may not be operating at the same time as a climate control system for a bed (or other seating assembly). In certain embodiments, however, regardless of the exact operational scheme being utilized, the climate control system of a seating assembly is operatively connected to and working in cooperation with the control system of a home's or other facility's HVAC system (e.g., central air, furnace, etc.).
With continued reference to
With specific reference to the embodiment of
In several embodiments, one or more additional layers can be placed between the lower foam layers 3022, 3024, 3026 and a fluid distribution layer 3040 that is configured to receive ambient and/or environmental conditioned (e.g., cooled, heated, etc.) air from one or more fluid modules. For example, in
With continued reference to
Accordingly, air can be delivered to the spacer materials 3046 from one or more fluid module situated below the upper portion 3020. For example, holes or other openings 3023, 3025, 3027, 3029, 3032 in each of the layers positioned below the fluid distribution layer 3040 can be advantageously aligned to create a fluid passage from the bottom of the upper portion 3020 into each of the air permeable regions (e.g., spacer fabric or other spacer materials) of the fluid distribution layer 3040. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes or other openings 3023, 3025, 3027, 3029, 3032 include a coating, layer and/or the like to help reduce the likelihood of air exiting the sides of the bed assembly 3000. In other embodiments, an insert (e.g., plastic sleeve) or other similar device can be positioned with the fluid passage created by the layers of the upper portion 3020. Such an insert can include bellows or similar feature to accommodate any vertical compression forces' to which the bed may be subjected.
The upper portion 3020 can include one or more additional layers above the fluid distribution layer 3040, such as, for example, a viscoelastic layer 3050. The viscoelastic layer 3050 illustrated in
In other embodiments, an upper portion of a climate controlled bed assembly includes more or fewer layers and/or members. In addition, the thickness, height, materials of construction, orientation and/or other characteristics of the layers and/or members can be reconfigured, as desired or required. Additional details regarding climate controlled bed assemblies are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/872,657, filed on Oct. 15, 2007 and published as U.S. Publication No. 2008/0148481; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/505,355, filed on Jul. 17, 2009 and published as U.S. Publication No. 2010/0011502; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,254, filed on Sep. 10, 2008 and published as U.S. Publication No. 2009/0064411, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
An exploded view of another embodiment of an upper portion configured for use in a climate controlled bed is illustrated in
Top views of each layer and/or member of the upper portion 3120 are illustrated in
As illustrated in
According to some embodiments, the foundation 3110 can include one or more layers, members and/or other devices that are configured to reduce the noise level of an adjacent fluid module 3104. For example, as illustrated in
With continued reference to
Eventually, the waste air stream can be discharged through one or more vents or other outlets of the foundation. However, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, the waste air stream of a fluid module can be used to provide a benefit to another device or system of the bed assembly. For example, when warm air is being directed toward the top of the bed, a fluid module comprising a thermoelectric device may produce a waste stream that is generally cooled. In several arrangements, such a cooled waste stream from one or more fluid modules is delivered to a control unit, power supply and/or any other component or device of the bed assembly. The resulting cooling and/or other thermal conditioning effect can be improve the operation of such devices, prolong their useful life, protect them against potentially harmful over-temperature conditions, generally prolong their useful life and/or the like. Heated and/or cooled waste air can be directed to any portion of the bed assembly for one or more other benefits (e.g., spot heating or cooling of certain portions of an occupant's anatomy, such as, for example, head, feet, etc.)
As discussed above, a mattress or other upper portion of a climate controlled bed assembly can be adapted to generally align with corresponding openings of a foundation or other base member even after the upper portion has been rotated or flipped relative to the foundation. A bottom surface of one embodiment of such an upper portion 3120 is illustrated in
A climate controlled bed or other seating assembly can include one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, moisture sensors, humidity sensors, etc.). As discussed in greater detail herein, such sensors can be used to operate the climate control system of the assembly within a desired range or zone. However, the use of such sensors on, within or near a bed or other seating assembly can provide additional benefits and advantages. For example, one or more temperature sensors can be positioned along an upper portion of a bed, medical bed, wheelchair or other seating assembly (e.g., at or near the location where an occupant is expected to be positioned). Such sensors can help detect the body temperature of an occupant. In some embodiments, such measurements can be transmitted to an alarm, display, other output, control unit, processor and/or other device or component, so as to alert the occupant and/or interested third parties of the occupant's body temperature.
Such arrangements can be particularly beneficial in hospitals or other medical facilities where it is important to closely monitor patients' vital signs (e.g., to notify the proper personnel of a patient's fever, hypothermia, etc.). Further, such a configuration can be used in a home or other setting to monitor the body temperature of infants, toddlers, young children, the elderly, the infirmed and/or the like. In other embodiments, a bed or other seating assembly is configured to use the body temperature measurements to make corresponding changes to the assembly's climate control system (e.g., increase or decrease the heating, cooling or ventilation effect), as desired or required by a particular control scheme.
In other arrangements, a seating assembly (e.g., bed, medical bed, wheelchair, etc.) includes one or more moisture sensors. Such sensors can be positioned along the top of the seating assembly, along an interior of the top portion (e.g., mattress) and/or at any other location. Regardless of their exact quantity, type, location and other details, such moisture sensors can be configured to detect the presence of water, sweat, urine, other bodily fluids and/or any other liquid or fluid. As discussed herein with reference to body temperature sensors, moisture sensors can also be operatively connected to one or more alarms, monitors, control units, other processors and/or the like. Accordingly, the occupant and/or interested third parties can be promptly informed about the presence of moisture at or near one or more sensors. Such embodiments can be particularly helpful in monitoring people (e.g., children, elderly, infirmed, etc.) who are prone to wetting their beds or other seating assemblies (e.g., wheelchair, chair, etc.). Further, such arrangements can be desired where it is desired to detect the presence of sweat or other fluids that may be discharged by an occupant.
The embodiments of the fluid modules and/or the climate controlled beds or other seating assemblies described and/or illustrated herein can comprise a thermoelectric device for temperature conditioning (e.g., selectively healing and/or cooling) the fluid flowing through the device. A thermoelectric device can include a Peltier thermoelectric module, which is well known in the art. Such devices typically include a main heat exchanger for transferring or removing thermal energy from the fluid flowing through the device and to the distribution systems. Typically, such devices also include a secondary (or waste) heat exchanger that extends from the thermoelectric device generally opposite the main heat exchanger. A single fluid transfer device can be used to direct fluid over, through or in the vicinity of the main and/or waste heat exchangers for temperature conditioning purposes. In alternative embodiments, two or more fluid transfer devices can be used to move air or other fluid relative to the heat exchangers. For example, one fluid transfer device can be configured to convey air past the main heat exchanger while a second fluid transfer device can be configured to convey air past the waste heat exchanger.
Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof In addition, while the number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/176,042, filed May 6, 2009, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
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