Heated Underbody Support With Bottom-Out Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underbody support mattresses with inflatable chambers lack a reliable mechanism to determine when a patient's most protruding body part is about to 'bottom out' to ensure maximal accommodation and prevent pressure injuries, and there is a need for accurate non-invasive core body temperature measurement during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible and conformable heated underbody supports with volume-controlled inflatable chambers and compression-sensitive switches to prevent bottoming out, along with integrated temperature sensors for accurate core body temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure-based control systems are used to adjust air pressure in inflatable chambers, then the mattress can accommodate the patient's body, but the system cannot reliably determine when the most protruding body part is near bottoming out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure-based sensing with optical sensing. An optical sensor (camera) captures images of the patient's body on the mattress surface, and image processing algorithms analyze the images to detect when the most protruding body part is near bottoming out. This substitution of mechanical pressure sensing with optical field sensing enables precise detection of the bottoming out condition without the limitations of pressure derivatives.
2Stress or pressure
If the patient is allowed to sink maximally into the inflatable chambers, then contact pressure is minimized, but there is no reliable way to determine when bottoming out occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging and image processing to detect body position and determine when bottoming out is near, replacing mechanical pressure sensing. The system captures images of the patient on the mattress, processes the images to identify the most protruding body part, and determines when it is within a predetermined distance of bottoming out, enabling precise contact pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the patient's position using optical sensors and provides feedback control. When the image processing detects that the most protruding body part is near bottoming out, the system adjusts the inflatable chamber pressure to maintain optimal accommodation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that dynamically manages contact pressure.
3Reliability
If traditional capacitive coupling grounding electrodes are used, then RF electrical current can be grounded, but the electrodes require extra cleaning and are embedded in heavy gel pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding electrode function with the mattress cover itself. The mattress cover is made of electrically conductive material that provides capacitive coupling grounding for RF electro-surgical units. This integration eliminates the need for separate grounding pads and gel overlays, reducing cleaning requirements and device complexity while maintaining the grounding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress cover serves multiple functions: it provides patient comfort and support, and simultaneously functions as the grounding electrode for RF electro-surgical units. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate grounding components, reducing overall device complexity and cleaning requirements.
4Productivity
If the surgical table is tilted into steep Trendelenburg position, then gravity moves internal organs out of the way, but the patient may slide off the table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based patient securing with optical detection and active control. Optical sensors continuously monitor the patient's position on the tilted table, and the system detects when the patient approaches the edge. The system can then provide warnings or activate securing mechanisms to prevent the patient from sliding off, enabling safe steep Trendelenburg positioning.
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 ensures maximal patient accommodation with minimal pressure points and accurate core body temperature monitoring, enhancing patient safety and comfort during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A compression-sensitive switch is positioned within the inflatable chamber to detect contact with the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
flexible and conformable heated underbody supports
Implementation Method 3
integrated temperature sensors for accurate core body temperature measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods related to an underbody support for supporting a body of a being, such as during surgery to prevent contact pressure injuries. In certain embodiments, the underbody support may include one or more inflatable chambers enclosing a volume. At least one of the inflatable chambers may include one or more compression sensitive switches for monitoring the volume of the inflatable chamber, and the one or more compression sensitive switches may be located within the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments the one or more compression sensitive switches are sized to close when the said inflatable chamber is deflated to a desired residual volume.