Patient support, wheelchair with patient support, and method for automatic calibration of a patient support - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a patient support (101), preferably a seat cushion, comprising a support area (1) having a base (2), a plurality of fluid cells (3) arranged on the seat side of the base (2), a pump (4), and a control unit (5), wherein one or more fluid cells (3) each define a pressure zone (6), each pressure zone (6) being connected to the pump (4) by at least one zone valve (7), each zone valve (7) being operable by the control unit (5) so that the pressure in each pressure zone (6) can be set by the control unit (5), and the patient support (101) is characterized in that it comprises at least one pressure sensor (8) for measuring the pressure in at least one pressure zone (6), preferably at least one pressure sensor (8) per pressure zone (6).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient support, a wheelchair equipped with a patient support, and a method for automatic calibration of a patient support. [Background technology]

[0002] Pressure ulcers are tissue injuries caused by prolonged pressure and shear stress, which typically occur in immobile patients, such as those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound.

[0003] In the state of the art, patient supports consisting of a number of fluid cushions are known, which can be pressurized to a specific pressure so that a patient placed on the fluid cushions is not subjected to a constant pressure load even when immobile.

[0004] EP 2892489 A1 discloses a uniformly inflatable mattress with pressure sensors for supporting a patient and preventing bedsores.

[0005] EP 1 643 882 A1 discloses a cellular cushion and a method for manufacturing the cellular cushion that increases the surface area for supporting a seated person so as to ensure blood circulation through the tissues.

[0006] EP 2731567 A1 relates to a patient / invalid carrier which proposes pressure distribution on the patient by means of a number of inflatable cushions.

[0007] However, known patient supports are inflexible and cannot easily adjust to the patient's anatomy, making it difficult to provide targeted relief to specific areas.

[0008] The current state of the art lacks a patient support that allows for simple and intuitive operation and can be used flexibly to prevent damage to the patient's tissues, particularly due to lack of blood flow to the tissues.

[0009] Additionally, the current technology lacks a patient support that prevents the patient from being positioned to one side. The current technology also lacks an adaptable patient support that accommodates the orientation and positioning of the patient on the patient support and / or the patient's individual needs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the present invention is intended to provide a simple patient support for relieving pressure on vulnerable areas of a patient. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to provide an automated patient support, particularly one that can individually relieve particularly vulnerable areas of a patient without compromising seating stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This problem is solved by a patient support, a wheelchair and a method as defined in the independent claims. Further embodiments result from the dependent claims.

[0012] The patient support according to the present invention comprises a support region having a base, a plurality of fluid cells, a pump, and a control unit. Preferably, the patient support is a seat cushion, e.g., a cushion. The plurality of fluid cells are arranged on the seat side of the patient support. The one or more fluid cells each define a pressure zone. Each pressure zone is connected to the pump by at least one zone valve. Each zone valve can be independently operated by the control unit, such that the pressure in each pressure zone can be adjusted by the control unit. The patient support comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in at least one pressure zone. Preferably, at least one pressure sensor is arranged for each pressure zone.

[0013] The term "protection / relief" in this context means that multiple regions of a patient are subjected to less than the total and / or point pressure on that region, which can be achieved, for example, by distributing the gravitational forces over a larger area and / or exposing other regions to more pressure to compensate for the gravitational forces acting on the protected / relieved region.

[0014] The term "support" in this context means that the patient's area is supported evenly over as large an area as possible so that stable positioning is possible.

[0015] The patient support may also include an energy storage device for the power supply, such as an accumulator, which has the advantage that the patient support can be used while moving and is not dependent on a local power source.

[0016] Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be located in the pump, in the fluid cell, at the feed to the pressure zone, or at the feed to the fluid cell of the pump.

[0017] The pressure sensor may be fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to several pressure zones, preferably via a common supply of the pressure zones, which may preferably be selectively connected to the pressure sensor, for example via valves, in particular zone valves.

[0018] This means that with exactly one pressure sensor, in particular exactly one pressure sensor, it is possible to measure several pressure zones depending on the opening state of the valve, in particular the zone valve. For example, if only one zone valve is open, the pressures in the different pressure zones can be measured independently of each other.

[0019] The pressure sensor can be located in the supply or pressure zone, preferably in the fluid cell, in particular adjacent to the inlet and / or outlet valve, thereby simplifying the electrical setup. In particular, the pressure sensor can be located in the direction of gas flow during pressurization, after the zone valve, after the inlet valve, or before the outlet valve.

[0020] One or more pressure zones can comprise at least two fluid cells fluidly connected to each other, which allows for a less complex design of the patient support since fewer valves and / or supply lines are required.

[0021] Alternatively, each pressure zone may be formed by exactly one fluid cell. At least two fluid cells of a pressure zone can be positioned directly adjacent to each other. Preferably, a pressure zone having at least two fluid cells has a common source of fluid under pressure to pressurize them together, which can simplify the design of the patient support.

[0022] Furthermore, at least two fluidly connected fluid cells of a pressure zone can be spaced apart from one another by at least one other fluid cell of another pressure zone, which allows for a simpler design of the patient support, as several spaced apart fluid cells can be exposed to the same pressure of a pressure zone without the need for separate components, in particular valves.

[0023] The fluid cell may be formed integrally with the seating side of the base, in particular with the entire base, such that the fluid cell is spatially fixed relative to the base.

[0024] Alternatively, the fluid cell may be completely surrounded by an inner wall of the fluid cell and have at least one opening for a supply fluid and / or connection to another fluid cell. Such a fluid cell may be connected to the base only by a supply. However, the fluid cell is preferably fixed in a certain shape relative to the base.

[0025] The patient support may include a subsidence sensor adapted to detect a subsidence depth, for example, the subsidence sensor may be adapted to detect whether a predetermined subsidence depth has been exceeded.

[0026] The subsidence depth can be detected as the curvature or angle of the interior wall section, or the reduction in the distance between two interior wall sections or the partial section between two interior wall sections, particularly relative to the maximum distance between the two interior wall sections or partial sections.

[0027] The inner end wall section is adjacent to the support area so that the sink depth can be detected in an essentially vertical operating position of the patient support.

[0028] The penetration sensor may comprise a non-contact measuring device, in particular an optical or acoustic device. In particular, the penetration sensor may comprise an interferometer, a light barrier or a transit time measuring device.

[0029] The submersion sensor can be located partially or completely within the pressure zone, in particular the fluid cell.

[0030] The submersion sensor may be configured to detect contact between at least one inner wall section of the fluid cell and another element, which may preferably be the fluid cell, the base, and / or an opposing inner wall section of the submersion sensor.

