U.S. patent application number 15/509429 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for a controlled climate bed for thermoregulatory modulation of a sleeper.
The applicant listed for this patent is BOARD OF REGENTS,THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM. Invention is credited to Kenneth R. Diller.
Application Number | 20170280883 15/509429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55436311 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170280883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diller; Kenneth R. |
October 5, 2017 |
A CONTROLLED CLIMATE BED FOR THERMOREGULATORY MODULATION OF A
SLEEPER
Abstract
A climate-controlled bed capable of adapting to the needs of a
sleeper via a closed loop feedback control system is provided. The
bed includes a thermoelectric energy source, a sensor configured to
monitor a physiological temperature of a sleeper, and a control
system that regulates a temperature of the bed via the
thermoelectric energy source. The control system can utilize data
from the sensor to determine optimal thermal needs of the sleeper.
The control system can also vary the temperature of the bed during
a sleep cycle based on at least one predetermined sleep factor,
such as the natural circadian temperature cycle.
Inventors: |
Diller; Kenneth R.; (Elgin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOARD OF REGENTS,THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55436311 |
Appl. No.: |
15/509429 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
September 10, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US15/49475 |
371 Date: |
March 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62048528 |
Sep 10, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/05 20130101; A61G
2203/46 20130101; A47C 21/042 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A61G
2203/36 20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; A47C 21/044 20130101; A61G
2210/90 20130101; A61G 2203/34 20130101; A47C 21/048 20130101; A61G
2210/70 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 21/04 20060101
A47C021/04 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
[0002] This invention was made with government support under Grant
No. CBET1250659 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The
government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A climate-controlled bed, comprising: a thermoelectric energy
source; and a control system that regulates a temperature of the
bed via the thermoelectric energy source, wherein the control
system directs the thermoelectric energy source to provide warming
to a region of the bed corresponding to a user's peripheral
thermoregulatory control tissue.
2. The bed of claim 1, wherein the user's peripheral
thermoregulatory control tissue comprises a cervical spinal region
of the user.
3. The bed of claim 1, wherein the user's peripheral
thermoregulatory control tissue comprises a lumbar spinal region of
the user.
4. The bed of claim 1, wherein the region of the bed corresponding
to the user's peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue comprises
at least a portion of a mattress.
5. The bed of claim 1, wherein the region of the bed corresponding
to the user's peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue comprises
at least a portion of a pillow.
6. The bed of claim 1, further comprising a cooling source
configured to decrease the temperature of at least a portion of the
bed.
7. The bed of claim 1, wherein the control system furthers directs
the thermoelectric energy source to warm regions of the bed
corresponding to the user's hands and/or feet, said warming applied
at or above a threshold that prevents vasoconstriction of the
user's AVAs.
8. A method of controlling a climate of a bed, comprising:
providing a bed; providing an energy source; and warming, via the
energy source, the temperature of a region of the bed corresponding
to a user's peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising modifying, via the
energy source, the temperature of a region of the bed corresponding
to a user's hands and/or feet, said modifying carried out such that
the user's AVAs remain vasodilated.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising cooling at least a
portion of the user's body sufficient to decrease the user's
physiological temperature.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the user's peripheral
thermoregulatory control tissue comprises a cervical spinal region
of the user.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the user's peripheral
thermoregulatory control tissue comprises a lumbar spinal region of
the user.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the region of the bed
corresponding to the user's peripheral thermoregulatory control
tissue comprises at least a portion of a mattress.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the region of the bed
corresponding to the user's peripheral thermoregulatory control
tissue comprises at least a portion of a pillow.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No.
62/048,528, filed Sep. 10, 2014 and hereby incorporated herein in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An important aspect of human comfort during sleep is thermal
comfort. Empirical tools have been developed for determining air
temperature and humidity that produce thermal comfort as a function
of the level of physical activity, or metabolic rate, and
insulating properties of the clothing that the person is wearing.
