Air-Fluidized Wheelchair Cushion and Backrest for Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair cushions and support surfaces are inadequate for preventing pressure injuries, particularly after flap surgery, as they do not provide the same level of pressure relief and mobility as air-fluidized beds, and there are no Group 3 support surfaces available for use in wheelchairs.
Innovation Solution
A modular air-fluidized wheelchair cushion and backrest system with independently controllable air flow and resilient elements, designed to provide dynamic pressure relief and mobility by fluidizing elements within individual cells based on orientation and user-specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air-fluidized beds are used to provide pressure relief, then pressure injury prevention is improved, but device portability and power consumption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure relief function into multiple independently controllable air cells that can be selectively activated. Each cell contains resilient elements that can be fluidized independently, allowing the system to provide pressure relief only where needed while maintaining portability and reducing overall power consumption compared to a full air-fluidized bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion incorporates regions with different properties - some areas have resilient elements that can be fluidized to provide pressure relief, while other areas maintain traditional cushioning properties. This local differentiation allows the system to provide targeted pressure relief at high-risk areas (sacrum, ischial tuberosities) while keeping the overall device lightweight and portable.
2Reliability
If air-fluidized beds are used to provide pressure relief, then pressure injury prevention is improved, but power consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure relief function into multiple independently controllable air cells that can be selectively activated. Each cell contains resilient elements that can be fluidized independently, allowing the system to provide pressure relief only where needed while maintaining portability and reducing overall power consumption compared to a full air-fluidized bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can implement periodic or intermittent fluidization of resilient elements rather than continuous operation. The air pump can be activated only when pressure relief is needed, and the resilient elements can be fluidized in cycles, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective pressure injury prevention during use periods.
3Device complexity
If traditional wheelchair cushions are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but pressure relief effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static traditional cushion into a dynamic system where resilient elements can be fluidized on demand. The air pump and control system enable the cushion to adapt its pressure relief properties based on user needs, transitioning from a simple static structure to a dynamic system that provides enhanced pressure relief effectiveness while maintaining reasonable simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a pneumatic component (air pump) that can inflate or deflate the resilient elements within the cushion cells. This pneumatic mechanism enables the cushion to provide active pressure relief by controlling air flow to fluidize resilient elements, adding functionality while maintaining relative simplicity compared to complex mechanical or electronic systems.
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 injuries by maintaining low interface pressures, enabling mobility and sitting position, while being portable, lightweight, and using significantly less power compared to air-fluidized beds.
Implementation Method 1
a source of pressurized air in fluid connection with the plurality of air ports of each of the plurality of backrest cells and with the plurality of air ports of each of the plurality of seat cells via which the resilient elements within each of the plurality of backrest cells and the resilient elements within each of the plurality of seat cells are fluidizable
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief system for use with a wheelchair includes a backrest support including a plurality of backrest cells. The backrest cells include a base which includes a plurality of air ports, a cover in connection with the base, and resilient elements within an interior of the backrest cells. The pressure relief system-further includes a seat support including a plurality of seat cells. The seat cells includes a base which includes a plurality of air ports, a cover in connection with the base, and resilient elements within an interior of the seat cells. The pressure relief system also includes a source of pressurize air in fluid connection with the air ports of each of the backrest cells and with the air ports of the seat cells via which the resilient elements within the backrest cells and the resilient elements within the seat cells are fluidizable.