Articulating Bolster with Rotating Sections for Air Mattress Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolsters lack the ability to articulate effectively, particularly when used in conjunction with air mattresses, which can lead to inadequate support and comfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
The bolster is designed with a unique configuration that includes a top side, a bottom side, a first section, a second section, and a third section, where the first and third sections can rotate about the second section, allowing for articulation. This configuration includes gaps and tabs for connection to an air mattress, and the sections can be made of foam or inflatable air cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bolster is made as a single rigid section, then manufacturing is simple and structural strength is high, but it cannot articulate to match the contours of air mattresses and provides inadequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The bolster is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can rotate relative to each other. These sections are connected through gaps that allow movement, enabling the bolster to articulate and adapt to the contours of air mattresses while maintaining structural integrity through the tab-and-gap connection system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bolster sections are made inflatable with air cells, then pressure adjustment and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bolster incorporates inflatable air cells within its sections that can be filled with air or other gases to adjust pressure and firmness. This pneumatic system allows the bolster to adapt to different patient needs and match the pressure characteristics of air mattresses, providing customized support while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If connection hardware is added to tabs for securing to air mattresses, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Tabs are provided as intermediary elements that extend from the bolster sections and interface with the air mattress. These tabs simplify the connection process by providing dedicated attachment points that can be easily secured to the air mattress, reducing the complexity of the overall connection mechanism while ensuring reliable attachment through the tab-connection hardware interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolster having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The bolster may include a first gap extending from a bottom side to a first point located between a midline and a top side. The bolster may include a second gap extending from the top side to a second point located between the midline and the bottom side. The first section and the third section are configured to rotate about the second section. A method of articulating the bolster may comprise the steps of urging rotation of the first section about the second section and urging rotation of the third section about the second section. The bolster may be inflated or deflated to a predetermined air pressure.