Rotatable Air Distribution Dial for Patient Support Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support systems are uncomfortable due to restricted pressure reduction and large pressure differences caused by alternate inflation and deflation of air cells, leading to discomfort and increased risk of pressure ulcers in bedridden patients.
Innovation Solution
An air distribution device with a rotatable dial that controls communication between air cells and an air supply source, allowing for multiple air distribution modes to achieve equilibrium and varied internal pressures, enhancing comfort and reducing pressure ulcer risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lower air-filled layers are kept at constant high internal pressure to prevent bottom-out, then patient safety is improved, but pressure reduction capability is restricted and comfortableness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air mattress is divided into multiple independent air cells (first air cells, second air cells, third air cells) arranged in layers. Each layer can be independently controlled for inflation and deflation, allowing the lower layers to maintain high pressure for safety while upper layers can be deflated for comfort and pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cells are equipped with dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of internal pressure. The control unit can alternately inflate and deflate different layers, or maintain low uniform pressure, providing dynamic adaptability between safety and comfort requirements.
2Reliability
If air cells are alternately inflated and deflated to prevent pressure ulcers, then pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but pressure difference is too large causing discomfort and poor sleep
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely deflating air cells during pressure relief cycles, the system performs partial deflation to achieve moderate pressure reduction. This provides sufficient pressure relief to prevent ulcers while maintaining enough cushioning for patient comfort and sleep quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cells are controlled to alternate between inflation and deflation in periodic cycles. The control unit manages the timing and duration of each cycle, creating rhythmic pressure variations that prevent pressure ulcers while allowing patients to adapt and rest comfortably between cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
Air distribution device and method applicable to a patient support system are provided. The air distribution device connects an air supply source and patient support device. The patient support device includes first air cells and second and third air cells disposed thereon. The air distribution device includes a base and an air distribution dial rotatably disposed thereon. When air distribution dial is rotated to a first angle, first, second and third holes of the base come into communication with an air supply hole of the base through an air admitting portion of air distribution dial to perform inflation preparation process or inflation process. When air distribution dial is rotated to a second angle, second hole comes into communication with a deflation hole of the base, but first hole does not communicate with second and third holes, such that second air cells undergo deflation process and then stop deflating process.