Adjustable Bed Cover With Bedding Channel and Antimicrobial Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mattress and bed deck covers in healthcare settings are inadequate in protecting both mattresses and bed decks from unsanitary conditions, particularly in adjustable beds, as they often fail to remain attached during configuration changes and may not effectively prevent the transfer of contaminants, leading to potential patient exposure.

Innovation Solution

A mattress and bed deck cover with a channel at the foot end to accommodate bedding between the mattress and bed deck, antimicrobial film coating with silver ions, and secure fastening mechanisms like elastic bands, loops, and clips to ensure attachment and protection while allowing access to bed features, capable of withstanding rigorous healthcare laundering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single cover is used to protect both mattress and bed deck, then protection coverage is improved, but access to the space between mattress and bed deck is lost and bedding material cannot be tucked in

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from unsanitary conditionsVSAvoidaccess to space between mattress and bed deck

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into distinct sections: a mattress cover portion and a bed deck cover portion, with a specific channel region at the foot end that creates an opening. This segmentation allows the cover to protect both surfaces while maintaining access to the intermediate space for bedding accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A channel structure acts as an intermediary element between the mattress cover and bed deck cover portions. This channel provides a designated pathway that allows bedding materials to pass through and be tucked into the space between the mattress and bed deck, while the rest of the cover maintains continuous protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual cleaning of bed deck is performed, then cleaning is possible, but workers may neglect cleaning or not fully clean the entire surface, and contaminants may be transferred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidcomplete contamination elimination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress cover and bed deck cover are merged into a single integrated cover assembly that can be removed and laundered together. This eliminates the separate manual cleaning steps that lead to contamination transfer, as the entire protective barrier can be professionally cleaned in one process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a removable, launderable protective barrier that can be regularly replaced and professionally cleaned. This approach is more reliable than attempting to clean the permanent bed deck surface, as the removable cover can be subjected to rigorous laundering that eliminates all contaminants including embedded bacteria and fungal spores.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If mattress is manually raised from bed deck for cleaning, then bed deck can be accessed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to bed deckVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress cover and bed deck cover are combined into a single removable assembly. This allows the entire covered area to be lifted and removed as one unit for laundering, eliminating the need to manually raise the heavy mattress separately and perform multiple cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable bed configurations are allowed, then patient comfort is improved, but the cover may detach during configuration changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebed configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcover attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover incorporates elastic bands and flexible fastening mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to the changing geometry of the adjustable bed during configuration changes. The elastic materials provide continuous tension and attachment force regardless of the bed's position, maintaining reliable attachment while allowing full range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a hygienic, antimicrobial barrier that remains securely attached to adjustable beds, reducing contamination risk and effectively decontaminating through high-temperature laundering, while maintaining access to essential bed features.

Implementation Method 1

antimicrobial film coating with silver ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action of silver ions:

Implementation Method 2

secure fastening mechanisms like elastic bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

capable of withstanding rigorous healthcare laundering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal sterilization: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8671478B2Mattress and bed deck cover

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 VIRTUS INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cover for a mattress and bed deck. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress and bed deck cover for an adjustable bed that reduces the exposure of the mattress and bed deck to unsanitary conditions.