Inflatable Off-Loading Pad for Independent Bed Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for repositioning less mobile individuals in bed, such as conforming mattresses and adjustable beds, do not provide optimal skeletal support and require significant caregiver assistance, leading to potential wounds and increased burden on caregivers due to the need for frequent manual repositioning.
Innovation Solution
An air controlled off-loading device with a rectangular pad and inflatable wedges secured by hook and loop fasteners, allowing independent or assisted repositioning up to 60 degrees, featuring remote control and independent inflation compartments for enhanced comfort and care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam or air-based wedges are used to rotate an individual, then the individual can be repositioned to offload pressure, but a skilled and strong caregiver is required to roll the full body weight and the wedges only incline up to 30 degrees which is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the body support into multiple independent inflatable segments (head portion, torso portion, leg portions) that can be individually adjusted. This segmentation allows each portion to be inflated to different angles and pressures, enabling the device to achieve the required 60 degrees incline and provide targeted pressure relief to specific bony prominences without requiring caregiver strength to position heavy wedges.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an inflatable structure with air chambers that can be independently filled and deflated via a foot-operated pump. By controlling the air pressure in each segment, the device can adjust the incline angle up to 60 degrees and maintain positioning without requiring manual rolling or physical strength from caregivers. The pneumatic system provides smooth, controlled adjustment that is difficult to achieve with rigid foam wedges.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manually placed wedges are used for repositioning, then pressure relief can be achieved, but 24 hour assistance is required and the individual cannot be independent at home
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a foot-operated pump that allows the user to independently inflate and deflate the support segments without caregiver assistance. The user can adjust their own positioning by operating the pump with their foot, enabling self-service repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for 24-hour assistance while maintaining continuous pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables periodic repositioning through independent operation, allowing the user to inflate segments, hold the position for pressure relief, then deflate and reposition as needed. This periodic adjustment cycle can be performed independently without requiring another person to assist with rolling or repositioning, maintaining pressure ulcer prevention while ensuring user independence.
3Ease of operation
If conforming mattresses and adjustable beds are used, then comfort can be improved, but optimal skeletal support and independent repositioning are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by providing different levels of support and incline to different body regions. The head portion, torso portion, and leg portions can be independently inflated to create customized support contours that match the user's skeletal structure. This localized adjustment provides optimal skeletal alignment and pressure distribution, unlike conforming mattresses that apply uniform support across the entire body.
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 less mobile individuals to reposition themselves or with minimal assistance, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and caregiver strain, promoting independence and improved quality of life at home.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of inflatable wedges are removably secured to the plurality of hook and loop fasteners mounted to the upperside of the pad
Implementation Method 2
The attachment sites including a plurality of hook and loop fasteners mounted to the upperside of the pad
Data Source
AI summary
An air controlled off-loading device that provides the ability for a less mobile individual to adjust themselves in bed with or without the assistance of a caregiver as well as allowing a caregiver to boost this individual up in a bed or chair in the home setting. The device includes a rectangular pad having a plurality of attachment sites for removably attaching inflatable wedges. The attachment sites including a plurality of hook and loop fasteners mounted to the upperside of the pad. A plurality of inflatable wedges are removably secured to the plurality of hook and loop fasteners mounted to the upperside of the pad.