Fluid Cell Cushioning with Closed-Loop Exhaust Reservoirs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cushioning devices in the medical field, which use fluid cells for dynamic pressurization, often require contact with atmospheric air, leading to contamination risks and suboptimal pressure management in closed systems.
Innovation Solution
A cushioning device with a dynamic exhaust reservoir system, featuring a series connection of exhaust reservoirs and pressure relief valves, allows fluid to escape and return automatically based on pressure thresholds, maintaining dynamic pressure changes without atmospheric contact, thus preventing contamination and ensuring sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed system is used to prevent contamination, then patient safety is improved, but dynamic pressure management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is divided into multiple reservoirs (first exhaust reservoir and second exhaust reservoir) connected in series, allowing the closed system to manage pressure dynamically through segmented stages while maintaining patient safety through the closed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust reservoirs act as intermediary chambers between the fluid cells and the external environment, enabling pressure management functions while the closed system prevents contamination by serving as an intermediate barrier
2Adaptability or versatility
If atmospheric air contact is allowed for dynamic pressurization, then pressure management is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed system creates an inert environment that is isolated from atmospheric air, eliminating contamination risk while the internal exhaust reservoir system provides the necessary dynamic pressurization capability through controlled fluid movement
3Device complexity
If a single exhaust reservoir is used, then system complexity is reduced, but pressure management effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is segmented into multiple reservoirs connected in series, where each reservoir serves a specific pressure management function, improving overall effectiveness while the modular design keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The series connection of exhaust reservoirs with check valves creates a dynamic system that automatically adjusts pressure management based on loading conditions, improving reliability without requiring complex active control mechanisms
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 manages pressure changes to prevent tissue damage and maintain a low, uniform interface pressure, reducing the risk of pressure sores and injuries while maintaining a closed system to prevent contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief valve allowing fluid to escape from the first exhaust reservoir to the second exhaust reservoir when the pressure in the first exhaust reservoir exceeds a threshold
Implementation Method 2
a check valve allowing fluid to flow back from the second exhaust reservoir to the first exhaust reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of fluid cells each containing a fluid for supporting a load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.