[0031] The subsidence sensor can be placed in just one fluid cell or in several fluid cells, for example in the central region of the patient support, which can save material costs and allow the patient support to be calibrated based on the area of ​​the patient that subsides the most.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the subsidence sensor can be positioned in the rear half of the patient support, preferably the rear third of the patient support, and / or in the side regions, so as to detect subsidence of the ischial tuberosities and / or coccyx region.

[0033] For example, contact can be detected by the closure of an electrical circuit by at least two electrodes of the submersion sensor, where one of the two electrodes can be located on the inner wall section of the fluid cell, the base, or one of the submersion sensors, and the other of the two electrodes can be located on the same or a different one of the inner wall section, the base, or the submersion sensor.

[0034] Such a submersion sensor can therefore be particularly reliable and robust in the event of a malfunction, since it has a simple design and contains few parts that can move relative to one another. Furthermore, the submersion sensor is independent of environmental influences that can affect, for example, capacitive sensors.

[0035] The penetration sensor can also be designed to determine the spatial location of the contact, for example by having a network of contacts.

[0036] The submersion sensor may alternatively or additionally comprise a resistive, inductive or capacitive sensor for detecting contact.

[0037] The submergence sensor may comprise two sections that are at least partially movable relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the submergence sensor may be at least partially deformable in one direction. Preferably, the submergence sensor is configured to trigger before a maximum submergence depth is reached.

[0038] This allows the subsidence sensor to detect the patient's risk area before it is no longer adequately protected / mitigated.

[0039] The two sections of the submersion sensor can move perpendicular to each other. Such a subduction sensor can be triggered by a predetermined deformation of the subduction sensor.

[0040] The subduction sensor can be elastically deformable so that it returns to its original shape when the deforming force acting on it is removed. The elastically deformable subduction sensor also makes it possible to provide a certain cushioning effect to the patient in the event of a defect.

[0041] The patient support portion may be a seat cushion and may be designed for use with a wheelchair. The seat cushion may have a maximum extension of up to 65 cm, preferably up to 55 cm, in a direction parallel to the support area.

[0042] Patients sitting in wheelchairs place particular strain on the ischial region, especially the ischial eminence and coccyx region. A seat cushion dimensioned for wheelchairs allows the patient to optimally change position and can prevent damage to tissues overlying the ischial eminence region, for example.

[0043] The patient support may have a thickness perpendicular to the support area in the range of 4 cm to 20 cm, in particular in the range of 4 cm to 15 cm or 4 cm to 10 cm.

[0044] Such sizing of the patient support portion allows for easy transportation of the patient support portion. Furthermore, pressure distribution on the patient can be optimized by maximizing the contact area of ​​the patient support portion and therefore protecting vulnerable areas by making the patient support portion wide enough to conform to the contours of the patient.

[0045] At least one pressure zone may have a different shape or surface area in plan view than another pressure zone.

[0046] Additionally, one fluid cell of a pressure zone may have a different shape or surface area of ​​the patient support in plan view, particularly compared to another fluid cell of the same pressure zone.

[0047] The different shapes or surface areas of the pressure zones / fluid cells allow the pressure zones / fluid cells to better conform to particularly vulnerable areas and the contours of the patient.

[0048] One or more pressure zones / fluid cells may form a support structure around the pressure zones to hold them in place, for example to cushion particularly vulnerable parts of the patient.

[0049] The patient support can have an outlet valve and an inlet valve. The inlet valve can be fluidly connected to a pump. The outlet valve and the inlet valve can be fluidly connected to at least one zone valve, preferably at least two zone valves, and particularly preferably all zone valves.

[0050] Preferably, the patient support has exactly one outlet valve and / or preferably exactly one inlet valve, which has the advantage that the number of valves required in the patient support can be reduced: separate outlet and inlet valves for each pressure zone are not required, as only one additional zone valve per zone is sufficient.

[0051] Additionally, the patient support may have a three-way valve such that the functions of the outlet valve and the inlet valve may be performed by the three-way valve.

[0052] At least one valve, and preferably all valves, of the group of inlet valves, outlet valves and zone valves may be normally closeable and preferably comprise a check valve assembly.

[0053] Backflow of fluid can be prevented by the mechanical reset element of the check valve assembly, in particular comprising a spring and a seal, so that active energization of the valve in the closed state is not required.

[0054] The de-energized shut-off valve is less susceptible to failure and also ensures that fluid cannot completely exit the pressure zone in the event of a power loss.

[0055] The pump and / or exhaust silencer may have a noise level during operation of less than 30 dB, preferably less than 25 dB, particularly preferably less than 20 dB, measured for example at a maximum distance of 1 m from the patient support.

[0056] The low noise level of the pump and / or exhaust silencer allows the patient support to be operated during daily activities or sleep without disturbing the patient or nearby people, especially in a work environment.

[0057] The pump can be a diaphragm or ultrasonic pump. Diaphragm pumps are particularly insensitive to continuous stress and contamination. This allows for a more durable patient support despite prolonged operation.

[0058] The patient support can include a resilient cover that can conform to the contours of the fluid cell without creating significant forces parallel to the support area when the weight of the patient is applied to the cover.

[0059] A large force in this context can typically be understood as a force parallel to the support area, the amount of which is less than about 5% of the amount of patient weight force acting on the cover. Additionally or alternatively, the cover can also be designed so that less than 30%, particularly less than 20%, of the contact pressure is generated by the patient's weight force in the cover.

[0060] By applying a low force parallel or perpendicular to the support area, tensile stresses in the cover can be minimized, avoiding the so-called hammock effect, which is a support effect on the patient caused by the cover that can distort the desired support effect of the fluid cell.

[0061] The coating can include a macroscopically stretchable structure, which can include stitched or folded regions, protrusions, and / or recesses, that allows for a reduction in tensile stress in the cover when subjected to forces, particularly the weight of a patient.

[0062] Such a cover provides the patient with the greatest possible point-elastic support through the fluid cell while lying down, avoiding tension on the cover. The cover also keeps the patient away from the fluid cell material, which is often not very breathable, allowing the overlying tissue to be better ventilated.

[0063] The cover may be breathable, which allows moisture to be more easily removed from the support area and improves ventilation of the overlying patient area.

[0064] The coating may comprise or consist of a plastic, in particular a foam, preferably an open cell / open pore foam.

[0065] The patient support may include at least one humidity and / or temperature sensor for measuring humidity and / or temperature on the seat side of the base.

[0066] The control unit may be configured to regulate the supply / extraction of air from / to the spaces between the fluid cells based on the measured humidity and / or temperature, in particular by means of at least one additional ventilation valve.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the patient support can include a visual or audible notification element that can be activated by the control unit. The notification element can indicate an excess or failure of a measurement value by a light source or an audible speaker. For example, if a zone valve is defective, or if the temperature, humidity, and / or pressure of a fluid cell / pressure zone is too low or too high, an audible alarm can indicate the failure.

