Climate-Controlled Bed Topper Structure for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bed sores, occur due to prolonged contact with a bed or surface, resulting from unrelieved pressure, friction, moisture, and temperature issues, and existing methods are inadequate in preventing these ulcers in bed-bound patients.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled conditioner mat or topper member for beds, featuring a layered structure with fluid impermeable and permeable zones, spacer materials, and integrated fluid modules for temperature and moisture regulation, which can be secured to a bed assembly to distribute fluids and maintain a comfortable climate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bed surface is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it fails to provide adequate pressure distribution and climate control, leading to pressure ulcer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface is segmented into multiple functional zones including fluid impermeable zones, fluid permeable zones, non-fluid zones, and transition zones. Each zone serves specific purposes for pressure distribution and climate control, allowing the system to prevent pressure ulcers through differentiated functional regions rather than a uniform structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bed surface are assigned different material properties and functions. Fluid impermeable zones provide pressure relief, fluid permeable zones enable moisture wicking, non-fluid zones provide structural support, and transition zones create smooth gradients. This local differentiation optimizes both pressure distribution and climate control at specific locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid permeable materials are used throughout the bed surface, then moisture control is improved, but pressure distribution is compromised due to lack of structural support
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid permeable materials are applied locally in specific zones where moisture control is needed, while fluid impermeable and non-fluid zones provide structural support in areas requiring strength. This localized application resolves the contradiction by assigning different material properties to different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed surface employs asymmetric distribution of material properties rather than uniform composition. The pattern of fluid permeable, fluid impermeable, and non-fluid zones creates an asymmetric structure that simultaneously provides both moisture management and structural integrity where needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform thickness bed surface is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate varying pressure and climate control requirements across different body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface incorporates varying thicknesses and material densities in different zones to adapt to body contours and pressure requirements. Thicker regions provide cushioning for bony prominences, while thinner regions maintain proximity to the body for effective climate control. This local variation in thickness enables both pressure adaptation and climate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional uniform surface to a three-dimensional structure with varying thickness and layered composition. This dimensional complexity allows the bed surface to conform to body contours while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction of the different zones.
4Reliability
If multiple functional zones are implemented, then climate control and pressure distribution are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface is divided into distinct functional zones (fluid impermeable, fluid permeable, non-fluid, transition zones) that can be manufactured as separate components and then assembled. This segmentation enables effective climate control and pressure distribution while managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional zones are merged into a single integrated bed surface structure that works as a unified system. The different zones are combined to provide simultaneous pressure relief, moisture management, and climate control, achieving comprehensive functionality while presenting a unified product for manufacturing and deployment.
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 distributing pressure, regulating temperature and moisture, and enhancing comfort, thereby preventing bed sores and improving occupant comfort.
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 impermeable member positioned within the interior chamber, wherein the fluid impermeable member generally forms a non-fluid zone
Implementation Method 3
one or more fluid modules 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.