Device for supporting a body part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support surfaces for reducing pressure ulcers are ineffective as they focus on redistributing peak pressures rather than addressing the inability of soft tissues to tolerate large shape changes, leading to continued risk of ulceration despite high costs.
Innovation Solution
A device that applies a second pressure perpendicular to the primary pressure to reduce bulging of soft tissue under bony prominences, using a mechanical linkage or pneumatic system to maintain a predetermined pressure ratio, thereby reducing deviatoric stresses and the risk of ulceration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure redistribution is used to reduce peak pressures beneath the body, then the risk of developing an ulcer is reduced according to current theory, but the device is expensive to produce and ineffective because soft tissues can tolerate very high peak pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional vertical pressure redistribution (single dimension) to applying lateral pressure perpendicular to the body weight direction (adding another dimension). This dimensional change allows the device to counteract tissue bulging and deviatoric stresses more effectively, addressing the root cause of ulceration rather than just reducing peak pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure application parameters by introducing a second pressure component perpendicular to the primary vertical pressure. The controller adjusts this second pressure dynamically based on sensor feedback, changing the pressure state from static vertical loading to dynamic multi-directional pressure control, which more effectively prevents tissue deformation.
2Reliability
If pressure redistribution devices are used to reduce peak under-body pressure, then hospitals and individuals incur considerable expense, but the devices are ineffective because they do not address the actual cause of ulceration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the pressure state beneath the body and feed this information to a controller. The controller adjusts the second pressure in real-time based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes ulcer prevention while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from excessive or inappropriate pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically adjusts its own pressure application based on sensor feedback without requiring external intervention. The controller autonomously modulates the second pressure to maintain optimal protection against ulceration, making the system self-regulating and efficient in terms of energy usage.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional support surfaces are designed to redistribute pressures, then the contact area is increased to reduce peak pressure, but this does not prevent soft tissue from experiencing large shape changes that cause ulceration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a counteracting pressure in the lateral direction to balance and counterweight the deforming effect of vertical body weight on soft tissue. This second pressure acts as a counterforce that prevents tissue bulging and maintains tissue shape stability, directly addressing the problem of large shape changes that traditional pressure redistribution fails to prevent.
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 device effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by applying a lateral pressure that mimics hydrostatic loading, reducing deformation and shear stresses in deep tissue, thus providing a more effective solution than traditional pressure redistribution methods.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion having means for applying a second pressure to the body part in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A method of supporting a body part (16), comprising providing a device (100) comprising: a first portion (105) configured to support a body part, wherein, in use, the body part applies a first pressure to the first portion in a first direction; means for detecting the first pressure; and a second portion (115) having means (212) for applying a second pressure to the body part in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; detecting the first pressure; determining the second pressure based on a user parameter; and applying the second pressure to the body part in the second direction at a pre-determined ratio relative to the first pressure using said means for applying the second pressure.