Inflatable air cushion with pressure indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable cushions for supporting persons lack a reliable method to indicate the correct amount of air for optimal support, leading to inconsistent pressure distribution and increased risk of pressure sores, especially when used by different caregivers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure indicator in the form of a strap that changes appearance, such as breaking or changing color/shape, to indicate the correct air pressure, allowing for uniform inflation and support across different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or electric pump inflation is used, then the cushion can be inflated, but it is almost impossible to indicate a suitable degree of inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change indicators (such as应变色材料 or color-coded zones) on the cushion surface that change appearance based on the inflation pressure. This provides visual feedback about the inflation degree without requiring complex electronic sensors or pressure gauges, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion incorporates self-indicating features that automatically show the inflation status without requiring external measurement devices or complex control systems. The indicator system works passively, utilizing the physical state of the cushion material itself to provide inflation information, eliminating the need for additional active components.
2Strength
If more air is put in the cushion, then the support increases, but the risk of pressure marks and pressure sores increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through visual indicators that show the inflation pressure level. Caregivers can observe the indicator and adjust the inflation accordingly, receiving immediate visual feedback about the pressure applied. This prevents over-inflation that would cause pressure marks and sores while ensuring sufficient support is provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses material parameters (such as transparency, color, or structural properties) that change with pressure to indicate the inflation state. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system provides real-time information about the pressure level, enabling precise control to avoid harmful pressure while maintaining adequate support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different staff members operate the cushions, then individual experience varies, but uniform treatment and support become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion provides self-indicating features that eliminate the need for operator expertise in judging inflation levels. The visual indicators objectively show the correct inflation state, allowing any staff member to achieve consistent, uniform treatment without relying on individual experience or subjective judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicators or应变色 materials that provide universal, objective visual cues about the inflation status. These color changes are independent of the operator's experience level, ensuring that all staff members can achieve the same consistent results regardless of their individual expertise or training background.
4Measurement precision
If electronic pressure sensors are integrated, then the actual pressure can be transmitted to a display, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing materials or color-coded visual zones that passively indicate pressure levels through optical properties. This eliminates the need for electronic sensors, wiring, power sources, and display devices, achieving pressure indication through simple, low-cost material properties that change with mechanical stress or pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic measurement and display system with a passive mechanical/optical indicator system. Instead of using electronic sensors to detect pressure and transmit signals to a display, the invention uses materials whose physical properties (color, transparency, shape) directly respond to pressure, providing measurement information without electronic components.
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 pressure indicator ensures consistent air pressure distribution, reducing the risk of pressure sores by providing a visual cue for correct inflation, enabling uniform treatment even when used by different caregivers.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one strap is adapted such that the physical appearance of the strap is changed at a given pressure in the cushion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns an inflatable air cushion with at least one pressure indicator, the cushion including an outer side and at least one chamber, the at least one chamber made up of one or more films that are joined, thereby forming one or more airtight chambers, the cushion furthermore including a valve opening for connecting an air supply line, the valve opening being accessible from the surface of the cushion. The invention furthermore relates to a method of inflating such an inflatable cushion with pressure indicator. The new feature of a cushion according to the invention is that the pressure indicator of the cushion includes at least one strap with a first end and a second end, the at least one strap arranged in relation to the surface of the cushion, where the at least one strap is surrounding the cushion entirely or partially, and where the at least one strap is adapted such that the physical appearance of the strap is changed at a given pressure in the cushion, thus constituting a pressure indicator.