Body Support Deformation Sensing With Inductive Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for body comfort, particularly in medical settings, face issues with imprecise and unreliable deformation detection, complex and costly installation, maintenance, and limited applicability to various support types.
Innovation Solution
A support device featuring a deformable element with inflatable hollow cells and a substrate sheet with metal windings and pellets for inductive pulse detection, connected to a pump and exhaust system and electronic unit for managing pressure and deformation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal sheets and induction coils are used for deformation detection, then detection capability is provided, but installation and maintenance become difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems (metal sheets and induction coils) with a simplified electronic detection system using capacitive sensors integrated into the mattress structure. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing installation and maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to be universally applicable to different mattress types and configurations. The capacitive sensors can detect deformations across various mattress constructions without requiring custom installation, making the system multi-functional and adaptable
2Reliability
If complex detection means are installed, then deformation detection is possible, but the device becomes expensive to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive detection system is designed to be self-calibrating and requires minimal maintenance. The sensors automatically adapt to different mattress conditions without manual intervention, reducing both installation and maintenance costs while maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective capacitive sensors that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than expensive permanent installations. This approach reduces initial installation costs and simplifies maintenance by allowing quick sensor replacement without complex procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If known detection means are used, then some detection capability is achieved, but they cannot detect depression of any support types
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive detection system is designed with universal applicability across different support types including mattresses, cushions, and other deformable surfaces. The sensors detect electrical capacitance changes caused by body contact regardless of the underlying support structure, achieving both versatility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system measures changes in electrical capacitance parameters rather than relying on mechanical properties. This parameter change approach allows the same detection mechanism to work accurately across diverse support types with different mechanical characteristics
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
This solution provides more accurate and reproducible deformation detection, is less sensitive to external disturbances, and is simpler to maintain, while being adaptable to different support types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The detection means comprises a plurality of metal windings formed flat on at least one face of this sheet of substrate, and a plurality of metal pellets respectively integral with the end portions of said inflatable hollow cells; the metal pellets are respectively located above the central parts of the metal windings. The deformation detection means may comprise an inductive pulse detection means connected to said windings.
Data Source
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AI summary
Support device for supporting a body or a part of a body, in particular of a human body, comprising at least one deformable element with a first face and a second face opposite each other and provided with at least one detection means for detecting deformations of said deformable element, in which the detection means comprises: a substrate sheet (20), which is connected to one of the faces of said deformable element (6) extending parallel thereto and is provided with a plurality of metal windings (19) formed flat on at least one face of this substrate sheet, and a plurality of metal pellets (28), which are connected to the other face of said deformable element.