Bidirectional Valve Rapid Deflation for Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-inflatable support systems for therapeutic and medical applications face challenges in rapid fluid pressure evacuation for CPR and responsive pressure distribution adjustments, relying on manual disconnection or weight-induced deflation, which delays CPR and fails to promptly address pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional valve design that allows for rapid deflation and inflation of fluid-inflatable support systems by reversing fluid flow through a port using a flow redirecting system, operated by a force generating member like a stepper motor, enabling immediate CPR and real-time pressure adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual disconnection of hose or weight-induced deflation is used, then the support system can be deflated, but the deflation process is slow and delays CPR application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disconnection or passive weight-induced deflation with an electronically controlled valve system. The valve is actuated by a solenoid or motor that rapidly opens to evacuate fluid from the support product, enabling controlled and rapid deflation without manual intervention or delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid evacuation system with a valve connected to the support product's fluid chamber. The valve controls the release of fluid (air or gas) from the inflatable cells, enabling rapid deflation through pneumatic/hydraulic principles rather than relying on slow manual discharge or passive weight-based deflation.
2Speed
If spring-loaded valve with solenoid is used for powered CPR, then rapid deflation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the CPR function as a separate, dedicated valve mechanism distinct from the normal inflation/deflation control. The CPR valve is specifically designed for rapid evacuation and is triggered by a solenoid or motor, separating this emergency function from the routine pressure control system to simplify overall system architecture while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Ease of operation
If existing connector designs are used for fast decoupling, then connection speed is improved, but the deflation still relies on patient weight which delays CPR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the fluid evacuation system in advance by maintaining a pre-positioned valve ready for rapid activation. The valve and associated fluid pathway are pre-configured during product assembly, so that when CPR is needed, the system can immediately begin evacuation without requiring manual disconnection or waiting for weight-induced deflation to begin.
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
Facilitates immediate CPR by rapid fluid evacuation and allows for quick, responsive pressure adjustments to prevent pressure sores and manage respiratory complications, enhancing patient care and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A bi-directional valve design that allows for rapid deflation and inflation of fluid-inflatable support systems by reversing fluid flow through a port using a flow redirecting system
Implementation Method 2
operated by a force generating member like a stepper motor, enabling immediate CPR and real-time pressure adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a bidirectional valve design that provides for more rapid deflations/evacuation of fluid flow and in one example includes a valve body, a spindle piston movably coupled in a bore of the valve body and an electronically controllable motor that moves the spindle valve between a fluid evacuation position and a fluid fill position. In one example, the spindle piston includes piston structures on ends of a threaded rod. In another example, a mattress system is disclosed that employs the valve and a fluid source to provide quick evacuation of air from a patient support. In another example, the valve is coupled to an alternating pressure block valve which is then coupled to a patient support.