Fluid-Bladder Support Surface for Assisted Patient Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital bed mattresses lack effective support and therapy solutions that can be universally applied across various bed frames, failing to provide optimal patient support and ease of care, particularly in terms of adjustable firmness and safe turning assistance.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus featuring a support surface with fluid bladders stabilized by tethers and a compressible cradle, integrated with an inflating/deflating system and a bladder anchoring system, allowing for adjustable firmness and assisted patient turning through strategically arranged bladders and a control system for CPR deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mattress assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but patient support and therapy capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress assembly is divided into multiple independent bladders arranged in longitudinal and transverse groups, with separate control systems for each group. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of support zones for different body parts, enabling customized patient support and therapy capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress assembly integrates multiple functions including patient support, firmness adjustment, turning assistance, and therapy delivery through a single unified structure. The bladders can be inflated or deflated to provide different support levels, and the system can facilitate patient turning operations, making the mattress capable of performing multiple therapeutic functions simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If adjustable firmness is implemented through fluid bladders, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system includes automated control mechanisms that can independently manage fluid delivery to each bladder group based on predetermined programs or user selections. The system self-regulates pressure and flow to achieve desired firmness levels without requiring manual intervention, simplifying the operation while the automated control manages the complexity of the fluid delivery infrastructure
3Productivity
If turning assistance bladders are added, then patient care efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning assistance function is implemented through separate bladders positioned at specific locations (longitudinal and transverse groups) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the turning mechanism to be integrated into the existing mattress structure without requiring complete redesign, as each bladder group can be manufactured and positioned using standardized processes
Solution Approach 2:
The turning assistance bladders are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing rapid inflation and deflation sequences that facilitate patient turning operations. The dynamic control capability enables the bladders to adapt their volume and pressure in real-time during turning maneuvers, improving patient care efficiency while the bladders themselves can be manufactured using conventional inflatable component techniques
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 provides improved patient support and therapy capabilities by allowing adjustable firmness and safe turning assistance, enhancing care efficiency and patient comfort across different bed frames.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder
Implementation Method 2
a cradle, with the cradle formed from a compressible material and having a compressible lower wall supported by the base wall
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, with at least one fluid bladder, a base wall, and a cradle, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. The cradle is formed from a compressible material and is supported by the base wall, with the bladder being anchored at the base wall.