Discontinuous air delivery system for inflatable static medical device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support surfaces fail to effectively protect the ankle/foot/heel region from pressure ulcers due to inadequate mechanical stress relief, circulation promotion, and contamination prevention, while also facing challenges in maintaining static air pressure within inflatable cushion devices used for pressure ulcer prevention.
Innovation Solution
An air delivery system that continuously measures static air pressure within an inflatable cushion device and adjusts the operation of an air pump to maintain a target pressure level, ensuring the cushion remains inflated only when necessary, thereby reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air pump operates continuously to maintain static air pressure in the inflatable cushion device, then the pressure support reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump operates intermittently rather than continuously, activating only when the measured static air pressure falls below the target pressure level. This periodic operation maintains adequate pressure support while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor continuously monitors the static air pressure within the inflatable cushion device and provides feedback to the controller. The controller compares the measured pressure with the target pressure level and activates the air pump only when pressure supplementation is needed, optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the air pump operates intermittently to reduce energy consumption, then the energy usage is minimized, but the pressure stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous operation of the pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on pressure variations, allowing the controller to make timely adjustments by activating the air pump only when needed. This feedback mechanism maintains pressure stability while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from continuous pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure monitoring function operates continuously to ensure uninterrupted detection of pressure changes, while the air pump provides supplemental action only when required. This approach maintains the continuity of pressure management functionality without requiring continuous mechanical operation of the pump.
3Measurement precision
If static air pressure is relatively continuously measured to maintain accurate pressure levels, then the pressure control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an electronic control system comprising a pressure sensor and controller. The electronic system continuously measures pressure and intelligently activates the air pump only when needed, achieving precise pressure control with simpler overall system architecture compared to traditional mechanical regulation systems.
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 maintains a stable air pressure within the inflatable cushion device, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers by ensuring consistent support and minimizing energy usage through intermittent air pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the interior region to relatively continuously measure a static air pressure of air received in the passageway from the interior region
Data Source
AI summary
An air delivery system that includes an inflatable cushion device adapted to support at least a portion of a body of a user. The air delivery device includes a supply conduit in fluid communication with both an interior region of the inflatable cushion device and a controller. Using a pressure sensor, the controller is adapted to relatively continuously measure a static air pressure level of the interior region and compare the measured static air pressure level to a target air pressure level. Further, the controller is adapted to intermittently operate an air pump. Moreover, the controller may operate the air pump when measured static air pressure is below the target static air pressure level, and deactivate operation of the air pump, which may include maintaining the air pump in an un-operated condition when the measured static air pressure is within the target static air pressure level.