Dynamic Foam Mattress Cover Attachment for Bed Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In clinical environments, mattresses with advanced articulation systems often experience improper positioning of components relative to patients due to relative movement, leading to decreased performance and displacement of internal components within the mattress cover.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus comprising a foam frame, a bladder assembly with interconnected foam-filled bladders and a relief valve, and a cover that secures to an articulated frame, allowing for self-adjustment and controlled movement to maintain optimal interface pressure and prevent displacement during frame articulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mattress is placed on an articulated frame with advanced articulation, then patient positioning capability is improved, but internal components become displaced and performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient positioning capabilityVSAvoidmattress performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress cover is designed with dynamic attachment mechanisms including protrusions that engage with receivers on the articulated frame, allowing the cover to move and adjust with frame articulation while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic design enables the mattress to adapt to changing frame positions without displacing internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions and receivers act as intermediary elements between the mattress cover and the articulated frame, providing a controlled connection that allows for relative movement while preventing excessive displacement. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the need for articulation adaptability and component stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the mattress components are secured rigidly to prevent displacement, then component stability is improved, but the mattress cannot adapt to frame articulation movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stabilityVSAvoidarticulation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from rigid to dynamic, allowing controlled movement through the engagement of protrusions with receivers. This dynamic attachment maintains component stability while enabling adaptation to frame articulation, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism allows for changes in positional parameters during articulation while maintaining structural integrity. The protrusions can move within the receivers to accommodate position changes without compromising the overall stability of the mattress components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the bladder assembly is fully secured to prevent movement, then pressure consistency is improved, but the mattress cannot self-adjust during articulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure consistencyVSAvoidself-adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is designed to self-adjust during articulation through the dynamic cover attachment system. The cover and bladder assembly can move relative to each other within controlled parameters, allowing the mattress to automatically adapt to frame movements without external intervention while maintaining pressure consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bladder assembly attachment allows for dynamic adjustment during articulation. The semi-rigid plate with floating capability enables the bladder assembly to self-position and maintain optimal pressure distribution while accommodating frame movements, achieving both pressure consistency and self-adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures consistent support and pressure regulation for patients by allowing the mattress to adjust and secure its components relative to the frame, preventing internal displacement and maintaining performance across various positions and movements.

Implementation Method 1

having a relief valve to release air from the bladder assembly if the pressure in the bladder assembly exceeds a predetermined limit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure relief valve mechanism: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The bladder assembly includes a plurality of foam-filled bladders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11969100B2Dynamic foam mattress adapted for use with a variable length hospital bed

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A non-powered mattress including a cover enclosing a frame structure and a bladder assembly, the cover adapted to engage an articulated frame to control movement of portions of the foam frame and the bladder assembly in response to movement of the articulated frame.