Alternating Pressure Support Surface With Wedge Patient Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current support surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers lack the ability to control the spatial relationship between the patient and the therapeutic surface, leading to ineffective pressure distribution and increased risk of pressure ulcers in bed-bound or wheelchair-bound individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system that actively orients the patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface with independently pressurized relief chambers configured in a geometric pattern, combined with elevated side support portions and a wedge portion to mitigate contact pressure and promote blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current support surfaces are used, then basic pressure support is provided, but the spatial relationship between the patient and the therapeutic surface cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple independently pressurized relief chambers arranged in a geometric pattern, allowing different regions to be controlled independently to achieve precise spatial pressure distribution and patient orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable pressure in each relief chamber to actively orient the patient's anatomy-specific regions, transitioning from static support surfaces to dynamic, adaptable surfaces that respond to patient positioning needs
2Strength
If steady pressure is applied in one location, then support is provided, but ischemia and skin breakdown occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates pressure periodically in each relief chamber, creating cycles of pressure and relief that prevent continuous ischemia while maintaining overall support, thereby preventing skin breakdown and pressure ulcer formation
Solution Approach 2:
Each relief chamber can be independently pressurized and cycled, allowing localized pressure control on specific anatomical regions to prevent ischemia in vulnerable areas while maintaining support in other regions
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
Effectively reduces pressure on specific anatomic regions, preventing pressure ulcers by alternating pressure in the relief chambers and ensuring proper patient positioning, thereby enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of deep venous thrombosis.
Implementation Method 1
the independently pressurized relief chambers are configured in a geometric pattern that mitigates contact pressure between a support surface and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when pressure in the independently pressurized relief chambers is alternated
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of elevated side support portions interconnected on the base material and configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the user's body laterally over the epicenter of the geometric pattern
Implementation Method 3
The wedge portion interconnected on the base material and configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the user's body lengthwise over the epicenter of the geometric pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. Additionally, a plurality of elevated side support portions and a wedge interconnected on the base material are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.