Other research has documented that the human thermoregulatory
system operates on a circadian cycle, much as does sleep, and that
the thermoregulatory system is functionally involved in driving the
sleep onset, continuation, and completion process.
[0004] For example, throughout the day a typical person will
experience a relatively high body core temperature which peaks in
the evening. As the body core temperature begins to drop, sleep
onset occurs. The body core temperature continues to drop through
the night. Prior to awakening in the morning, the process reverses
and temperatures begin to rise, facilitating the completion of
sleep. Much of the heat transfer that causes body core temperature
changes occurs through glabrous skin, which in humans is skin that
is naturally hairless, such as the skin found on the ventral
portion of the fingers and toes, palmar surfaces of the hands,
soles of feet, and other areas.
[0005] Modulation of blood flow to arteriovenous anastomoses
("AVAs") in glabrous skin of the hands and feet--commonly referred
to as "distal blood flow"--plays a major role in determining
whether quality sleep occurs. For example, vasodilated AVAs, which
are associated with warm feet, have been shown to promote rapid
onset of sleep, whereas vasoconstricted AVAs produce delayed sleep
onset. The AVAs in glabrous skin function as the primary heat
transfer portals between the body core and the environment.
[0006] Recently, bed and mattress manufacturers have become
increasingly aware of the effects of thermoregulation on sleep
quality. For example, memory foam mattresses are well known to be
highly insulating, resulting in sleepers becoming overheated part
way through the sleep cycle and causing sleep difficulty associated
with a higher body core temperature thereafter. This drawback has
been difficult to overcome, with some manufacturers relying on
passive solutions such as embedding phase-change pellets in the
upper layers of the mattress to store body heat by melting rather
than an increase in substrate temperature.
[0007] The current methods of thermal regulation have particular
drawbacks. For example, influencing thermal regulation by way of
air temperature is highly inefficient and generally ineffective.
Passive solutions, such as the phase-change pellets described
above, have a limited capacity for heat absorption before becoming
useless to temperature regulation. In addition, none of these
methods take into account the changing temperature of the sleeper
at different points in time during the sleep cycle. As a result,
even if an ideal temperature can be achieved at one point during
the sleep cycle, the sleeper's temperature may change to such an
extent that the sleeper is unable to continue sleeping. Current
systems and methods are unable to adapt to a sleeper in this type
of situation. Additionally, current systems are not able to vary
temperature based on, for example, the circadian temperature cycle
that occurs during sleep.
[0008] As a result, there is a distinct need for a system and/or
method capable of maintaining a climate-controlled sleeping
environment for a user. In particular, there is a need for a system
and/or method that can monitor the temperature of a sleeper and
react accordingly in a manner most beneficial for sleep. In
addition, there is a need for an energy-efficient way to maintain a
climate-controlled sleeping environment in order to reduce energy
usage. The integration of closed-loop physiological feedback from a
sleeper to create a personalized local thermal environment that
will match the sleep comfort needs of an individual marks a major
advance in the field of sleep studies.
[0009] Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be
or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features
and/or advantages be included within this description and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following detailed description will be better understood
when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which there
is shown one or more of the multiple embodiments of the present
invention. It should be understood, however, that the various
embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of a climate-controlled bed
having multiple climate zones.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an example embodiment of a sleeper in a sleeping
position.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an example embodiment of a control system.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an example embodiment of a thermoelectric energy
source providing cooling and/or warming air.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] A climate-controlled bed capable of adapting to the needs of
a sleeper is provided. The bed includes a thermoelectric energy
source, a sensor configured to monitor a physiological temperature
of a sleeper, and a control system that regulates a temperature of
the bed via the thermoelectric energy source. The control system
can utilize data from the sensor to determine optimal thermal needs
of the sleeper. The control system can also vary the temperature of
the bed during a sleep cycle based on at least one predetermined
sleep factor, such as the natural circadian temperature cycle.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a climate-controlled
bed. Bed 100 is shown as having a plurality of climate zones. For
example, side climate zones 110 are located along the sides of bed
100. Foot climate zone 120 is located toward the foot end of bed
100. Central climate zone 130 is located in the center of bed 100.
Finally, cervical-spine climate zone 140 is located near the head
of the bed. In one example embodiment, side climate zones 110, foot
climate zone 120, and cervical-spine climate zone 140 are used as
warming zones. In this example embodiment, central climate zone 130
is used as a cooling zone.
