Inflatable mattress with longitudinally oriented stringers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional patient handling mattresses with transverse stringers require more materials and processing steps, and when deflated, they provide multiple layers beneath the patient, which can lead to reduced breathability, increased pressure points, and skin conditions due to limited air circulation.
Innovation Solution
A transfer mattress design featuring longitudinally oriented inner and outer stringers that reduce the number of materials and processing steps, with a top and bottom panel configuration that allows for better air flow and breathability, and when deflated, provides fewer layers beneath the patient, enhancing comfort and reducing pressure points by allowing greater air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If transverse stringers are used in traditional patient handling mattresses, then structural support is provided, but the number of materials and processing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional transverse stringer configuration by using longitudinal stringers that extend from the head to foot of the mattress. This inversion reduces the number of stringers needed while maintaining structural support, as the longitudinal orientation provides more efficient load distribution along the length of the mattress where patient weight is primarily applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary transverse stringers, retaining only the essential longitudinal stringers. This extraction reduces material usage and processing steps while preserving the core structural support function needed for patient handling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple layers are provided beneath the patient when the mattress is deflated, then structural integrity is maintained, but breathability and air circulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible longitudinal stringers that can be compressed and folded when the mattress is deflated, rather than rigid transverse stringers that create multiple thick layers. This flexible design maintains structural integrity while minimizing the number of layers beneath the patient, thereby improving breathability and air circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional orientation of stringers from transverse (across the width) to longitudinal (along the length). This dimensional change allows the stringers to be more efficiently packed when deflated, reducing the number of layers beneath the patient while maintaining structural support through their elongated configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional transverse stringer configuration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but patient comfort is reduced due to increased pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the stringer orientation from transverse to longitudinal, the patent creates fewer, more evenly distributed support points along the length of the mattress. This inversion reduces pressure points on the patient's body while the standardized longitudinal configuration keeps manufacturing relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning longitudinal stringers at specific locations optimized for patient comfort and support distribution. This localized optimization reduces pressure points in critical areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a standardized placement pattern.
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 transfer mattress design improves breathability, reduces pressure points, and enhances patient comfort by maintaining air circulation and reducing the prevalence of skin conditions associated with immobility, while maintaining structural stability and efficient air distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the escape of air under pressure through the pinholes creates an air bearing of relatively small height between the underlying fixed, generally planar support surface and the perforated flexible sheet
Implementation Method 2
maintaining structural stability and efficient air distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel, an outer stringer and an inner stringer. The top panel has a perimeter including a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein a central longitudinal axis extends from the proximal edge to the distal edge. The bottom panel has a plurality of perforations and a perimeter including a proximal edge and a distal edge coupled to the perimeter of the top panel. The outer stringer and inner stringer each have a superior edge coupled to the top panel and an inferior edge coupled to the bottom panel and a longitudinal portion that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The inner stringer is positioned between the central longitudinal axis and the outer stringer.