Fluid Mattress Sacral Position Detection via Pressure Exhaust Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized beds struggle to accurately determine the position of a user's sacral region when the user is subtly shifted from a predetermined position, making it difficult to smoothly raise the upper body during back-raising operations, especially when the user is not positioned correctly.
Innovation Solution
A fluid mattress system with a controller that adjusts the pressure in interconnected air cells to determine the sacral region's position by measuring exhaust times and adjusts the bed sections to align the sacral region with a predetermined position using actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual determination by care giver is used to detect user position, then large position shifts can be detected, but subtle position shifts cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual detection method with a pressure sensing system. Pressure sensors embedded in the mattress surface detect subtle position shifts through pressure distribution changes, eliminating the need for visual determination by caregivers and enabling precise detection of even minor position deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure sensors as an intermediary between the user and the detection system. These sensors act as mediators that convert subtle physical position changes into measurable pressure signals, allowing indirect but precise detection of user position without requiring direct visual observation.
2Ease of operation
If back section is made flat for sleeping posture, then user can sleep comfortably, but upper body cannot be smoothly raised during back-raising operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where pressure sensor data is continuously monitored during back-raising operations. The system provides real-time feedback on user position, allowing the mattress to dynamically adjust support and ensure the user remains properly positioned even as the back section angle changes, enabling smooth operation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mattress support dynamic by continuously adjusting pressure distribution in response to changing bed angles. The system adapts the mattress firmness and support characteristics in real-time during back-raising operations, transitioning from a static flat surface to a dynamically responsive support system that maintains optimal positioning throughout the motion.
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
Accurately determines the sacral region's position, even with subtle shifts, and adjusts the bed sections to prevent bedsore and ensure comfortable, balanced positioning during back-raising operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that measures a pressure of the fluid in the fluid path
Implementation Method 2
a first solenoid valve including a first end connected to the plurality of first cells and a second end connected to the fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid mattress is provided with a fluid supply unit, a fluid path, a plurality of first cells connected to each other, a plurality of second cells connected to each other, a plurality of third cells connected to each other, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller measures first time during when a pressure in the first cell changes from a third pressure to a fourth pressure when implementing a first mode by shifting from a third mode, measures second time during when a pressure in the second cell changes from the third pressure to the fourth pressure when implementing a second mode by shifting from the first mode, measures third time during when a pressure in the third cell changes from the third pressure to the fourth pressure when implementing a third mode by shifting from the second mode, and determines a position of a sacral region of a user based on the first time, the second time, and the third time.