Implementation of capacitive touch sensing safety system for electric adjustable beds

摘要

Electric adjustable beds may be dangerous if used without good and effective safety system. Many safety solutions were developed, but none of them can provide a complete protection against injuries. We have developed a new protection system for electric adjustable beds to ensure the safety of the users and their pet animals when using these beds. This safety system applies capacitive touch sensing technique on all metal parts of the bed base in addition to the perimeter of the bed frame to stop the bed if a human or an animal touches these parts. Enabling capacitive touch sensing on this large metal surface besides manufacturing constrains, is a challenging problem. This paper addresses the design of this embedded safety system and illustrates solution of the problems associated with implementing capacitive touch sensing technique in electric adjustable beds.