Deformable Bed Support Plate for Pressure Sore Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed systems for preventing pressure sores are ineffective in early prevention and often require existing systems to be used after sores have already developed, and they are not compatible with conventional foam mattresses.
Innovation Solution
A deformable support element for a bed system comprising a flexurally rigid middle part and two flexible parts, with edge supports and actuators that allow the support plate to change shape, enabling targeted movement and pressure distribution to prevent pressure sores, and can be integrated with a foam mattress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional foam mattresses are used in existing bed systems, then comfort and simplicity are maintained, but the system cannot adapt to patient's body shape to prevent pressure sores
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is segmented into a rigid middle part and two flexible side parts, allowing different regions to perform different functions. The rigid middle part provides stable support while the flexible side parts adapt to the patient's body contours, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element incorporates dynamic capabilities through actuators that can change the shape and position of the flexible parts. This allows the bed system to actively adapt to the patient's body shape when needed, while maintaining a simple static structure when adaptability is not required.
2Reliability
If existing bed systems with pistons or hydraulic buffers are used, then pressure distribution can be adjusted, but the systems are complex and cannot be used for early prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support function and the pressure distribution function into a single integrated support element. The combination of rigid and flexible parts with actuators creates a compact structure that performs both support and adaptive pressure relief, eliminating the need for separate piston systems or hydraulic buffers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support element have different mechanical properties - the middle part is rigid for stable support while the side parts are flexible for pressure adaptation. This local differentiation allows effective pressure sore prevention without requiring a completely complex system throughout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a support element with many parts is designed to achieve deformability, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into rigid and flexible parts that can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of manufacture, avoiding the need for complex monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves deformability by changing the material parameters (rigidity) of different parts rather than increasing the number of mechanical components. The flexible parts are made with specific material properties that allow controlled deformation, simplifying manufacturing compared to mechanisms with many moving parts.
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 deformable support element effectively prevents pressure sores by allowing the bed system to adapt to the patient's body shape, reducing the risk of sore development and allowing use with foam mattresses, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.
Implementation Method 1
two flexible parts (2b) located each sideways to the flexurally rigid middle part (2a); flexible edge elements, of which respectively one edge element is connected with one end of the support plate, said flexible edge elements allowing a directed movement of the flexible parts of the support plate out of an unloaded configuration, in which the edge elements each rest on the edge support, when loaded upwards and inwards to the middle part of the support plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a deformable support element for use in a bed system, and to a bed system comprising the support elements. The bed system is suited in particular for use in the prevention of the development of decubitus by recumbent patients. The support element according to the invention consists of a support plate, flexible edge elements connected at each end to the support plate allowing for a directed movement of the end of the support plate out of an unloaded position, and one or more actuators beneath the support plate for deforming the support plate. The invention is advantageously characterized in that the support plate of the support element can take on a straight shape by the actuation of the actuator or actuators or can be deformed into an undulated shape or into a movement that is directed upward or downward.