Bed Topper Flowpath Design for Targeted Microclimate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microclimate control toppers for beds fail to uniformly distribute airflow to address varying skin temperature and perspiration needs across an occupant's body, particularly due to non-uniform skin temperature and sweat gland distribution, and are compromised by bed profile adjustments that distort vasculature and perfusion.
Innovation Solution
A bed topper with a fluid flowpath configured to preferentially direct airflow to targeted regions, such as the torso, using linear or contoured margins and blower systems, and optionally incorporating sensors and controllers to adapt airflow distribution based on weight distribution and occupant position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform airflow distribution is provided across the entire topper surface, then the system is simple to manufacture and operate, but it fails to address varying skin temperature and perspiration needs in different body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The topper surface is divided into multiple zones with different airflow requirements. The flowpath is segmented into multiple channels that can be independently controlled, allowing different regions (torso, limbs, head) to receive appropriate airflow amounts based on their specific thermal and moisture needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the topper are assigned different airflow characteristics. High airflow regions are directed to areas with higher perspiration and temperature (torso, back), while lower airflow is provided to cooler regions. This local differentiation optimizes microclimate control for each body zone.
2Temperature
If airflow is increased to cool the skin and reduce humidity, then skin cooling and humidity reduction improve, but the nutrient requirements of compressed skin increase due to poor perfusion
Solution Approach 1:
Airflow is applied selectively to specific body regions rather than uniformly across the entire surface. Excessive cooling is avoided in regions where perfusion is already compromised, while targeted cooling is applied to regions with higher thermal load and better perfusion capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect skin temperature, humidity, and pressure distribution to dynamically adjust airflow delivery. This feedback mechanism ensures cooling is applied only where needed and where it will not adversely affect tissue perfusion and nutrient delivery.
3Ease of operation
If the bed profile is adjusted to improve patient positioning, then patient comfort and pressure distribution improve, but vasculature distortion and perfusion degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system anticipates the negative effects of profile adjustment on perfusion by pre-positioning airflow delivery to compensate for expected vasculature distortion. When the bed profile is changed, the airflow pattern is adjusted in advance to maintain adequate cooling and moisture control despite the altered blood flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow delivery system is dynamically adjustable in response to bed profile changes. Sensors detect position changes and automatically modify airflow distribution to maintain effective microclimate control throughout the range of motion, ensuring continuous protection against skin breakdown.
4Reliability
If targeted airflow distribution is implemented to address specific body regions, then microclimate control effectiveness improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized production of flowpath components while still achieving the complex targeted airflow distribution pattern needed for effective microclimate control.
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
Enhances airflow concentration to critical areas, improving skin cooling and humidity reduction, thereby reducing nutrient requirements and preventing skin breakdown, even with bed profile adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A pump or similar device supplies a stream of air to the topper so that the air flows into the flowpath by way of the inlet, flows through the flowpath, and exhausts from the flowpath by way of the outlet
Implementation Method 2
The airstream helps cool the occupant's skin thereby reducing its nutrient requirements
Implementation Method 3
The airstream also helps reduce humidity in the vicinity of the occupant's skin thus combatting the tendency of the skin to become moist and soft
Data Source
AI summary
A topper (38) for a bed extends in longitudinal and lateral directions and includes a fluid flowpath (60) for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet (62) to an outlet (64). The flowpath is configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region (50) of the topper. A bed which includes the topper has a blower (72) connected to the topper inlet for supplying air (88) to the flowpath.