Flocked PVC Alternating Pressure Pad for Bedsore Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable pads used for bedridden patients often collapse, causing discomfort and potentially worsening bedsores, as they lack durability and consistent pressure distribution, leading to skin damage and the need for frequent patient repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber alternating pressure pad with a flocked PVC surface, featuring separate inflatable chambers and a lining layer for enhanced grip and comfort, which allows for varying air pressures and prevents collapse by maintaining support even if one chamber leaks, and includes an extension portion for increased coverage and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-chamber inflatable pad is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pad collapses when one chamber leaks and cannot provide consistent pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable pad is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber and second chamber) that can be separately inflated and deflated. This segmentation ensures that if one chamber leaks or fails, the other chamber can still provide support and pressure distribution, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process as each chamber can be manufactured using similar processes
2Ease of manufacture
If the pad uses smooth PVC material, then it is easy to clean and maintain, but it causes slipping and sliding of the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The pad combines two types of materials: a flocking material layer on the surface that contacts the patient to provide friction and prevent slipping, and a smooth PVC layer underneath that is easy to clean and maintain. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by giving different surfaces different properties - the top surface for grip and the bottom surface for ease of cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the pad have different surface properties. The top surface that contacts the patient is covered with flocking material to provide high friction and prevent slipping, while the bottom surface remains smooth PVC for easy cleaning and maintenance. This local differentiation of material properties allows each surface to optimize its function
3Strength
If the pad uses thick material for durability, then it resists collapse and provides consistent support, but it reduces flexibility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pad uses thin film PVC material that is inflated to create the necessary structure and support. The thin film nature of the material allows it to be flexible and comfortable when inflated, while the inflation pressure provides the necessary strength and durability to resist collapse. This eliminates the need for thick material while maintaining both flexibility and strength
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the pad provides high friction surface for grip, then it prevents patient slipping, but it increases heat and humidity accumulation on skin
Solution Approach 1:
The flocking material used on the pad surface has a porous structure that allows air circulation and moisture vapor transmission. This porous structure provides the necessary friction to prevent slipping while simultaneously allowing heat and moisture to pass through, preventing accumulation on the patient's skin. The interlocking fibers create friction without creating a non-porous barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An alternating pressure pad system that includes an alternating pressure pad. The alternating pressure pad includes a first layer defined by a planer sheet of flocked polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the first layer having a thickness of between 0.50 mm-0.70 mm and comprising a PVC portion and a flocked portion coupled to a face of the PVC portion, the PVC portion having a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm and the flocked portion having a thickness between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm.