Adjustable mattress assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning devices fail to effectively distribute pressure evenly across the body, leading to pressure ulcers due to localized pressure points, and increasing fluid volume to prevent bottoming out compromises stability and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mattress support system with pliable fluid bladders filled with gas or fluid, integrated into specific regions to alleviate pressure on susceptible areas, using a pivot mechanism and fluid elements to redistribute weight and incorporate an active control system for maintaining optimal pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If fluid volume in bladders is increased to prevent bottoming out, then pressure distribution improves, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent fluid-filled bladders arranged in an array. Each bladder can be independently adjusted for fluid volume, allowing optimization of pressure distribution in high-risk areas without compromising overall mattress stability. The segmented design enables localized pressure management while maintaining global structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress have different fluid volumes in their respective bladders. High-risk areas for pressure ulcers (such as sacral and heel regions) are equipped with bladders containing optimized fluid volumes to prevent bottoming out, while other areas have adjusted fluid volumes to maintain stability. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between pressure distribution and stability.
2Strength
If fluid-filled bladders are made thicker to prevent bottoming out, then structural support improves, but pressure relief effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluid-filled bladders where the fluid (liquid or gas) provides the necessary structural support and pressure distribution. The hydraulic system allows the bladders to conform to body contours while maintaining adequate support, eliminating the need for thick membranes that would prevent proper conformance and pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support system by using fluid-filled bladders with adjustable fluid volume and pressure. By controlling fluid pressure and volume, the system achieves both structural support and pressure relief effectiveness without requiring thick membrane materials. The fluid pressure can be dynamically adjusted to match user weight and positioning needs.
3Shape
If conventional flexible cushioning materials are used, then conformance to body shape improves, but pressure redistribution effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous flexible cushioning material is segmented into multiple discrete fluid-filled bladders arranged in an array. This segmentation allows each bladder to independently conform to local body contours while the collective array redistributes pressure across multiple contact points, preventing pressure concentration that occurs with single-piece flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional flexible foam or spring materials with fluid-filled bladders. The fluid (liquid or gas) within each bladder provides both the conformance to body shape and the pressure redistribution capability. The hydraulic system allows the bladders to adjust their volume and pressure to match body contours while effectively distributing loading across the mattress surface.
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 system effectively reduces pressure on high-risk areas, such as heels and sacral regions, while maintaining stability and comfort, and can be adapted for various user weights, providing cost-efficient and convenient pressure relief.
Implementation Method 1
fluid contained within the bladders from flowing laterally
Implementation Method 2
such devices typically bottom out such that the patient's body contacts the underlying platform and nonetheless localizes the pressure onto the body
Implementation Method 3
the weight of the user's thighs may exert an applied weight upon the first surface causing the support assembly to rotate about its pivot such that a second surface exerts a corresponding counter force up against the calf region to lift the user's lower legs
Implementation Method 4
fluid filled membranes are too thick to provide adequate pressure relief because the hammocking that occurs in the regions of high protrusions
Implementation Method 5
pliable fluid bladders filled with a gas or fluid (e.g., air, water, oil such as mineral oil, or other fluids) can be incorporated within the primary mattress construction
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable mattress assemblies are described in which a mattress incorporates regions where additional pressure reduction is adjustable via pliable fluid bladders filled with a gas or fluid. Such areas of the mattress where additional pressure reduction is desired may include regions of the mattress which support areas of the body which may be particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers such as the heels, sacral regions, etc.