[0068] Such moisture and / or temperature sensors can detect increased skin moisture / occurrence of skin moisture at an early stage, which represents an additional risk factor for the occurrence of tissue damage to the patient.

[0069] The patient support may include a vent for supplying and / or removing fluids on the seat side of the base, which may be operable by a pump.

[0070] The ventilation device may be switchable and / or adjustable, preferably by a control unit, based on user input, humidity measurements from a humidity sensor, and / or temperature measurements from a temperature sensor.

[0071] The ventilation device can include, for example, a ventilation system having a fan, a pump, and a fluid inlet and outlet, such that fluid can be removed from or supplied to the seating area by the ventilation device.

[0072] The fluid supply / fluid exhaust can be connected to the space between the fluid cells, preferably multiple spaces, for example, via a ventilation valve. Furthermore, the fluid supply / fluid exhaust can have multiple fluid supply channels that lead to different spaces between the fluid cells within the seating area.

[0073] The ventilation device may further comprise a dehumidification unit configured to reduce the moisture content of the supplied fluid by methods known to those skilled in the art, in particular based on heat exchange.

[0074] In this regard, it is also contemplated that the ventilation device may be configured to dehumidify the interior of the fluid cell, valve and / or supply, for example to compensate for condensation caused by pressure differences.

[0075] The control unit or the additional computing device of the patient support can be designed to detect temporal pressure changes in at least one pressure zone by means of at least one pressure sensor and / or sinkage sensor and assign them to an activity pattern. For example, the control unit can measure pressure values ​​at regular time intervals. Alternatively, it can measure the frequency of pressure changes, such as may occur during sports.

[0076] Pressure changes over time can be recorded, for example, by repeated measurements within a predetermined time interval or by detecting the time of the pressure change as a function of when a predetermined pressure change is exceeded.

[0077] In this context, an activity pattern is typically a temporal sequence of pressure changes within a pressure zone caused by patient movement having a defined periodicity and / or intensity.

[0078] For example, low intensity pressure changes that occur rarely over long periods of time, such as when a patient is sleeping, can be assigned to a particular activity pattern.

[0079] The activity patterns may include activity patterns for high activity, such as exercise, medium activity, such as eating or reading, and / or low activity, such as rest or sleep. Activity patterns may also be assigned to the patient's individual movement patterns.

[0080] The activity pattern can be assigned using a predetermined algorithm, particularly by exceeding a predetermined threshold. The threshold can represent, for example, a predetermined frequency, periodicity, and / or intensity of pressure changes within a predetermined period of time. The algorithm can also be adapted to the patient's weight.

[0081] Alternatively, activity patterns can be assigned through machine learning classification.

[0082] The algorithm or machine classification for assigning activity patterns can be patient-specific, based in particular on the patient's anatomy.

[0083] By assigning a unique activity pattern, the control unit can optimize control to prevent tissue damage for each patient activity.

[0084] The patient support can be operated in first and second operating modes. It is also contemplated that additional operating modes can be provided. The control unit can be configured to control the pressurization of the pressure zones such that the first operating mode has a first pressure ratio between at least two pressure zones. In the second operating mode, a second pressure ratio different from the first pressure ratio can be set between the two pressure zones.

[0085] The control unit may be configured to change the operating mode based on the detection of a particular activity pattern.

[0086] The different operating modes allow for individual adjustment of the pressure on the patient support according to the patient's needs.

[0087] The control unit can be designed such that in the first or second operating mode, a time-repeated pressurization and depressurization of at least one pressure zone, in particular a group of pressure zones, takes place.

[0088] Varying the pressure over time prevents the patient from being subjected to long-term unilateral stress, thus minimizing tissue damage.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be designed such that a patient activity pattern is detected in the first or second operating mode and the pressurization of the pressure zones is adapted to this activity pattern.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be designed such that in the first or second operating mode pressurization of the pressure zones occurs for stable positioning of the patient.

[0091] The patient support is therefore suitable for a wide range of applications with different patient activity patterns.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be designed such that in the first or second operating mode pressurization of the fluid cells, preferably all fluid cells, to a maximum pressure occurs.

[0093] Pressurization to maximum pressure can make it easier to transport the patient to and from the patient support.

[0094] The seat side of the base may be free of fluid cells in one area. Preferably, the edge or adjacent area of ​​the base is designed without fluid cells. The control unit and / or pump can be located in this area of ​​the base.

[0095] Certain areas of the patient support often do not accommodate particularly vulnerable parts of the patient, and so these areas do not necessarily need to be supported by fluid cells. By locating the control unit / pump in one of these areas, a more compact patient support can be provided.

[0096] The control unit and / or pump may be partially or completely disposed in a common plane with the plurality of fluid cells, thus allowing the patient support to have a reduced thickness perpendicular to the base.

[0097] In particular, the control unit and / or the pump can be arranged in an area of ​​the patient support intended to accommodate a part of the patient in the operating position, in particular where there is no risk of tissue damage.

[0098] Areas of the patient that are not at particular risk are typically areas that are away from the patient's center of gravity and / or have a uniform weight distribution. For a seated patient, an area that is not at particular risk is, for example, the lower legs.

[0099] The patient support may have a pressure port, and when additional devices are connected to the patient support via the pressure port, at least one additional device may be pressurized by a pump via the pressure port.

[0100] The pressure port can be closed under normal conditions and can only be opened by connecting additional equipment.

[0101] The additional device may be an extension of the patient support and may be connected to the patient support and in particular comprises one or more fluid cells forming at least one pressure zone.

[0102] Thus, the patient support can be easily expanded and adapted for a wide range of other uses. The system may include a patient support as described above and such an additional device. Thus, for example, the system may support the patient's buttocks with the patient support and also support the patient's back with the additional device. The additional device may be another patient support.

[0103] An overpressure valve may be assigned to at least one fluid cell and / or pressure zone, preferably at least one fluid cell per pressure zone.

[0104] The overpressure valve can prevent load peaks in the fluid cells or pressure zones and thus prevent damage to the patient support.

[0105] The fluid cell may comprise or consist of a. Preferred plastics are silicone, vulcanized rubber, polyurethane, polychloroprene, poly(organo)siloxane, polyisoprene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and / or polyester. The fluid cell preferably comprises or consists of a film material, in particular a plastic film. The plastic film preferably comprises or consists of one of the aforementioned plastics.

