Apparatus and method for automatic adjustment of a support surface with interwoven support elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support surfaces for wheelchairs and beds fail to effectively prevent decubitus ulcers due to inadequate pressure distribution, requiring costly and time-consuming custom fitting processes that often result in poorly fitting surfaces, leading to increased ulceration risks.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable apparatus with interwoven support elements that can be customized to conform to a user's anatomy by changing the active length of these elements in response to the user's weight, providing a stable and comfortable surface that offloads pressure from sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard support surface is used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the pressure distribution is inadequate and decubitus ulcer prevention is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments or zones, each capable of independent pressure adjustment. This segmentation allows customized pressure distribution across different body contact areas, improving decubitus ulcer prevention while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface incorporates dynamically adjustable elements that can change their properties (such as firmness, height, or position) in response to user needs. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimal pressure distribution for preventing decubitus ulcers without requiring a completely complex custom-built surface
2Reliability
If a custom-fitted support surface is created, then the pressure distribution improves and decubitus ulcer prevention increases, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface includes self-adjusting mechanisms or user-friendly adjustment interfaces that allow individuals to customize the support surface themselves without requiring professional fitting services. This self-service capability maintains optimal pressure distribution while eliminating time-consuming professional fitting processes
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface allows easy modification of key parameters (such as firmness, contour, or positioning) through simple adjustment mechanisms. This enables users to change support characteristics as needed without requiring complete refitting, maintaining good pressure distribution while reducing time investment
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable support surface is implemented, then the adaptability to user anatomy improves and pressure distribution optimizes, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface uses standardized, multi-functional components that can serve multiple adjustment purposes. This universal design approach enables high adaptability to different user anatomies while simplifying manufacturing, as the same components can be used across various configurations rather than requiring custom parts for each adjustment function
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 solution allows for quick, accurate, and cost-effective customization of support surfaces, reducing the risk of decubitus ulcers by providing optimal pressure distribution and stability, eliminating the need for expensive custom fitting processes and minimizing the risk of surface maladjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism allows the active length of the connected interwoven support element to change as a user bears upon the weight bearing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for adjusting an active length of a plurality of interwoven support elements of a weight bearing surface to conform to contours of a user's anatomy. The weight bearing surface overlies a frame to which the plurality of interwoven support elements are connected. The apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism connected to one of the plurality of interwoven support elements, wherein the adjustment mechanism is attached or releasably attached to the frame. The adjustment mechanism allows the active length of the connected interwoven support element to change as a user bears upon the weight bearing surface, thereby conforming the weight bearing surface to the contours of a user's anatomy. In another aspect, a method for adjusting an active length of at least some of a plurality of interwoven support elements of a weight bearing surface to conform to contours of a user's anatomy is disclosed.