Climate-Controlled Bed Topper With Zoned Fluid Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate control systems for beds fail to effectively prevent pressure ulcers and enhance comfort by not adequately addressing factors like pressure, temperature, friction, and moisture, which are contributors to bed sores.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled conditioner mat or topper member with fluid zones and non-fluid zones, featuring a spacer material to distribute fluids and maintain separation between layers, includes a fluid module for thermally conditioning air or fluids, sensors for moisture detection, and securement devices for attachment to beds, ensuring targeted delivery of conditioned air or fluids to reduce pressure and improve comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure redistribution is implemented through bed design, then pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface is segmented into multiple independent air cells or zones that can be individually controlled. Each zone can adjust pressure independently to redistribute pressure away from high-risk areas, preventing pressure ulcers without requiring complete redesign of the entire bed system.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic or hydraulic system is integrated into the bed mattress, using fluid pressure to dynamically adjust and redistribute pressure across the bed surface. This allows active pressure management to prevent ulcers while maintaining relatively simple structural design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature and moisture control are added to prevent bed sores, then comfort level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conditioner mat merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: pressure redistribution through fluid-filled chambers, thermal conditioning through heated or cooled fluid circulation, and moisture management through breathable materials. This combination provides comprehensive care while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid circulation system serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides pressure redistribution, thermal regulation (heating or cooling), and moisture wicking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid zones and non-fluid zones are created for targeted delivery, then pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is divided into distinct fluid zones and non-fluid zones with specific geometries tailored to target high-risk pressure areas. These zones are created through modular construction or molded directly into the mat structure, enabling targeted pressure relief while maintaining manufacturability through standardized components.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers and enhances comfort by providing controlled temperature and moisture levels, improving the overall bed experience for occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber, wherein the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and configured to help with the passage of fluids within at least a portion of the interior chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device... fluids entering the interior chamber through the inlet are generally distributed by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings along the upper layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.