Fluid Pod Support Assembly for Pressure Ulcer Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning devices fail to effectively prevent pressure ulcers by not adequately redistributing pressure, often leading to localized pressure on the body, especially in areas like the sacrum and trochanter, due to limitations in conforming to body shape and requiring large spaces or specialized bedding.
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 distribution, allowing for adjustable and conformable support on various body regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional foam or spring cushioning devices are used, then the cushion can deform and conform to the patient's body, but the device bottoms out such that the patient's body contacts the underlying platform and localizes pressure onto the body
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple independent fluid-filled bladders arranged in an array, where each bladder can independently deform to conform to body contours while distributing pressure across multiple segments rather than concentrating it at single contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion uses fluid-filled bladders instead of traditional foam or spring materials, utilizing hydraulic pressure distribution to prevent bottoming out while maintaining conformability to body shapes, thereby reducing localized pressure points
2Stress or pressure
If fluid-filled cushions with large single bladders or compartmentalized bladders are used, then the patient's body is hammocked and prevented from bottoming out, but the device requires a large area for placement or specialized bedding
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion employs multiple small fluid-filled bladders arranged in a compact array pattern, achieving effective pressure distribution and body support without requiring a large overall footprint, allowing placement on standard beds and surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion integrates multiple functional elements (bladders, baffles, fluid channels) in a nested or layered configuration within a compact structure, maximizing pressure distribution functionality while minimizing the required placement area
3Stress or pressure
If segmented bladders are used to isolate individual bladders, then fluid flow between bladders is prevented, but the cushion fails to fully conform to the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion implements localized fluid communication through selective positioning of baffles and channels, allowing fluid to flow between adjacent bladders in specific regions to enhance conformability while maintaining pressure isolation in other areas through strategic baffle placement
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion uses baffles and fluid channels as intermediary structures that mediate between complete fluid isolation and complete fluid connectivity, enabling controlled fluid movement that simultaneously achieves pressure distribution and body conformability
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 effectively reduces pressure on localized body regions to below 4.3 kPa, preventing tissue necrosis and reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers, while being portable and adaptable for use on any surface.
Implementation Method 1
controlling displacement of one or more pods positioned along the support assembly beneath the region via an inner pad enclosing the one or more pods, and redistributing a pressure load from the one or more pods and inner pad to an outer pad
Implementation Method 2
redistributing a pressure load from the one or more pods and inner pad to an outer pad positioned along the support assembly and enclosing the inner pad, wherein the redistributed pressure load is exerted upon the body surrounding the supported region
Data Source
AI summary
Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers 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 one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.