Middle-Layer Cushion Bladder Layout for Leak-Resistant Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art cushion designs face issues with leakage and air loss when handles are used, leading to increased interface pressures and the risk of bottoming, which can cause bed sores and other complications during patient transfer.
Innovation Solution
A three-tiered cushion design featuring a middle layer with gaps between the outer layers and interior welds that are not superimposed, allowing for independent redistribution of pressure and reducing stress on seals, thereby minimizing the risk of leakage and maintaining consistent air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handles are added to the cushion for patient transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but leakage and air loss occur leading to increased interface pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple independent air chambers separated by internal partitions. This segmentation allows the cushion to maintain structural integrity and pressure distribution even when handles are present, as each chamber independently supports the patient's weight and redistributes pressure without compromising the overall seal integrity.
2Strength
If air pressure is increased to prevent bottoming, then cushioning effectiveness is improved, but interface pressures increase causing bed sores
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion divides the internal air pressure into multiple independent chambers, each contributing to overall support. This allows the cushion to achieve adequate lift and bottoming prevention through distributed pressure rather than high concentrated pressure, thereby reducing interface pressures on the patient's skin while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion transitions from a single-layer design to a multi-chamber three-dimensional structure with internal partitions. This dimensional complexity allows pressure to be distributed across multiple surfaces and volumes, enabling the cushion to provide support through volumetric displacement rather than surface pressure, thus preventing bottoming without increasing harmful interface pressures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple air chambers are used to redistribute weight, then pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion employs multiple air chambers separated by internal partitions that are integrated into the overall cushion structure. While this segmentation improves pressure distribution by creating independent cells that can independently support and redistribute weight, the partitions are designed to be structurally efficient and minimally intrusive, balancing the complexity requirement with the pressure distribution benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
A cushioning device has two materials that are sealed together at their peripheral edges to form first and second sides and first and second ends. Positioned between the first and second materials is a middle material. The middle material has the top and bottom sides, a gap between the first side and the middle material and another gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side by a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface by a second set of interior welds. The first set of welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.