Alternating-Cell Pneumatic Mattress for Slip-Resistant Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic mattresses face a trade-off between simplicity and support, as separate independent cells can lead to anatomical slipping during deflation, while integrally fabricated cells provide better support but at increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An array of inner cells with pneumatic connectors along the edges and interconnection means to physically and pneumatically link longitudinal edge cells with inner cells, allowing for cyclic pressurization and deflation sequences to simulate natural movement and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate independent cells are used, then simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but patient support and prevention of slipping deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into separate inflatable cells arranged in rows and columns, with each cell capable of independent inflation and deflation. This segmentation allows the mattress to maintain simplicity in construction while enabling complex support patterns through controlled deflation sequences that prevent patient slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress employs cyclic inflation and deflation of cells in a predetermined sequence. By periodically deflating cells in alternating rows or columns, the mattress creates a moving support pattern that maintains patient positioning and prevents slipping, while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective.
2Reliability
If integrally fabricated cells are used, then patient support is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing one integral structure, the patent segments the mattress into multiple independent cells that can be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled together. This approach achieves reliable patient support through the coordinated operation of segmented cells while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple independently manufactured cells into a unified support system through their arranged configuration and coordinated inflation/deflation control. This merging of simple components creates a complex support function that would be difficult to achieve with a single integral structure, while keeping manufacturing simple and cost-effective.
3Reliability
If cells are deflated in sequence, then patient slipping is prevented, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic inflation and deflation cycles of cells in alternating rows or columns. This straightforward periodic control pattern prevents patient slipping by continuously shifting the support distribution, while avoiding the need for complex real-time sensing and adjustment algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent control channels for different rows or columns of cells. Each channel can be controlled independently with simple on/off inflation/deflation commands, avoiding the need for a monolithic complex control system while still achieving effective patient positioning through coordinated operation of segmented control channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic mattress (1) has two edge cells (2,3) and a even plurality of transverse inner cells, arranged in adjacent pairs as alternate cells (4) and cells (5). An umbilical inflation hose (6) is provided with three internal pipes (7,8,9). Pipe (7) receives constant pneumatic pressure and has a pipe extension (17) to pneumatic connectors (27) for the edge cells (2,3). Pipe (8) receives alternating pressure for cells (4) via extensions (18) to connectors (28). Pipe (9) receives alternating pressure for cells (5) via extensions (19) to connectors (29). The connectors (28,29) are T connectors having a stem welded into the bottom of their cells (4,5). The connectors (28,29) are in lines (38,39). Each cell has a connector at both ends, whereby there are lines (38&39) at both sides of the plurality of inner cells (4,5). The edge cells (2,3) are formed by folding and seaming a sheet of polyurethane material leaving a pair of strips (11) on top of each other. These have two lines of dumbbell apertures (48, 49) on the lines (38,39), rounded at both ends both for avoiding stress concentration. Each connector (28,29) is passed through its aperture (48,49) on the appropriate side of the mattress. Thus the edge cells are physically connected to the inner cells. The pipe extensions (18,19) are added between the respective connectors, establishing the pneumatic connections to the cells. The entire mattress is pneumatically and physically interconnected using only the connectors and the apertures in the flaps.