Flexible Sensor Mat for Patient Pressure Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems lack the ability to effectively monitor and manage pressure distribution and patient-related parameters, leading to inadequate prevention and management of bed sores and other issues related to patient comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system integrated with a sensor array, controller, and user interface that detects force exerted by patients on a flexible mat or mattress, providing real-time data on pressure distribution, patient position, and other parameters, and communicates alerts and data to caregivers, both locally and remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor array is integrated into a flexible mat for real-time pressure monitoring, then patient safety and bed sore prevention are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is integrated directly into the flexible mat structure, combining the sensing function with the support surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining real-time pressure monitoring capabilities for patient safety
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mat serves multiple functions: it provides patient support, monitors pressure distribution, and prevents bed sores. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized devices, thereby reducing device complexity while improving patient safety through comprehensive monitoring
2Measurement precision
If a sensor array is integrated into the patient support surface, then pressure distribution monitoring is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is embedded within a flexible mat that can be manufactured as a thin, adaptable layer. This flexible film approach allows the sensor array to be integrated into various patient support surfaces without requiring rigid structural modifications, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mat can be manufactured with varying sensor densities and configurations depending on the specific application requirements. This parameter flexibility allows manufacturers to optimize the sensor array integration for different patient support surfaces, balancing measurement precision with manufacturing ease through customizable design parameters
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect force exerted by patients, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple discrete sensing elements distributed across the flexible mat. Each sensor detects force at a specific location, and the segmented structure allows for precise local pressure measurement while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular sensor elements that can be independently manufactured and positioned
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
Enhances patient safety by preventing bed sores through real-time monitoring and alerting caregivers to potential issues, improving patient comfort and reducing the risk of complications related to pressure distribution and patient positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor array includes a plurality of sensors that are each adapted to detect force exerted by a patient onto a respective sensor in the sensor array
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sensing system for a patient support, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, provides data about the patient and/or the patient support itself. The sensing system may include a flexible sheet that houses a sensor array that detect interface pressures between the patient and the support surface on the patient support. A user interface allows a caregiver to control operational parameters of the sensor array, including alarms. A color coded map may be displayed on the user interface highlighting the patient's currently experienced interface pressures. A control system coupled to the sensor array may map the sensor outputs to the body of the patient in order to correlate the interface pressures to specific parts of the patient's body. Shear pressure may, in some embodiments, also be detected by the sensor sheet.