[0106] These plastics are airtight and fully elastically deformable. The base may also consist of or include the described plastic material, allowing for a flexible base for the patient support, so that it can optimally fit to the support area, in particular the seating surface, such as the seating surface of a wheelchair.

[0107] The patient support may include a wireless communication interface for transmitting patient support status data and / or receiving user input data, particularly for selecting an operating mode for operating the patient support.

[0108] Such a wireless communication interface allows for uncomplicated monitoring of patient positioning status data and more convenient operation with user input.

[0109] The wireless communication interface is preferably capable of communicating with a user's terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop in the frequency band of 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz.

[0110] The patient support may include a data memory and a calculation unit. The calculation unit may be used to calculate at least one target pressure value for at least one pressure zone based on at least one measurement value of the subsidence sensor and / or the pressure sensor. The measurement value and / or the target pressure value may be stored in the data memory. The control unit may be used to set the pressure in the at least one pressure zone based on the target pressure value.

[0111] The pressure in the fluid cells or pressure zones may be adjustable for a particular patient. In particular, the pressure may be adjustable based on pressure values ​​previously measured by the sensors, particularly pressure values ​​based on previous calibrations. In this way, the patient support can provide optimized, individualized support for each patient.

[0112] The wheelchair may include a patient support as described above. The present invention further relates to a method for automatic calibration of a patient support, preferably used to calibrate a patient support as described above, the method comprising placing a patient on the patient support and applying a weight force to the patient support.

[0113] The pressure in at least one pressure zone is changed. A pressure at which the subsidence sensor detects seating is determined. The seating can be detected by the subsidence sensor described above. In particular, the seating can mean that an inner wall section of at least one fluid cell in the pressure zone contacts another element, preferably an opposite inner wall section of the fluid cell, a base, and / or a subsidence sensor.

[0114] The determined pressure is stored. When the pressure in at least one pressure zone is varied, the penetration depth can be measured as a function of pressure. By measuring the penetration depth, the calibration can be further optimized.

[0115] This procedure can be repeated for another pressure zone, multiple pressure zones, particularly 2-5 pressure zones, or all pressure zones.

[0116] Such a method can be used to automatically adapt the patient support to the individual needs of the patient. Depending on the patient's anatomy, particularly weight, height, and weight distribution across the fluid cells / pressure zones, different pressures are measured at which the sinkage sensors detect the pressure zones.

[0117] The operating mode can be adapted to the patient based on these values, for example a minimum pressure in the fluid cell can be set to prevent the patient from sinking during use.

[0118] The target pressure value for at least one pressure zone can be determined based on the determined pressure of the pressure sensor detected by the subsidence sensor. Determining the target pressure values ​​for the pressure zones allows for patient-specific adaptation of the individual pressure zones.

[0119] The subsidence sensor can be disposed in the pressure zone, and the pressure of the pressure zone and at least one adjacent pressure zone can be adjusted based on the determined pressure of the pressure sensor detected by the subsidence sensor.

[0120] Thus, not only can pressure changes in a fluid cell / pressure zone be taken into account, but also the interaction of pressure changes in a fluid cell / pressure zone on nearby, particularly adjacent, pressure zones, making it possible to specifically relieve or load a particular pressure zone by increasing or decreasing the pressure in at least one adjacent pressure zone.

[0121] The present invention is described below with reference to particular embodiments and figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0122] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a patient support. [Figure 2A] 2 is a cross section D of the patient support of FIG. 1 with no force applied. [Figure 2B] 2 is a cross section D of the patient support of FIG. 1 applying a force. [Figure 2C] 2 is a cross section C of the patient support of FIG. 1 under the action of a force. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a patient support with ventilation. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of a patient support with a cover without a force acting parallel to the cover. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of a patient support with a cover with a force acting parallel to the cover. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a fluid cell with a submerged sensor in its cross section. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of a fluid cell with a submerged sensor in its cross section. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective side view of a wheelchair having the embodiment of the patient support shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a valve control unit of the patient support according to FIGS. 2A-2C. [Figure 7B] 4 is a schematic diagram of a valve control unit of the patient support according to FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a user terminal for communicating with a patient support. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a valve. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a valve. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a valve. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 shows a second embodiment of a valve. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 shows a second embodiment of a valve. [Figure 10C] FIG. 1 shows a second embodiment of a valve. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of a third embodiment of a patient support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0123] 1 shows a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a patient support 101 in the form of a seat cushion. This embodiment of the patient support 101 is intended for use with a wheelchair and has a seat area 1 disposed on a base 2 of the patient support 101. The base 2 is made of a flexible material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or rubber, so that it can conform to the contours of the support, for example, a wheelchair. This also makes the patient support 101 easier to transport.

[0124] The patient support part 101 has a control area T in which the control unit is arranged. The control area T is arranged on one edge of the patient support part 101 so that the patient's lower legs can be placed on it, as this part of the body is particularly free from the risk of bedsores. The control area T only has a flexible cushion for cushioning the patient and does not have a fluid cell 3. However, it is alternatively conceivable to equip the control area with one or more fluid cells or pressure zones. The patient is adequately supported by the flexible cushion and separated from the electronic components and the pump in the control area T.

[0125] Furthermore, the patient support portion 101 includes a plurality of fluid cells 3 made of polyurethane film that, together with the control region T, form the seat region 1 and are physically coupled to the base 2. The fluid cells 3 in FIG. 1 each form a pressure zone 6. FIG. 1 further illustrates seven pressure zones 6 for the primary support portion P and four pressure zones 6 for the secondary support portion S. However, it is conceivable that the regions of the primary support portion P and the secondary support portion S may include pressure zones formed by several fluid cells 3 (see FIG. 11). The fluid cells 3 are shaped differently to better support the patient. The geometry and size of the fluid cells 3 are adapted to the patient's support requirements. The ischial tuberosity and the patient's coccyx region are particularly cushioned by the primary support portion P, as these regions represent body parts particularly at risk for pressure ulcers. Some side surfaces 104 of the fluid cells 3 of the primary support portion P and the secondary support portion S are partially shaped at an angle relative to the rectangular edge region of the base 2 in a plan view to enclose the risk region. In this way, patient support can be optimized.

[0126] The pressure port 24 is provided in the rear region of the patient support 101 and is intended to be connected to another device to supply compressed air. For example, the patient's back can be supported by a device that can be pressurized with compressed air, in particular another patient support that can be connected to the patient support 101. A schematic cross section D shown in FIG. 1 through the central fluid cell 3 of the patient support 101 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. A cross section C shown in FIG. 1 at an edge region of the patient support 101 is shown in FIG. 2C.

