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Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare solutions lack an efficient and hygienic method for patients who cannot use a restroom normally, requiring a system that can manage bodily fluids and provide cleaning facilities without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A mattress with a pivoting mechanism and integrated container system, including a diaper pad and bidet functionality, that allows for automatic fluid management and cleaning, utilizing a track system for easy replacement of soiled pads and containers, and powered or manual systems for adjusting the mattress position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mattress is used without integrated fluid management, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation and hygiene management deteriorate due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mattress with integrated fluid management systems including containment layers, absorption materials, and disposal mechanisms into a single unified device. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual fluid management systems, directly improving ease of operation while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the patient, containing bodily fluids through integrated barriers, absorbing excess fluid, and enabling easy disposal. This multi-functionality improves operational ease by consolidating what would otherwise require separate devices and manual processes.
2Productivity
If manual fluid management is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to caregiver burden
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress system is designed to manage fluids autonomously through integrated containment and absorption mechanisms that require no manual intervention. The system self-regulates fluid containment and can be easily disposed of as a unit, dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive manual fluid management tasks for caregivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress incorporates disposable absorbent layers and containment structures that can be easily removed and discarded after use. This design improves productivity by enabling quick replacement rather than manual cleaning, reducing caregiver burden while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular disposable components.
3Loss of time
If manual cleaning and pad replacement is required, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time and caregiver burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress system incorporates a track mechanism that enables dynamic movement and positioning of the mattress or associated components. This dynamic capability allows for easy removal and replacement of soiled pads or entire mattress sections, significantly reducing the time required for maintenance while the track system provides a straightforward mechanical solution that keeps complexity manageable.
4Ease of operation
If integrated containment and absorption systems are added, then the ease of operation improves, but the weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress incorporates containment and absorption materials selectively in specific zones where fluid management is needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This localized approach improves ease of operation for fluid containment while minimizing the overall weight and material usage by concentrating functional materials only where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress uses composite material structures combining multiple functional layers (containment barriers, absorption materials, structural support) into an integrated system. This composite approach improves fluid containment effectiveness while optimizing weight by selecting materials with appropriate density and functional properties for each specific layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are disclosed that include: a mattress on a horizontal support, a vertical support for supporting the mattress, a container, and an element for guiding the container with respect to the mattress.