Climate-controlled topper member for medical beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate control systems for medical beds fail to effectively prevent pressure ulcers and enhance comfort by inadequately managing pressure, temperature, and moisture levels, leading to discomfort and potential sores in patients.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled conditioner mat or topper member with selectively positioned fluid zones, thermally conditioned air delivery, and adjustable ventilation, integrated with a fluid module that includes a blower, thermoelectric device, and dehumidifier, to redistribute pressure and maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If climate control systems are added to medical beds, then temperature and moisture control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently controllable zones (head, torso, legs, feet) with separate temperature and moisture control. Each zone has its own heating elements, cooling channels, and airflow control, allowing localized climate management without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The climate control system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: temperature regulation through heating/cooling elements, moisture control through dehumidification and airflow, and pressure management through adjustable support surfaces. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to separate systems for each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure redistribution features are enhanced, then pressure ulcer prevention improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface incorporates regions with different immersion and envelopment characteristics tailored to specific body areas. Critical pressure points (sacrum, heels, elbows) have enhanced pressure redistribution features with greater conformity, while other areas maintain standard support characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed includes adjustable support surfaces that can dynamically modify their firmness and contouring properties in response to patient position and pressure distribution needs. This allows the same bed structure to provide varying degrees of pressure redistribution without requiring multiple specialized beds.
3Ease of operation
If multiple control features (temperature, moisture, pressure) are integrated, then patient comfort improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature control, moisture management, and pressure redistribution features are merged into a single integrated control interface. The system coordinates all these functions through one unified controller that processes patient needs and adjusts multiple parameters simultaneously, reducing the operational burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The climate control system incorporates sensors that automatically monitor temperature, humidity, and pressure distribution, then autonomously adjust system parameters to maintain optimal conditions. This self-regulating capability reduces the need for manual intervention while maintaining high levels of patient comfort.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers and enhances comfort by providing targeted climate control, improving pressure distribution and maintaining optimal environmental conditions, thereby reducing discomfort and preventing sores.
Implementation Method 1
a blower configured to deliver air to the one or more passages
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric device configured to cool or heat the air delivered to the topper member
Implementation Method 3
a dehumidifier configured to dehumidify the air delivered to the topper member
Implementation Method 4
A spacer material or other fluid distribution member may be positioned within the interior space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
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 additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet. In one embodiment, fluids entering the chamber through the inlet are generally distributed within the chamber by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings along the upper layer. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.