[0127] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the patient support 101 of FIG. 1 without applying force. An elastic cover 15 is positioned over the seat area 1 and can conform to the contours 32 of the fluid cell 3 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The patient support 101 also includes an electronic control unit 5 located within the control area T. A flexible foam cushion 51 is positioned above the control unit 5 and covers the entire control area T. The control area T does not include a fluid cell 3. A pump 4 is located inside the control unit 5, which allows the fluid cell 3 to be pressurized with compressed air. The pump 4 draws in ambient air and supplies it to the fluid cell 3 via a supply line 27. The pump 4 is a piezoelectric ultrasonic pump known to those skilled in the art, which generates a noise level of less than 20 dB at a distance of 1 meter during operation. The control unit 5 also includes a pressure gauge 8 for measuring the pressure in the pressure zone 6. In FIGS. 2A-2C, the pressure gauge 8 is connected to the control unit 5 and is positioned at the end of the supply section 27 so that it can be fluidly connected to the pressure zone 6 to measure the pressure. 2A-2C, pressure gauges 8 can be connected to the different pressure zones 6 by valves controllable by the control unit 5 (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) to measure the pressure in the pressure zones 6. As the zone valves and the inlet and outlet valves are all located in the area of ​​the control device 5, no additional lines are needed through the base 2 to control the valves. However, in an alternative embodiment, each pressure zone has its own pressure gauge (see FIG. 7).

[0128] Additionally, each of the two central fluid cells 3 of the pressure zone 6 for the primary support P has a submergence sensor 9 connected to the control unit 5 that detects when a predetermined submergence depth of the fluid cell 3 is exceeded (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The submergence sensor 9 in FIGS. 2A and 2B is located in a lower region of the fluid cell 3 adjacent to the base 2, thereby enabling detection of exceeding a submergence depth in the ischial or coccygeal regions of a patient who submerges particularly deeply. In FIG. 2B, this predetermined submergence depth is achieved by the inner wall section 30 of the fluid cell contacting the submergence sensor 9, thereby closing an electrical contact (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The control unit 5 is configured to control the pump 4 based on the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 8 and / or the submergence depth of the submergence sensor 9. The individual pressure zones 6 can be individually supplied with compressed air by the pump 4 via individual supply lines 27 with individual zone valves 7 (see FIG. 7).

[0129] For better visibility, only the compressed air supply lines 27 to the pressure zones 6 in the primary support region P extending into the base 2 are shown in Figures 2A-2C. However, the three fluid cells 3 in Figure 2B for the primary support P can each be separately pressurized by a supply line 27. Each of the supply lines 27 has a zone valve in the area of ​​the control device 5, which allows the supply line to be selectively pressurized. The primary region P is shown in Figures 2A and 2B with dotted lines for better visibility. The fluid cells 3 are each connected to the base 2. Alternatively, the fluid cells 3 forming a common pressure zone 6 can be fluidly connected to each other by at least one line (see Figure 11).

[0130] FIG. 2A shows the patient support 101 without forces so that no deformation of the seat area 1 occurs.

[0131] FIG. 2B illustrates the patient support 101 with the weight force 16 of the patient 11 acting in a first operating mode 21. In this exemplary first operating mode 21 of FIG. 2B, the control unit 5 is configured to support the patient 11 as evenly as possible with the fluid cell 3 while avoiding submersion of the patient 11. In principle, the patient 11 should not be supported on a hard surface, except for calibration, but rather by the fluid cell. In particular, the patient should not normally submerge on the surface of the submersion sensor 9. However, the control unit 5 in the first operating mode 21 is configured to ensure the highest possible submersion depth during proper operation without activating the submersion sensor 9, so that the support surface supporting the patient 11 can be maximized.

[0132] For this purpose, the control unit 5 can be calibrated by reducing the pressure in at least one fluid cell 3. The submersion sensor 9 can thus detect in which fluid cell 3, and preferably at which pressure value of the manometer 8, the patient 11 exceeds a predetermined submersion depth. Exceeding the predetermined submersion depth, i.e., pressure value, is indicated in FIG. 2B by contact between the upper inner wall section 30 of the fluid cell 3, which is deflected by the gravitational force 16, and the submersion sensor 9. When the predetermined submersion depth is exceeded, the electrical contacts of the electrical circuit of the submersion sensor 9 close, and the submersion sensor 9 is activated.

[0133] Alternatively, detection can be accomplished by breaking an electrical contact. Furthermore, calibration using initially unpressurized fluid cells 3 / pressure zones 6 is also conceivable. For such a calibration, the pressure in the fluid cells 3 is increased instead of decreased. Meanwhile, the remaining fluid cells 3 can be pressurized at a reference pressure, in particular a minimum or maximum pressure. Thus, the submersion sensor 9 detects the pressure at which the gravitational force 16 causes the inner wall section 30 to no longer contact the submersion sensor 9, for example, due to the loss of the submersion sensor 9 or the establishment of electrical contact. Thus, the circuit can be closed or open when the inner wall section 30 contacts the submersion sensor 9, and conversely, open or closed when the inner wall section 30 is removed from the submersion sensor 9.

[0134] The control unit 5 can be calibrated for each patient based on this detected value or multiple such values ​​for different fluid cells 3. For this purpose, the control unit 5 has a calculation unit with an internal electronic data memory. In particular, the optimal target pressure value for the fluid cell 3 can be determined by the calculation unit of the patient support 101 and stored in the data memory. In this way, the operating modes 21, 22 can be adapted to the individual needs of the patient 11. The patient-specific values ​​and operating modes 21, 22 are stored in the patient-specific data memory so that recalibration for the same patient 11 is not necessary.

[0135] Furthermore, the aforementioned calibration can ensure that the upper inner wall section 30 of the fluid cell 3 cannot be deflected relative to the base 2 in the operating modes 21, 22. The various pressure zones 6 can be pressurized with compressed air at different pressure ratios relative to each other depending on the operating mode 21, 22.

[0136] FIG. 2C shows a cross section of the patient support 101 with a patient's weight force 16 acting on an edge region of the patient support 101 in a second operating mode 22. In this exemplary second operating mode 22, the control unit 5 is configured to specifically cushion the critical ischial or coccyx region 111 of the patient 11. To this end, the fluid cells 34 of the secondary support S around the fluid cells 33 receiving the critical ischial region 111 of the patient 11 are pressurized with compressed air to a greater extent than the fluid cells 33 receiving the critical ischial region 111. The region of the secondary support S is shown in FIG. 2C as a finely dotted line for better visibility, while the central region of the primary support P is shown as a coarsely dotted line. By varying the support of the region 112 adjacent to the critical region 111, damage to the patient's 11 tissue, particularly the formation of pressure sores, can be avoided. In FIG. 2C, only a single fluid cell 33 forming a pressure zone 6 is shown as an example for containing the critical region 111. However, a pressure zone 6 comprising several fluid cells 3 is also conceivable, which is buffered by one or more adjacent pressure zones 6 (see FIG. 11).