[0017] In an example embodiment, a zone may be warmed or cooled via
a thermoelectric energy source (not shown) to provide warming or
cooling to these zones. Warming or cooling may be provided in any
number of ways, including for example via air flow, other types of
fluid flow, or electrical resistance. The thermoelectric energy
source may be used to simultaneously provide warming and cooling
capacity to different zones. Alternatively, a plurality of
thermoelectric energy sources may be implemented in order to have a
dedicated energy source for warming and cooling, respectively.
[0018] In the example above, side climate zones 110, foot climate
zone 120, and cervical-spine climate zone 140 are designated as
warming zones, while central zone 130 is designated as a cooling
zone. This example setup may be useful for increasing blood flow
throughout the body by, for example, warming the extremities of the
body as well as the cervical spine to promote blood flow. The
increased blood flow would facilitate cooling from the central zone
130, as increased blood flow would lead to an increase in heat
transfer from the sleeper to the bed.
[0019] In other example embodiments, more zones or fewer zones may
be utilized by bed 100. Additionally, each zone may be designated
as a cooling or warming zone. In some embodiments, the temperature
of each zone may be varied according to the needs of the user. For
example, if the user is exceedingly cool when first getting onto
bed 100, all of the zones may be turned to their warming functions.
As the user's temperature rises, the temperatures of the zones may
be adjusted accordingly.
[0020] Monitoring the user may be done in a variety of ways. FIG. 2
shows an example embodiment of a user 210 in a sleeping position.
The user is depicted as being fully clothed, but of course user 210
is likely to be dressed in appropriate sleep attire. In an example
embodiment, user 210 is wearing a first sensor 220. First sensor
220 is shown as being attached to the arm of user 210, however the
sensor may be placed in any other suitable location. Sensor 220 may
measure a variety of physiological properties, including for
example temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and motion. Sensor
220 may be incorporated into a device such as a wrist band, forearm
band, or the like.
[0021] FIG. 2. discloses additional sensors as well. For example, a
leg sensor 230 is shown attached to the user near the ankle. Leg
sensor 230 may be placed on the calf or ankle such that it contacts
non-glabrous skin and provides a temperature measurement for that
type of skin. An additional sensor may be located on glabrous skin
in order to provide a temperature comparison between the user's
glabrous and non-glabrous skin, which may be interpreted as an
indication of the level of blood flow to glabrous skin and of the
status of the thermoregulatory function, especially in relation to
the circadian cycle. For example, glabrous sensor 240 may be placed
on the hands or feet to measure the temperature of the glabrous
skin at those locations. Additionally, a finger clip pulse oximeter
may be incorporated into, for example, sensor 240 for use on the
user's finger. Additional sensors may be incorporated at other
locations of the user's body.
[0022] FIG. 2 also depicts a pillow 260. In some embodiments,
pillow 260 can function as an energy source providing either
warming or cooling energy. Pillow 260, while shown in the form of a
pillow, may also take the form of a heating/cooling blanket or pad
or any other type of object or article that can be placed on the
sleeping surface of the bed. Pillow 260 can be located in or
comprise a climate zone, yet need not be in a particular location
on the bed; rather, it may be located at any area of the bed that
provides some sort of thermodynamic interaction with the sleeper.
For example, pillow 260 may be placed next to the sleeper, abutting
the sleeper's sides and/or arm.
