Portable Fluid Pod Support Assembly to Prevent Pressure Ulcers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning devices fail to effectively prevent pressure ulcers by redistributing pressure efficiently, often bottoming out and localizing pressure, and require large areas or specialized bedding, making them inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A portable support assembly with individual fluid-filled pods enclosed within inner and outer fluid pads, secured by a flexible outer shell, which redistributes pressure and prevents bottoming out by controlling compression and fluid communication between layers, allowing for adjustable fitting and use on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cushioning devices use flexible materials like foam or springs to deform and conform to the patient's body, then the cushion attempts to redistribute loading from localized regions to a larger area, but the cushion bottoms out such that the patient's body contacts the underlying platform and pressure remains localized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid-filled bladders (pneumatic/hydraulic system) instead of traditional foam or springs. The fluid allows the cushion to conform to body contours while preventing bottoming out, as the fluid is contained within sealed bladders that maintain support without collapsing to the underlying platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is divided into multiple segmented bladders rather than a single continuous foam or spring structure. This segmentation allows independent deformation of each bladder section to conform to body contours while maintaining overall support and preventing localized pressure points from reaching the platform.
2Reliability
If fluid-filled cushions use large single bladders or compartmentalized bladders to inhibit fluid flow laterally and hammock the patient's body, then the patient's body is prevented from bottoming out, but the device requires a large area for placement or specialized bedding
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion uses multiple smaller segmented bladders arranged in a compact configuration rather than one large bladder. This segmentation allows the cushion to provide effective support and prevent bottoming out while occupying a smaller overall area, eliminating the need for specialized bedding or large placement surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented bladders are arranged in a nested or layered configuration where smaller bladder units are positioned within or adjacent to larger structural elements, maximizing support efficiency within a compact footprint that requires minimal placement area.
3Reliability
If segmented cushions isolate individual bladders from one another, then individual pressure points are isolated, but fluid between segmented cushions is prevented from flowing, reducing the cushion's ability to conform to the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluid communication channels or porous partitions between segmented bladders that act as intermediaries. These allow controlled fluid flow between compartments, enabling the cushion to conform to body contours through fluid redistribution while maintaining pressure isolation benefits of segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder partitions use flexible thin-walled structures that allow controlled deformation and fluid movement between compartments. These flexible films enable the segmented bladders to work together as a unified conforming surface while maintaining individual pressure point isolation through the partition structures.
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 significantly reduces pressure on localized body regions, preventing tissue necrosis and reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers by up to 37-68% while providing adjustable and portable support.
Implementation Method 1
inner pads enclosing the one or more pods such that compression of the pods is controlled by the inner pads; and outer pads enclosing the inner pads, wherein the outer pads are configured to redistribute a pressure load from the one or more pods and inner pads to an outer shell attached to the outer pads
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.