[0137] The patient support 101 also has a number of different such operating modes 21, 22. The control unit 5 is also configured to automatically select and adjust the operating mode 21, 22 based on the patient 11 movements.

[0138] The patient's 11 movements are assigned to activity patterns by measuring temporal pressure changes in the pressure zones 6 with the pressure gauges 8 and / or sink sensors 9. Based on the activity patterns, the operating modes 21, 22 are set or adjusted. Furthermore, the control unit 5 is configured to switch between the operating modes 21, 22 more frequently depending on the assigned activity patterns, thereby avoiding one-sided loading. For activity patterns involving little patient 11 movement, for example, when the patient 11 is at rest or sleeping, the operating modes 21, 22 are changed by the control unit 5 particularly frequently. The change between the operating modes 21, 22 is periodically repeated by the control unit 5.

[0139] For activity patterns involving a lot of movement of the patient 11, for example during sports, different operating modes 21, 22 are automatically set by the control unit 5. The operating modes 21, 22 are also configured by the control unit 5 to optimize patient positioning during high movement by applying significantly more compressed air to the less supportive and vulnerable areas S of the patient support portion 101 than to the central primary support area P.

[0140] The control unit 5 also has a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving data. A user can easily connect a smartphone to the communication interface, preferably via an app. Thus, the user can view status data of the patient support 101, particularly status data or patient data stored in the data memory of the patient support 101. Furthermore, the user can send input to the communication interface, for example, to change the operating modes 21, 22. The computing unit of the control unit 5 is also configured to make patient-specific adjustments to the operating modes 21, 22 based on user input. Based on the user input, specific preferences for controlling the operating modes 21, 22 can be adjusted, such as the time period after which the operating modes 21, 22 are changed. Furthermore, calibration of the patient support can be performed by user input, stored, and automatically assigned to specific users.

[0141] Furthermore, the user can set, for example, operating modes 21, 22 for transporting the patient 11. In these operating modes 21, 22, all fluid cells 3 are fully pressurized with compressed air so that the patient 11 can be easily lifted and / or slid off the patient support 101.

[0142] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a second embodiment of a patient support 101 with a ventilation device 20. The ventilation device 20 is connected to a pump 4, which can operate the ventilation device 20. The ventilation device 20 has multiple accesses 201, 202 to the space 104 between the fluid cells 3. The accesses 201, 202 of the ventilation device 20 extend through the base 2 of the patient support 101. Air circulation from the seat side of the base 2 of the patient support 101 is therefore improved by either air supply or air removal driven by the pump 4. The cover 15 on the fluid cells 3 is designed to be air permeable, thereby allowing for better ventilation of the patient's area above it. This has the advantage of reducing the formation of moisture due to sweating in the overlying area. This therefore reduces the risk of skin softening due to moisture accumulation and the associated loss of skin elasticity.

[0143] FIG. 3 also shows the control unit 5 connected to a humidity sensor 18 and a temperature sensor 19. The humidity sensor 18 and the temperature sensor 19 are partially located in the intermediate space 104 so as to be able to detect the temperature and humidity within the seating area 1 of the patient support 101. Alternatively or additionally, one or more humidity sensors 18 and temperature sensors 19 can be located between the fluid cells 3 in particularly vulnerable areas of the primary support P. The primary support area is shown by dotted lines in FIG. 3 for better visibility. Also connected to the control unit 5, as in FIGS. 2A-2C, is a pressure gauge 8 and a subsidence sensor 9.

[0144] The control unit 5 has a calculation unit that operates the ventilation device 20 based on the humidity and / or temperature measurements of the humidity sensor 18 and the temperature sensor 19. The calculation unit is also configured to control the patient support 101 based on the pressure determined by the pressure gauge 8 and / or the detected sinking depth of the sinking sensor 9, similar to Figures 2A-2C.

[0145] 4A and 4B show a cross-section of a schematic view of a first embodiment of the patient support 101 according to Figures 2A and 2B, having a macroscopically stretchable cover 15. Such a cover can also be used for the second embodiment of Figure 3 or the third embodiment of the patient support 101 of Figure 11.

[0146] 4A, the flexible structure, represented schematically by the jagged pattern, does not deform because no weight forces act on cover 15. Cover 15 may be made, for example, from an open-cell polyurethane foam, allowing low force deformation while allowing air to flow to the overlying patient tissue.

[0147] The flexible structure can be deformed parallel to the conveying surface with little force. The flexible structure can be formed by seams, folds, and / or easily deformable materials.

[0148] In Figure 4B, a gravitational force 16 acts on cover 15. The acting gravitational force 16 causes flexible structure 15 to deform in a direction 17 parallel to cover 15, but does not generate strong tensile stresses in cover 15. This prevents a "hammock effect" that could cause localized damage to overlying patient tissue due to tension in the cover. Thus, the patient's weight is essentially elastically absorbed by the fluid cells of the patient support located below cover 15, causing cover 15 to conform to the contours of the fluid cells due to the gravitational force.

[0149] Figures 5A and 5B show in cross section two embodiments of a fluid cell 3 with a sinking sensor 9. In Figures 5A and 5B, a current source is connected to a first conductor 94 and / or a second conductor 95. The sinking sensor 9 detects when these two conductors 94, 95 come into contact with each other to complete a circuit.

[0150] Alternatively, it may be possible to detect whether the circuit has been interrupted or whether the detected resistance of the circuit has changed.

[0151] The embodiment of the fluid cell 3 in Figure 5A shows that at maximum submergence depth 91, the upper interior wall section 30 contacts the first conductor 94 and second conductor 95 of the fluid cell 3. The second conductor 95 of the submergence sensor 9 is positioned on the side of the bottom of the fluid cell 3 facing the base 2, such that the acting gravitational force 16 activates the submergence sensor 9.

[0152] The embodiment of the fluid cell 3 in FIG. 5B shows that the sinking sensor 9 has two distinct sections 92, 93 that are movable relative to one another. Only the outer section 92 of the sinking sensor 9 is held by a support 96. Meanwhile, the middle section 93 can be deflected downward by the patient's weight 16. This allows the middle section 93 of the sinking sensor 9 to provide support, even if the fluid cell 3 is defective. Furthermore, the high elasticity at contact prevents potentially harmful pressure effects on the ischial or coccyx areas that should be protected. The maximum sinking depth 91 of the fluid cell is significantly smaller than the overall width B of the fluid cell 3.

