Alternating-Pressure Support Elements for Bedsores
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-decubitus systems, such as decubitus mattresses, may not adequately address the issue of prolonged pressure leading to bedsores, as they often rely on uniform pressure distribution or alternating-pressure systems with limited adaptability to the patient's silhouette.
Innovation Solution
An alternating-pressure support system featuring a plurality of elastically deformable support elements mounted on a guide arrangement with opposite guides, allowing the support elements to move longitudinally and provide adaptive pressure relief by rolling or sliding under the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional decubitus mattresses with uniform pressure distribution are used, then the bearing surface is increased, but the blood supply disruption is not effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support elements movable rather than static. The support elements can move longitudinally along the guides, allowing the bearing surface to dynamically adapt to the patient's body contours and continuously change pressure distribution patterns, thereby preventing persistent blood supply disruption at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the alternating pressure system where support elements are selectively supplied with air or have their air pressure adapted in alternating cycles. This creates periodic pressure variations that systematically relieve and reapply pressure to different body areas, preventing continuous blood supply disruption while maintaining overall support.
2Reliability
If alternating-pressure systems with fixed air chambers are used, then pressure alternation is achieved, but adaptability to patient silhouette is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support surface into multiple independent support elements rather than using a single fixed structure. Each support element can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the system to adapt to varying patient silhouettes while maintaining reliable pressure alternation through selective air supply to different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to be movable along longitudinal guides, enabling dynamic adjustment to match the patient's body contours. This mobility allows the alternating-pressure system to adapt its configuration to different patient silhouettes while maintaining the reliability of pressure alternation through coordinated movement and air pressure control.
3Ease of operation
If support elements are made elastically deformable, then comfort and pressure distribution are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the support elements elastically deformable, allowing them to change their physical state in response to applied loads. This elasticity provides comfort and improved pressure distribution by conforming to body contours, while the modular design keeps the overall structural complexity manageable through standardized components.
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
This solution effectively reduces the risk of bedsores by continuously altering the bearing pressure, promoting blood flow, and providing comfortable support, while also preventing the worsening of existing bedsores.
Implementation Method 1
the support elements are designed for elastically supporting a load acting upon them, i.e. a load supported by the alternating-pressure support, on the guide arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An alternating-pressure support includes a plurality of support elements and a guide arrangement with at least two guides that are opposite one another in a transverse direction and extend in a longitudinal direction. The support elements are movably mounted at opposite ends in the guides. The support elements are configured for elastically supporting a load impacting them, i.e. a load borne by the alternating-pressure support. A patient bed having such an alternating-pressure support and a method for operating such an alternating-pressure support are also provided.