Inflatable Bladder Support Device for Independent Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face difficulties in adjusting their sleeping position to an inclined state without assistance, especially those with mobility issues or medical conditions, leading to discomfort and poor health due to the challenges in using conventional supportive materials.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support device featuring a frame with a hinge structure and an inflatable bladder that can be remotely controlled to change the incline, including attachment structures for secure fastening and a wedge structure for comfort, allowing users to easily adjust their position on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional supportive materials like pillows are used to adjust sleeping position, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (pillows, manual repositioning) with an automated pneumatic system. The inflatable bladder controlled by a pump mechanism automatically adjusts the support surface inclination, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate multiple pillows or reposition themselves, thus dramatically improving ease of operation for individuals with mobility limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service adjustment through automated control. The pump can be controlled via remote or automatic timing mechanisms, allowing users to adjust their sleeping position independently without requiring assistance from others, thereby maintaining dignity and autonomy while improving operational ease.
2Reliability
If multiple pillows are stacked to achieve desired incline, then the device complexity remains simple, but the reliability of maintaining consistent position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unstable mechanical stack of pillows with a controlled pneumatic system. The inflatable bladder provides consistent, uniform support pressure, and the pump mechanism maintains stable inflation levels, ensuring reliable and repeatable positioning. This eliminates the variability inherent in manual pillow stacking while maintaining relative simplicity through automated control.
3Productivity
If manual adjustment methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of achieving comfortable position deteriorates due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual adjustment processes with rapid pneumatic actuation. The inflatable bladder can be quickly inflated or deflated by the pump mechanism, enabling fast position changes without the time-consuming process of manually adding or removing multiple pillows. This dramatically improves the speed at which users can achieve their desired sleeping position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can be equipped with pre-programmed positioning settings or remote control capabilities that allow users to select desired positions in advance. The pump automatically executes the adjustment sequence, performing the work before the user needs to settle into the position, thus reducing the time and effort required at the moment of use.
4Ease of operation
If individuals with mobility issues use conventional support materials, then the device complexity remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to insufficient mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment requiring user mobility with an automated pneumatic system. The inflatable bladder and pump mechanism perform the adjustment work automatically, responding to remote control signals or pre-programmed sequences, thereby enabling individuals with limited mobility to independently adjust their sleeping position without physical exertion or manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism (remote control, automated timer, or sensor-based system) that mediates between the user's intent and the physical adjustment. This intermediary allows users with mobility issues to initiate position changes without directly manipulating the support structure, translating simple control inputs into complex pneumatic adjustments.
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
Enables users to adjust their sleeping position independently and comfortably on various surfaces, improving well-being and quality of life by providing easy and remote control-adjustable support without the need for assistance.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable bladder is configured between the first substantially planar structure and the second substantially planar structure. The inflatable bladder is filled with a fluid to increase a volume of the inflatable bladder from a first volume to a second volume to rotate the first substantially planar structure relative to the second substantially planar structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support device includes a frame and an inflatable bladder. The frame includes a first substantially planar structure and a second substantially planar structure. The first substantially planar structure is rotatably coupled to the second substantially planar structure The frame further includes a first frame attachment structure configured to be removably attached to the frame. The inflatable bladder includes walls forming an interior volume and a first bladder attachment structure attached to at least one of the walls. The first bladder attachment structure forms a channel. The first frame attachment structure is configured to be routed through the channel to secure the inflatable bladder to the frame.