Contour-Adjustable Mattress to Prevent Bed Occupant Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital beds with non-adjustable thigh and calf sections cannot counteract the tendency of the upper body section to push occupants forward, leading to involuntary migration and potential skin injuries, requiring caregiver intervention.
Innovation Solution
A mattress with an orientation adjustable upper body section and a profile adjustable lower body section, utilizing pressurizable bladders and an angular orientation sensor to adjust the mattress profile independently of the bed frame, resisting the upward movement of the occupant by changing the bladder pressure and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper body section is made orientation adjustable to improve occupant comfort and positioning, then the ability to support the occupant in various positions is improved, but the upper body section pushes the occupant toward the foot of the bed when rotated upward, causing involuntary migration and potential skin injury
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress applies a preliminary counteracting force through the profile-adjustable lower body section that opposes the footward pushing force generated by the upper body section rotation. This preliminary anti-action prevents occupant migration before it occurs, eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the beneficial positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress changes the profile parameter of the lower body section dynamically in response to upper body section orientation. By adjusting the profile (height/contour) of the lower body section, the mattress creates a counterbalancing support structure that prevents occupant migration while maintaining the upper body section's orientation adjustability.
2Device complexity
If the frame lower body section is made non-adjustable to simplify the bed frame structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the bed cannot counteract the tendency of the upper body section to push the occupant forward, requiring caregiver intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress performs the function of counteracting occupant migration that would otherwise require frame adjustability or caregiver intervention. The profile-adjustable lower body section automatically adjusts to compensate for upper body section rotation, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for caregiver repositioning while keeping the frame structure simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mattress lower body section is made profile adjustable independently of the frame to counteract upper body pushing forces, then occupant migration is prevented, but the mattress structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress lower body section is made dynamically adjustable through profile-adjustable elements that can change their configuration in response to upper body section orientation. This dynamic capability allows the mattress to adapt its profile to counteract pushing forces while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that only adds the necessary adjustment mechanism.
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
Effectively counteracts the tendency of the upper body section to push occupants forward, reducing the need for caregiver repositioning and minimizing shear stress on the skin, thereby enhancing occupant safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an angular orientation sensor to determine the orientation of the upper body section
Implementation Method 2
utilizing pressurizable bladders and an angular orientation sensor to adjust the mattress profile independently of the bed frame, resisting the upward movement of the occupant by changing the bladder pressure and shape
Data Source
AI summary
A mattress for use on a bed frame has a lower body section 42 and a upper body section 40. The mattress upper body section is orientation adjustable in as a function of the orientation of the upper body section of the frame upon which the mattress rests. At least part 60 of the mattress lower body section is profile adjustable as a function of the orientation of the mattress upper body section without being dependent on profile adjustment of the lower body section of the frame. A mattress replacement system includes a mattress having an orientation adjustable upper body section and a lower body section. The mattress replacement system also includes an angular orientation sensor 58 for determining the orientation of the upper body section. At least part 60 of the mattress lower body section is profile adjustable in response to the determined orientation of the mattress upper body section.