Ballistic Signal Tissue Compression Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure relief mattress systems lack a non-invasive and non-contact method to measure tissue compression, leading to inadequate and timely pressure relief, as they rely on crude estimates and fixed time intervals without considering the patient's current blood flow state, resulting in potential tissue damage from prolonged compression.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detect and measure tissue compression by analyzing changes in ballistic signals passing through tissue material, using a sensing element outside the body to calculate a tissue compression index, which can inform existing pressure relief systems and provide personalized measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated pressure relief mattress systems are used, then nursing staff effort is reduced, but the systems can only provide crude and nonspecific pressure relief based on fixed time intervals without determining current blood flow state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensing systems with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Ballistic waves (acoustic signals) are used to non-contactly measure tissue compression by detecting changes in wave propagation characteristics through compressed tissue, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure sensors and enabling precise measurement without physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballistic wave measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures tissue compression, assesses blood flow state, and provides timing information for pressure relief interventions. This single system replaces multiple separate functions that would otherwise require different sensors and systems, enabling comprehensive monitoring with one device.
2Reliability
If frequent manual movement of patient is performed, then tissue viability is maintained, but a lot of nursing time and physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tissue compression and blood flow state in real-time, providing feedback on the actual physiological condition of the tissue. This allows the system to determine the optimal timing for pressure relief interventions based on measured tissue state rather than following fixed schedules, ensuring tissue viability while minimizing unnecessary interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system monitors tissue compression continuously and autonomously determines when pressure relief is needed, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring by nursing staff. The system serves itself by automatically detecting tissue distress and triggering appropriate responses, freeing nursing staff from frequent manual checks and movements.
3Ease of operation
If pressure relief is carried out based on fixed time intervals, then timing is simplified, but pressure relief is either carried out too late or is not adequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed-time pressure relief scheduling to dynamic, condition-based timing. The measurement system continuously adapts to the patient's changing tissue compression state and blood flow conditions, adjusting the timing of pressure relief interventions in real-time based on actual physiological needs rather than predetermined intervals.
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
Enables accurate, non-contact measurement of tissue compression, allowing for timely and adequate pressure relief, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers by correlating compression with blood flow changes and providing a low-cost, patient-specific solution for both human tissue and compressible materials.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a ballistic signal passing through tissue material of the subject; and measuring changes in the ballistic signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a system and method how tissue compression can be measured continuously in a non-contact way to provide a low cost, patient/user specific measurement system. The method may be used to inform existing and future pressure relief mattress systems. The invention may also be used for any application either in conjunction with another system or on its own to measure tissue compression. In another embodiment the invention can be used for measuring any type of compression of a compressible material, for example compression of viscoelastic foam or other materials. The invention may also be used to make inferences about the changes of blood flow at site of measurement.