[0153] A first conductor 94 in Figure 5B is electrically connected to the middle section 93, and a second conductor 95 is electrically connected to the bottom of the fluid cell 3, which extends parallel to the base 2. By deflecting the middle section 93 into contact with the bottom, the submersion sensor 9 in Figure 5B can be activated.

[0154] 6 shows a perspective side view of a wheelchair 102 having an embodiment of a patient support 101 according to FIG. 1 with a plurality of fluid cells 3 forming a seating area 1 on a base 2. The patient support 101 can be used as a removable seat cushion for the wheelchair 102 or can be firmly connected to the wheelchair 102.

[0155] 7A shows a schematic diagram of the valve control of an embodiment of the patient support 101 according to FIGS. 2A-2C, with the difference that the patient support 101 has a separate pressure gauge 8 for each pressure zone 6 to measure the pressure within the pressure zone 6. The pressure zones 6 are each formed by a fluid cell 3. However, alternatively, the pressure zones 6 can be formed by several fluid cells 3 fluidly connected to one another, so that the fluid cells 3 can each be pressurized with compressed air at a uniform pressure (see FIG. 11).

[0156] An ultrasonic pump 4 with an inlet valve 12 and an outlet valve 13 is located in the control area T of the patient support 101. The inlet valve 12 is connected to the diaphragm pump 4, which allows the supply 71 to multiple zone valves 7 to be pressurized with compressed air. The outlet valve 13 is also connected to the supply 71 to the zone valves 7. Therefore, one zone valve 7 is required for each pressure zone 6 in the area for the primary support P and the secondary support S. Therefore, the inlet valve 12 and the outlet valve 13 can be used to pressurize with compressed air or to exhaust compressed air from all pressure zones 6. This means that fewer valves 7, 12, and 13 are required per pressure zone 6. The inlet valve 12 and the outlet valve 13 are also optimized for low noise levels of less than 20 dB at a distance of one meter during operation. The outlet valve 13 also has a silencer 131 for this purpose.

[0157] The multiple zone valve 7 is shown with only two distinct pressure zones 6 for clarity. However, the dotted area of ​​the supply section 71 indicates that the patient support section 101 has further pressure zones 6, each formed by a fluid cell 3. Alternatively, several fluid cells could form a pressure zone. All valves 12, 13, 7 also have an electrical actuator 72, 132, 122, such that the valves 12, 13, 7 can be electronically opened and closed individually by a control unit.

[0158] Additionally, valves 12, 13, and 7 are each provided with a check valve assembly 14 as a safety measure, which is closed by a return spring 141 in the de-energized state. Check valve assembly 14 can be opened by being energized via the control unit. In this way, compressed air can be supplied through inlet valve 12 or air can be exhausted through outlet valve 13.

[0159] Figure 7B shows a schematic diagram of the valve control of an embodiment of the patient support 101 according to Figure 3. The valve control of Figure 7B is similar to that of Figure 7A, but in contrast to Figure 7A also includes a ventilation device 20. Please refer to Figure 7A for further explanation of the aforementioned features.

[0160] The ventilation device 20 is formed by a fluid supply 211 connected to the piezoelectric ultrasonic pump 4 via a ventilation valve 202 or a plurality of additional ventilation valves 202. On the side facing the fluid cell, the fluid supply 211 is divided into a plurality of fluid supply channels 201 extending into a plurality of intermediate spaces 104 of the fluid cell 3. Thus, uniform ventilation of the gaps 104 of the patient support 101 can be achieved, skin moisture can be reduced, and moisture accumulation can be avoided.

[0161] The ventilation valve 202 of FIG. 7B is substantially similar in shape to the inlet valve 12, outlet valve 13, and zone valve 7, and also includes a check valve assembly 14 having a return spring 141 and an electric actuator 203. The electric actuator 203 can be controlled by a control unit to open the ventilation valve 202 so that fluid, particularly air, is supplied from the piezoelectric ultrasonic pump 4 to the interstitial space 104 via the fluid supply 211. Thus, the ultrasonic pump 4 can be used both to apply fluid to the fluid cell 3 and to provide ventilation via the ventilator 20.

[0162] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a user terminal device in the form of a smartphone 27. The smartphone can wirelessly connect to the communication interface of the patient support unit according to Figures 2A-3 via an app, thereby transmitting user input and retrieving status data of the patient support unit. Furthermore, the user can set a preferred operating mode (see Figures 2A-2C) of the patient support unit by user input.

[0163] 9A-9C illustrate a first embodiment of a valve 25 that can be used as an inlet, outlet, and / or zone valve 12, 13, 7 (see FIG. 7). The valve 25 has an open state 251 that allows the flow of compressed air through the valve. The valve 25 also has a closed state 252 that prevents compressed air from flowing through the valve 25. As a safety measure, in the closed state 252, the valve 25 is de-energized. The closed state 252 of the valve can be transitioned to the open state 251 by actuating the electronic actuator 132 against the return force of the return spring 141.

[0164] 10A-10C show a second embodiment of a valve 26 that can be used as an inlet, outlet, and / or zone valve 12, 13, 7 (see FIG. 7). Valve 26 is a three-way valve, so a first valve access 261 is provided for the introduction of compressed air, and a second valve access 262 is provided for the discharge of compressed air from the pressure zone. Meanwhile, a third valve access 263, which can be fluidly connected to the first valve access 261 and the second valve access 262, can supply compressed air from the pump to the pressure zone or discharge compressed air from the pressure zone to the outlet. Valve 26 can be closed by spring 141 in a non-energized state, i.e., can assume a shut-off state 252. To discharge compressed air, spring 141 can also be biased by an electric actuator 132 so that valve 26 assumes an open state 251 and compressed air can be discharged through second valve access 262.

[0165] Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of a patient support 101 in the form of a seat cushion. This third embodiment of the patient support 101 differs from the patient support 101 of Figures 1 and 3 in that several fluid cells 3 form different pressure zones 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 within the seat area 1. The respective pressure zones are marked with different patterns for better recognition.

[0166] The fluid cells 3 of the pressure zones 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 are each fluidly connected to one another by lines so that they can be supplied with compressed air together at a uniform pressure. Furthermore, each pressure zone 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 has only one common supply line from the pump of the patient support 101 to one of the fluid cells 3 of the pressure zone 61, 62, 63, 64, 65. Each one of the pressure zones 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 has only one zone valve.

[0167] The fluid cells 3 of two pressure zones 61, 63 are spaced apart in plan view by the fluid cells 3 of the other pressure zones 62, 64, 65. This arrangement makes it possible to take into account, for example, the often partially mirror-symmetrical seating of a patient without having to calibrate the pressure zones separately from one another.

