Gel Patient Support With Air Manifold for Pressure Sore Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients in prolonged immobility develop pressure sores and moisture buildup due to reduced circulation and pressure from mattresses, which exacerbates skin vulnerability.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system featuring a gel-based cushioning layer with transverse passageways and an air distribution manifold to enhance air circulation, including bladders with porous materials and a flexible design to maintain a flat configuration even when inflated, promoting airflow and reducing moisture accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mattress is used to support patients, then the patient receives basic support, but pressure sores and moisture buildup occur due to reduced circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent air cells or chambers that can be individually adjusted. This segmentation allows different zones of the mattress to provide differentiated support and airflow, preventing pressure concentration at specific points while maintaining overall patient support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress incorporates an air circulation system with pumps, tubes, and adjustable air cells that use pneumatic pressure to create massaging effects and improve blood flow. The system dynamically adjusts air pressure to enhance circulation and reduce moisture buildup, directly addressing the harmful effects of traditional mattresses.
2Ease of manufacture
If the mattress structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but air circulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes air to various cells, provides structural support, and acts as a circulation pathway. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacture while maintaining effective air circulation throughout the mattress.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress design nests components within each other - air cells are positioned within the mattress layers, the distribution manifold is integrated into the structure, and tubing is routed through existing channels. This nesting approach reduces the overall number of discrete parts and assembly steps while preserving the air circulation system's effectiveness.
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 system improves air and moisture circulation, reducing the risk of pressure sores and skin maceration by maintaining a dry and comfortable interface between the patient and the support, enhancing patient care.
Implementation Method 1
The cushioning layer includes a plurality of transverse passageways extending there through to allow air flow through the cushioning layer and to the patient interface with the cushioning layer
Implementation Method 2
The air distribution bladder optionally includes a porous intermediate, spacer layer that maintains the two sides in their spaced relationship while allowing air to flow through the air distribution bladder
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A patient support includes a gel-based cushioning layer and an air distribution manifold located beneath the cushioning layer. The cushioning layer includes a plurality of transverse passageways extending therethrough to allow airflow through the cushioning layer and to the patient interface with the cushioning layer.