Climate-Controlled Bed Topper for Pressure and Moisture Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing pressure ulcers in bedridden patients are inadequate in effectively managing pressure, temperature, and moisture, leading to discomfort and the risk of 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 and sensors for moisture detection, which can be secured to a bed assembly to provide targeted climate control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a bed assembly provides pressure redistribution to prevent decubitus ulcers, then pressure management is improved, but temperature and moisture control remain inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The topper member is divided into multiple independent inflatable cells arranged in a grid pattern, allowing different zones to be independently controlled for pressure redistribution. This segmentation enables targeted climate control in different body regions while maintaining overall pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the topper member provide different functions: some cells are configured for pressure redistribution while others incorporate thermal conditioning capabilities. This local differentiation allows simultaneous pressure management and temperature control without compromising either function.
2Stress or pressure
If a bed assembly provides pressure redistribution to prevent decubitus ulcers, then pressure management is improved, but moisture control remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented cell structure creates multiple air gaps between the patient and the bed surface, facilitating moisture evaporation and air circulation. This segmentation enables simultaneous pressure redistribution and moisture management through the same structural configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable cells act as an intermediary layer between the patient and the bed, providing both pressure redistribution and moisture control functions. The air-filled cells create a barrier that manages moisture while distributing pressure, eliminating the need for separate systems.
3Temperature
If a topper member is added to provide climate control features, then temperature and moisture management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable cell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: pressure redistribution, temperature control through air gaps, and moisture management through ventilation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby limiting complexity increase despite added capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The topper member uses flexible inflatable membranes to create the climate control structure. These thin flexible layers provide thermal and moisture management functions without requiring rigid or complex mechanical structures, thereby limiting complexity increase.
4Stress or pressure
If inflatable cells are used for pressure redistribution, then pressure management is improved, but the ability to control temperature and moisture is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grid arrangement of inflatable cells creates numerous small compartments that can independently manage pressure, temperature, and moisture. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different climate control needs in various body regions while maintaining pressure redistribution functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable cell design is configured to perform multiple functions: pressure redistribution through air cushioning, temperature control through air gaps, and moisture management through ventilation. This universality enables the same structure to adapt to different climate control requirements without sacrificing pressure management.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by managing pressure, temperature, and moisture, enhancing comfort and preventing bed sores through targeted climate control.
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... the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber
Implementation Method 3
sensors for moisture detection
Implementation Method 4
a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
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 additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet. In one embodiment, fluids entering the chamber through the inlet are generally distributed within the chamber by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings along the upper layer. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.