Core Support Surface Instability Using a Fluid-Controlled Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems for exercise lack effective means to induce instability, which is essential for core muscle strengthening and preventing atrophy.
Innovation Solution
A person support system with an instability apparatus comprising a bladder in fluidic communication with a pressurized fluid source, controlled by a controller and valve, which varies the volume of fluid to alter the inclination of the support surface, thereby inducing instability and promoting core muscle exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient support system provides stable support, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but core muscle engagement and exercise effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is transformed from a static, stable structure to a dynamic, unstable one through the incorporation of an instability apparatus. The apparatus includes a platform that can tilt or shift position, creating controlled instability that requires continuous core muscle activation to maintain balance and proper posture during exercise activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The instability apparatus changes the physical parameters of the support surface by introducing variable tilt angles and positional shifts. These parameter changes create an unstable environment that challenges the patient's balance and core stability, thereby enhancing muscle engagement without compromising safety through controlled design limits.
2Productivity
If an instability apparatus is added to the patient support system, then core muscle engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instability apparatus is nested within the existing patient support system structure. The tilting platform is integrated into the seat or support surface assembly, allowing the instability function to be incorporated without requiring a completely separate system. This nesting approach minimizes additional complexity while achieving the desired core engagement effect.
3Productivity
If the support surface is made unstable to engage core muscles, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but patient stability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instability is achieved through controlled parameter changes in the support surface tilt angle and position. By carefully adjusting these parameters within safe limits, the system creates enough instability to engage core muscles while maintaining sufficient stability to ensure patient comfort and safety during exercise activities.
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 enhances patient mobility by targeting core muscle strengthening through controlled instability, preventing muscle atrophy and improving exercise efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A core instability system includes a person support surface and an instability apparatus mounted to the person support surface. The instability apparatus includes a bladder and a source of pressurized fluid. The bladder is in fluidic communication with the source of pressurized fluid.
Implementation Method 2
A controller varies the volume of the bladder to vary an inclination of the person support surface to cause instability
Data Source
AI summary
A system to cause instability for a person supported by a person support surface is disclosed. The system is configured to cause the person supported by the person support surface to compensate for the instability caused by the system in order to exercise their core or trunk region.