[0023] The various sensors described above can be connected
directly or wirelessly to a control system. FIG. 3 discloses
control system 300, which can include controller 350 and
thermoelectric controller 360. In an example embodiment, control
system 300 is responsible for receiving inputs from all available
sensors, determining which zones to heat/cool, and instructing the
thermoelectric energy source to perform particular heating and/or
cooling actions. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, controller
350 is configured to receive power inputs 310, temperature inputs
320, and non-temperature physiological inputs 330. Power inputs 310
may include, for example, a connector that plugs into a power
outlet near the bed. Temperature inputs 320 include any temperature
sensors on glabrous and/or non-glabrous skin of the user.
Non-temperature physiological inputs 330 may include measurements
of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and so on. Other
physiological inputs may be incorporated into the design as well.
The particular number of input ports shown in FIG. 3 is not
intended to be limiting--any number of sensors may be used.
[0024] In an example embodiment, controller 350 receives various
inputs and determines, via a logic processor 340, how to heat
and/or cool various zones of bed 100. For example, logic processor
340 may be capable of determining sleep onset based on information
gathered from the user using predetermined sleep factors.
Predetermined sleep factors include any factor relevant to the
user's sleep. Examples include the circadian cycle of temperature
variation, the time of day or night, the user's temperature on
glabrous or non-glabrous skin sites, the user's heart rate, blood
pressure, or blood oxygen levels, and so on. Logic processor 340
can be equipped with data regarding the natural circadian cycle of
temperature variation. Using that data and comparing it to the data
measured from the user, logic processor 340 can determine the
appropriate method of facilitating sleep for the user. After
determining a method of facilitating sleep, logic processor 340
causes controller 350 to communicate instructions to thermoelectric
controller 360 via an electrical interface 370. Thermoelectric
controller 360 is capable of relaying instructions to the
thermoelectric device itself, which provides heating or cooling as
desired. The controller 350 may also be equipped with a data
logging or recording function to retain information about a sleeper
during sleep and may be recovered at a later time for analysis.
[0025] In another embodiment, control system 300 is capable of
receiving inputs directly from the user. For example, if the user
feels too cold to sleep, the user can indicate this to control
system 300, which will take appropriate measures based on a
predetermined programmed response. Control system 300 may combine
the inputs from a user with other factors to determine the optimal
method of heating and/or cooling the bed.
[0026] FIG. 4 discloses a thermoelectric device 400 for use in the
example embodiments described above, as well as other embodiments.
Thermoelectric device 400 is capable of providing warming and/or
cooling capacity to different areas of the bed. In an example
embodiment, thermoelectric device 400 includes an energy source
410. Energy source 410 may use, for example, electrical energy in
order to heat or cool a fluid. While FIG. 4 shows energy source 410
as a single device that provides both heating and cooling services,
it may alternatively comprise two devices that are responsible for
heating and cooling, respectively. In one embodiment, energy source
410 uses heat created by cooling a fluid in conjunction with the
cooled fluid to simultaneously warm and cool different locations of
the bed.
[0027] In an example embodiment, energy source 410 can be
operatively connected to pipes that carry heated or cooled fluid to
various areas of the bed. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a cold-side
air duct 420 and a warm-side air duct 430 is depicted. The
cold-side air duct 420 is attached to energy source 410 such that a
cooling air flow 440 is directed through cold-side air duct 420.
Cooling air flow 440 may be directed to multiple different zones of
the bed depending on the needs of the user. The warm-side air duct
430 is attached to energy source 410 such that a warming air flow
450 is directed through warm-side air duct 430. Warming air flow
450 may be directed to multiple different zones of the bed
depending on the needs of the user. Cooling air flow 440 and
warming air flow 450 may be sent to different areas of the bed
simultaneously.
[0028] While specific embodiments have been described in detail in
the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that various modifications and alternatives to those
details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that the scope of the present disclosure is
not limited to the particular examples and implementations
disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the
spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any
and all equivalents thereof.
* * * * *