Inflatable Air Cushion Strap Indicator for Correct Inflation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable cushions for supporting persons lack a reliable method to indicate the correct amount of air for optimal support, leading to inconsistent inflation and increased risk of pressure sores, especially when used by different users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure indicator in the form of a strap that changes appearance, such as breaking, detaching, or changing color, to indicate the correct air pressure, allowing for uniform inflation and support across users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or electric pump inflation is used, then the cushion can be inflated, but it is almost impossible to indicate a suitable degree of inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing indicators (such as pressure-sensitive paint or chromatic indicators) on the cushion surface that change color when a predetermined pressure is reached, providing visual feedback to the operator about the inflation status without requiring complex measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic pressure sensors and display systems with simple mechanical or optical indicators that can be visually observed, making the inflation process easier to monitor and control
2Strength
If more air is put in the cushion, then the support increases, but the risk of pressure marks and pressure sores increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback indicators that show when the optimal pressure is reached, allowing the operator to stop inflation at the correct point, thereby providing adequate support while avoiding excessive pressure that could cause harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calibrates the indicator system during manufacturing to trigger at the optimal pressure level, so that the correct amount of air is indicated before harmful pressure levels are reached
3Adaptability or versatility
If different staff members operate the cushions, then patient care is provided, but uniform treatment and support cannot be offered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cushion self-indicating through visual pressure indicators that automatically show when optimal inflation is reached, eliminating the need for staff members to have specialized knowledge or experience, thereby ensuring uniform treatment regardless of who operates the cushion
4Measurement precision
If electronic pressure sensors are integrated, then pressure can be monitored, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, disposable indicators such as pressure-sensitive paint or simple mechanical gauges that can be applied to or integrated with the cushion, providing accurate pressure monitoring without the high cost of electronic sensors and associated electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical or visual copies of pressure information (color changes, visual indicators) rather than electronic sensors, providing the same functional information about pressure status at a fraction of the cost
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 pressure indicator ensures consistent inflation, reducing the risk of pressure sores by providing a visual or tactile cue for the correct air volume, enabling uniform treatment and support regardless of the user.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure indicator of the cushion includes at least one strap with a first end and a second end, the at least one strap arranged in relation to the surface of the cushion, where the at least one strap is surrounding the cushion entirely or partially, and where the at least one strap is adapted such that the physical appearance of the strap is changed at a given pressure in the cushion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an inflatable air cushion with at least one pressure indicator, the cushion including an outer side and at least one chamber, the at least one chamber made up of one or more films that are joined, thereby forming one or more airtight chambers, the cushion furthermore including a valve opening for connecting an air supply line, the valve opening being accessible from the surface of the cushion. The invention furthermore relates to a method of inflating such an inflatable cushion with pressure indicator. The new feature of a cushion according to the invention is that the pressure indicator of the cushion includes at least one strap with a first end and a second end, the at least one strap arranged in relation to the surface of the cushion, where the at least one strap is surrounding the cushion entirely or partially, and where the at least one strap is adapted such that the physical appearance of the strap is changed at a given pressure in the cushion, thus constituting a pressure indicator.