Support apparatus, system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for mitigating and treating decubitus ulcers, such as pressure redistribution techniques, do not adequately maintain subcutaneous blood flow or provide relief from shear and environmental effects, leading to incomplete prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A support surface overlay system with inflatable compartments that selectively apply high interface pressure to small areas of the body, exceeding the vascular occlusion threshold at certain points while providing relief at others, promoting improved blood flow and incorporating features like nipple-like protrusions and adjustable pressure patterns to enhance capillary and lymphatic circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure redistribution techniques are used to keep interface pressure below vascular occlusion threshold, then pressure ulcer prevention is attempted, but subcutaneous blood flow is not adequately maintained and shear forces still contribute to ulcer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional pressure redistribution approach by concentrating pressure onto small discrete contact points rather than distributing it broadly. The inflatable cells create localized high-pressure zones that exceed the vascular occlusion threshold, intentionally pinching off blood flow at these specific points to prevent pressure ulcer formation through a different mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus applies different pressure characteristics to different locations: localized high pressure at discrete contact points formed by inflated cells, and zero or low pressure in the interstices between cells. This spatial variation in pressure quality allows targeted intervention at pressure points while maintaining blood flow in adjacent areas.
2Stress or pressure
If thick air mattresses with large air cells are used to distribute weight over large area, then interface pressure is reduced, but shear forces increase due to envelopment or hammock effects
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is segmented into discrete inflatable cells rather than using a continuous thick mattress. This segmentation prevents the envelopment effect that creates shear forces, as each cell acts independently and contacts the body only at specific points without creating the hammock effect associated with thick continuous mattresses.
3Reliability
If low pressure is applied to distribute weight, then vascular occlusion is avoided, but inadequate relief from shear and environmental effects occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates localized high-pressure contact points through inflated cells while maintaining low or zero pressure in the spaces between cells. This spatial differentiation allows the high-pressure zones to prevent pressure ulcer formation through vascular occlusion at contact points, while the low-pressure interstices provide relief from shear forces and allow skin breathing.
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 effectively improves subcutaneous blood flow and reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by dynamically managing pressure distribution, preventing vascular occlusion and shear-induced vessel pinching, while also providing temperature and humidity control.
Implementation Method 1
selectively impart upon the user interface pressures substantially exceeding the vascular occlusion pressure at certain points of contact
Implementation Method 2
the interstices also may form channels allowing for flow of air or another fluid there through
Data Source
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AI summary
A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.