Deformable Bed Support Element for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-decubitus bed systems are ineffective in preventing bedsores and are not compatible with conventional foam mattresses, often requiring use after sores have developed, limiting their ability to reduce healthcare costs associated with decubitus patients.
Innovation Solution
A deformable support element for a lying system comprising a rigid central portion and flexible lateral parts, with actuators and guide elements that allow directional movement, enabling the support to assume various shapes and forms, such as a straight, wave, or upward/downward configuration, suitable for targeted patient positioning and preventing bedsores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional foam mattresses are used in existing anti-decubitus bed systems, then patient comfort is improved, but the systems become incompatible with the mechanical structures required for proactive decubitus prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into a rigid central portion and flexible lateral portions, allowing each segment to serve different functions. The rigid central portion provides structural support for the actuator mechanism while the flexible lateral portions conform to the patient's body contours, enabling both foam mattress compatibility and effective pressure redistribution for decubitus prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support element have different mechanical properties - the central portion is rigid to maintain structural integrity and guide element functionality, while the lateral portions are flexible to adapt to body shapes and work effectively with foam mattresses. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural requirements and comfort/compatibility requirements.
2Shape
If a large number of pistons and expansion tanks are used to adapt the support surface to the patient's body shape, then pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support element incorporates a guide element that enables dynamic shape changes through a single actuator. The guide element's geometric design allows the rigid central portion to move in a controlled path, automatically transforming the support element's shape to match the patient's body contours without requiring multiple pistons or complex hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the support surface. It translates the linear motion of the actuator into the complex curved motion needed for body contour adaptation, simplifying the overall system by replacing multiple direct actuation points with a single actuator controlling a mechanical guide structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support element uses a rigid structure throughout, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to conform to patient body shapes and prevent bedsores is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support element uses different rigidity levels in different regions - the central portion is rigid for manufacturing simplicity and structural function, while the lateral portions are flexible for body contouring. This localized differentiation maintains ease of manufacture for the dominant central structure while adding adaptability only where needed at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element combines rigid and flexible materials or structures in a composite configuration. The rigid central portion provides structural stability and ease of manufacture, while the flexible lateral portions provide adaptability to body shapes, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both material types.
4Reliability
If existing anti-decubitus systems are used, then pressure redistribution is improved, but the systems can only be used after decubitus has developed, limiting their ability to prevent bedsores proactively
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to proactively prevent decubitus by continuously adapting its shape to the patient's body contours from the beginning of use. The actuator and guide element mechanism enable the support surface to maintain optimal pressure distribution before any skin breakdown occurs, rather than reacting after decubitus has developed, thus preventing the time loss associated with delayed intervention.
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 prevents bedsores by allowing customizable support for different body parts, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and enabling use with foam mattresses, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture due to its reduced component count and adaptable design.
Implementation Method 1
two flexible parts laterally of the rigid central portion... flexing edge members permit directional movement of the flexing portions of the deck... one or more actuators positioned between the edge members and beneath the pad for deforming the pad
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a deformable support element (1) for use in a bed system, and to a bed system comprising the support elements (1) according to the invention. The bed system is suited in particular for use in the prevention of the development of decubitus by recumbent patients. The support element (1) according to the invention consists of a resting surface (2), flexible edge elements (3), which are connected at each end to the resting surface (2) and allow for a directed movement of the end of the resting surface (2) out of an unloaded position, and one or more actuators (7) beneath the resting surface (2) for deforming the resting surface (2). The invention is advantageously characterized in that the resting surface (2) of the support element (1) can take on a straight shape by the actuation of the actuator or actuators (7) or can be deformed into an undulated shape or into a movement that is directed upward or downward.