Hinged Panel and Bladder Apparatus for Sleep Apnea Head Elevation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for treating sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring, lack effective solutions for improving head and torso elevation to alleviate these conditions.

Innovation Solution

A head elevation apparatus with hinged panels and inflatable bladders positioned under a mattress, allowing for adjustable lateral and longitudinal angles to enhance comfort and support, thereby addressing the need for improved sleep disorder treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a head elevation apparatus uses fixed rigid panels, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different patient needs and positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different patient needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid panel is divided into multiple hinged segments (base panel, center panel, upper panel, flaps) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain stability when needed while providing adaptability through controlled movement between segments, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic hinged structure that can adjust its configuration. The hinged connections enable the panels to move and reposition, providing adaptability to different patient needs while maintaining structural integrity through the controlled mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus uses multiple hinged panels and bladders, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable angles and positionsVSAvoidnumber of hinged components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged panels are arranged in a nested configuration where the upper panel hinges to the center panel, which hinges to the base panel, with flaps hinged to the center panel. This nested arrangement allows multiple adjustment functions to be achieved through a coordinated system of interconnected components, managing complexity through organized hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Inflatable bladders are integrated into the hinged panel structure to provide adjustable support and positioning. The pneumatic system allows for fine-tuned adjustment of panel positions and angles, enhancing adaptability while using a relatively simple actuation mechanism compared to mechanical actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If the center panel is raised to create lateral angle, then therapeutic effect for sleep disorders is improved, but mattress wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidmattress wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged panel apparatus acts as an intermediary between the mattress and the patient. By positioning the apparatus under the mattress and using its hinged structure to create the therapeutic lateral angle, the direct contact and friction between the mattress and patient's body is reduced, thereby minimizing mattress wear while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus creates the therapeutic angle by utilizing the vertical dimension through raising the center panel, rather than creating friction through lateral movement or direct mattress manipulation. This dimensional approach to angle creation reduces mechanical stress and wear on the mattress while achieving the desired therapeutic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 apparatus provides graduated lateral rotation therapy, enhancing comfort and reducing mattress wear by creating adjustable angles under the mattress, thus effectively treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea and snoring.

Implementation Method 1

A bladder may be positioned between the base panel and the center panel. The bladder may be inflatable and deflatable to move the center panel between the collapsed position and the raised position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Implementation Method 2

The top panel may include a center panel hingedly coupled to the base panel. An upper flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel. A lower flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel. When the center panel is moved to the raised position, the upper flap and the lower flap may rotate relative to the center panel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11470978B2Oblique hinged panels and bladder apparatus for sleep disorders

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A head elevation apparatus configured to be positioned under a mattress may include a base panel and a top panel positioned on the base panel. The top panel may include a center panel hingedly coupled to the base panel. An upper flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel. A lower flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel.