Topper with targeted fluid flow distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microclimate control toppers for beds fail to uniformly distribute airflow, leading to inefficient cooling and humidity reduction across the occupant's skin, particularly due to non-uniform skin temperature and sweat gland distribution, and are further compromised by adjustable bed profiles 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, optionally with sensors and controllers to adapt airflow distribution based on weight distribution and occupant position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform airflow distribution is used across the topper, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cooling and humidity reduction efficiency is insufficient due to non-uniform skin temperature and sweat gland distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath is configured with varying passage widths and heights to create different airflow resistance zones. The passage width varies from 0.5 to 2 inches and height varies from 0.25 to 1 inch, directing higher airflow to regions with higher skin temperature and sweat gland concentration (torso, back, pelvic region) while reducing airflow to areas with lower needs (arms, legs). This non-uniform flow distribution matches the non-uniform thermal and moisture management needs of different body regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable bed profiles are used to accommodate occupant position changes, then patient comfort and perfusion are improved, but the vasculature distortion and perfusion degradation occur during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The microclimate control system is activated before bed profile adjustments to pre-cool and pre-dry the skin. This preliminary cooling and drying reduces skin temperature and moisture levels before the shear forces of profile adjustment occur, thereby reducing the thermal and moisture stress on the skin during the vulnerable adjustment period when vasculature is distorted.
3Productivity
If higher airflow is directed to target regions, then skin cooling and humidity reduction are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath design creates localized high-velocity airflow zones over target regions (torso, back, pelvic region) by varying passage dimensions. The passage width varies from 0.5 to 2 inches and height varies from 0.25 to 1 inch, concentrating airflow where it is most needed. This targeted approach improves cooling and humidity reduction effectiveness in high-need areas while avoiding excessive airflow to low-need areas, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to uniform high airflow across the entire topper surface.
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 under target regions, improving skin cooling and humidity reduction, thereby addressing non-uniform skin needs and adapting to changes in occupant position for enhanced comfort and perfusion.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid flowpath having an inlet and an outlet extends through the interior of the topper. 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 establishes a microclimate in the vicinity of the occupant's skin. Specifically, 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 and therefore susceptible to breakdown.
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.