Fluid Cell Cushioning Structure for Patient Slip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cushioning devices with air cells often cause patients to slip when raised, as air displacement leads to uneven pressure distribution, resulting in instability and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A cushioning device featuring foam layers with channels for support fluid cells and counterbalance fluid cells, where the foam layers are designed to distribute pressure evenly and prevent slipping by transferring fluid between cells, maintaining a closed system to prevent air escape and adjust pressure dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If air cells are used to provide support, then support function is improved, but patient stability deteriorates due to air displacement causing slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the support medium from compressible air to incompressible fluid (water or gel), which fundamentally alters the pressure distribution characteristics. This parameter change eliminates the slipping problem while maintaining support function, as the incompressible fluid maintains constant volume and pressure distribution even when the patient shifts position.
2Stress or pressure
If foam layers are added to distribute pressure, then pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide pressure distribution across the patient's body, structurally support the fluid cells, and facilitate fluid transfer between cells during patient movement. This multi-functionality achieves improved pressure distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid cells are interconnected to transfer fluid, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnected fluid cells form a self-regulating system where fluid automatically transfers from high-pressure cells to low-pressure cells through the interconnections. This passive fluid transfer mechanism provides adaptability and pressure equalization without requiring active control systems, pumps, or valves, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 enhanced support, stability, and comfort by maintaining pressure distribution and preventing slipping during articulation, ensuring spinal alignment and overall comfort by dynamically adjusting fluid between surface and counterbalance cells.
Implementation Method 1
a first foam layer including a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first foam layer including a plurality of first channels located in the first top surface
Implementation Method 2
these cushioning devices are often configured to be raised at the head end to allow a patient or person to sit upright. However, raising a person in this way often causes air to be displaced in such a way where the person or patient slips toward the foot end
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a first foam layer including a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first foam layer including a plurality of first channels located in the first top surface. Further disclosed is a support fluid cell located in each of the plurality of first channels. Moreover, a second foam layer including a second top surface and a second bottom surface is disclosed, the second foam layer including a second channel located in the second top surface. The cushioning device includes a counterbalance fluid cell located in the second channel. The second foam layer is located underneath the first foam layer. The first foam layer, in combination with the support fluid cells, create a support surface configured to support a load of a person.