Claims

1. A patient support (101), preferably a seat cushion, a support area (1) having a base (2); a plurality of fluid cells (3) arranged on the seating side of the base (2); a pump (4); A control unit (5) and Equipped with one or more fluid cells (3) each define a pressure zone (6), each pressure zone (6) being connected to said pump (4) by at least one zone valve (7), each zone valve (7) being operable by said control unit (5), whereby the pressure within each pressure zone (6) can be set by said control unit (5); The patient support (101) is characterized in that the patient support (101) comprises at least one pressure sensor (8) for measuring the pressure in at least one pressure zone (6), preferably at least one pressure sensor (8) per pressure zone (6).

2. 2. The patient support (101) of claim 1, wherein the patient support (101) comprises a subsidence sensor (9), the subsidence sensor (9) being adapted to detect a subsidence depth (91), in particular to detect whether a predetermined subsidence depth (91) is exceeded.

3. The patient support (101) of claim 2, wherein the subsidence sensor (9) is configured to detect contact between an inner wall section (30) of at least one fluid cell (3) and another element, preferably an opposite inner wall section (31) of the fluid cell (3), the base (2), and / or the subsidence sensor (9).

4. 4. A patient support section (101) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the subsidence sensor (9) comprises two sections (92, 93) movable relative to each other at least partially perpendicular to the support area (1) and / or the subsidence sensor (9) is designed to be at least partially deformable in a direction perpendicular to the support area (1), the subsidence sensor (9) preferably being activated before a maximum subsidence depth (91) is reached.

5. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support (101) is a seat cushion, designed for use on a wheelchair (102), and has a maximum extension in plan view of, in particular, up to 65 cm, preferably up to 55 cm.

6. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support (101) has a thickness (D) perpendicular to the support area (1) in the range of 4 cm to 20 cm, in particular in the range of 4 cm to 15 cm or 4 cm to 10 cm.

7. 10. A patient support portion (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one pressure zone (6) has a different shape or surface area than another pressure zone (6), particularly in a plan view of the patient support portion (101).

8. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support (101) comprises an outlet valve (13) and an inlet valve (12), the inlet valve (12) being fluidly connected to the pump (4), and the outlet valve (13) and the inlet valve (12) being fluidly connected to at least one zone valve (7), preferably at least two zone valves (7), particularly preferably all zone valves (7).

9. 10. The patient support (101) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the inlet valve (12), outlet valve (13) and zone valve (7) groups is normally closed and preferably comprises a check valve assembly (14).

10. 10. A patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (4) and / or the exhaust silencer (131) have a noise level of less than 30 dB, preferably less than 25 dB, particularly preferably less than 20 dB, at a distance of 1 m from the patient support (101) during operation.

11. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (4) is a diaphragm or ultrasonic pump.

12. 10. A patient support portion (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an elastic cover (15), which is adaptable along the contours (32) of the fluid cell (3) without generating a large force (17) parallel to the support area (1) when a force, in particular a weight force (16) of the patient (11) acts on the cover (15).

13. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one humidity sensor (18) and / or temperature sensor (19) for measuring humidity and / or temperature on the seat side of the base (2).

14. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support (101) comprises a ventilation device (20) for supplying and / or removing fluids at the seat side of the base (2), the ventilation device (20) being preferably operable by the pump (4).

15. 10. The patient support (101) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (5) or an additional computer device of the patient support (101) is designed to detect temporal pressure changes in at least one pressure zone (6) by means of at least one pressure sensor (8) or the subsidence sensor (9) and assign them to activity patterns.

16. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support (101) is operable in at least one first operating mode (21) and one second operating mode (22), and the control unit (5) is designed to control the pressurization of the pressure zones (6) such that the first operating mode (21) has a first pressure ratio between at least two pressure zones (6) and the second operating mode (22) has a second pressure ratio between the two pressure zones (6) that is different from the first pressure ratio.

17. The control unit (5) in the first or second operating mode (21, 22) (i) a time-repeated pressurization and depressurization of at least one pressure zone (6), in particular a group of pressure zones (6), is carried out, and / or (ii) an activity pattern of the patient (11) is detected and the application of the pressure zones (6) is adapted to this activity pattern; and / or (iii) the pressurization of the pressure zone (6) is performed for stable positioning of the patient (11), and / or (iv) The patient support (101) of claim 16, wherein the fluid cell (3) is designed to be pressurized to a maximum pressure.

18. 10. A patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (2) has no fluid cells (3) on the seat side in areas, in particular in areas adjacent to the edges of the base (2), and the control unit (5) and / or the pump (4) are arranged in this area of ​​the base (2).

19. 10. The patient support (101) of claim 1, wherein the patient support (101) has a pressure port (24) through which at least one additional device can be pressurized by the pump (4) when the additional device is connected to the patient support (101) via the pressure port (24).

20. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one fluid cell (3) per pressure zone (6), preferably at least one fluid cell (3), is assigned an overpressure valve.

21. 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid cell (3) comprises or consists of a plastic, in particular polyurethane, polychloroprene, poly(organo)siloxane, polyisoprene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyester.

22. 10. The patient support (101) of claim 1, wherein the patient support (101) comprises a wireless communication interface for transmitting status data of the patient support (101) and / or receiving user input data, in particular for selecting the operating mode (21, 22) for operating the patient support (101).

23. The patient support (101) comprises a data memory and a calculation unit; at least one target pressure value for at least one pressure zone (6) can be calculated using said calculation unit based on at least one measurement value of said subsidence sensor (9) and / or said pressure sensor (8); The measured value and / or the target pressure value may be stored in the data memory; 10. The patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure in at least one pressure zone (6) can be set by the control unit (5) based on the target pressure value.

24. A wheelchair (102) comprising a patient support (101) according to any one of the preceding claims.

25. A method for automatic calibration of a patient support (101), preferably a patient support (101) according to claims 1 to 23, comprising: - placing a patient (11) on said patient support (101) so that a weight force (16) is applied to said patient support (101); - varying the pressure in at least one pressure zone (6) and determining the pressure at which the subsidence sensor (9) detects a seat occupancy; - storing said determined pressure; A method comprising:

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the pressure in at least one pressure zone (6) is varied and the sinking depth (91) is measured as a function of the pressure.

27. 27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein a target pressure value in at least one pressure zone (6) is determined based on the determined pressure of the pressure sensor (8) detected by the submersion sensor (9).

28. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the subsidence sensor (9) is arranged in a pressure zone (6), and the pressure in the pressure zone (6) and at least one adjacent pressure zone (6) is adjusted based on the determined pressure of the pressure sensor (8) detected by the subsidence sensor (9).

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