Fluid Support Assembly for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning devices fail to effectively distribute pressure evenly across the body, leading to localized pressure points and increased risk of pressure ulcers, particularly in areas like the sacrum and trochanter, due to bottoming out issues and lack of stability, especially in patients with varying weights.
Innovation Solution
A portable support assembly with fluid-filled pods and pads that redistribute pressure through a layered system, including an inner and outer fluid pad, and a flexible outer shell, which prevents bottoming out and provides adjustable support to conform to individual body shapes, reducing pressure to below 4.3 kPa and preventing tissue necrosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional flexible cushioning materials (foam or springs) are used to allow cushion deformation and conformance to the patient's body, then the cushion can conform to body shape, 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) to replace conventional foam or spring cushioning materials. The fluid-filled bladders deform and conform to the patient's body shape while the incompressible fluid prevents bottoming out, ensuring reliable pressure distribution across the entire contact area without localized pressure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the cushioning material from solid (foam) or elastic (springs) to fluid-filled bladders. This parameter change allows the cushion to maintain both conformability to body shape and prevention of bottoming out, as the fluid can distribute pressure evenly while the bladder structure prevents complete compression.
2Force
If fluid-filled bladders are used to prevent bottoming out, then the cushion can support patient weight, but the bladders bottom out in localized areas and pressure is not distributed evenly across the anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single fluid-filled bladder into multiple compartmentalized bladders or zones. This segmentation allows each compartment to independently conform to different anatomical regions while the fluid connection between compartments enables pressure equalization, ensuring even pressure distribution across the entire contact area while maintaining weight support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid as an intermediary medium between the bladder structure and the patient's body. The incompressible fluid acts as a mediator that transmits and distributes pressure evenly across all contact points, preventing localized bottoming out while maintaining overall weight support.
3Reliability
If the amount of water in the bladder is increased to prevent bottoming out, then bottoming out is reduced, but the cushion sacrifices stability and lighter patients experience excessive lack of stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid system into multiple compartments that can be independently adjusted. This allows the pressure and fluid distribution to be optimized for different patient weights and anatomies, preventing bottoming out while maintaining stability across a wide range of patient populations without requiring excessive fluid volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cushion system dynamic and adaptable through adjustable fluid distribution and compartment pressure control. This allows the cushion to optimize its stability and pressure distribution characteristics for each patient, preventing bottoming out while maintaining appropriate stability regardless of patient weight.
4Strength
If fluid-filled membranes are made thick to provide structural support, then structural integrity is improved, but the hammocking effect in high protrusion regions prevents adequate pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin, flexible fluid-filled membrane bladders instead of thick structural layers. The thin flexible membranes conform closely to the patient's body contours, eliminating the hammocking effect in high protrusion regions, while the internal fluid pressure provides the necessary structural support and pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressurized fluid within thin membranes to provide structural support. The hydraulic/pneumatic pressure within the thin bladder walls replaces the need for thick structural material, allowing the membrane to remain thin and conformable while maintaining structural integrity and providing effective pressure relief.
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 sensitive areas by redistributing load, minimizing the risk of pressure ulcers and providing comfort across a wide range of patient weights, with adjustable features to fit various anatomies.
Implementation Method 1
fluid-filled pods and pads that redistribute pressure through a layered system
Implementation Method 2
flexible materials such as foam or springs which allow for the cushion to deform and conform to the patient's body
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 or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted 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. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.