Inflatable Patient Support With Zoned Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems in hospitals lack the ability to effectively accommodate patients of varying sizes and types, and fail to provide real-time pressure control and movement monitoring, which can lead to discomfort and health issues.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system comprising a cover, a body with inflatable bladders, and a high air loss device, along with sensors and a pneumatic control unit that allows for adjustable pressure and movement assistance, enabling real-time pressure control and accommodating different patient sizes and bed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional patient support systems are used, then the structure is simple, but pressure relief is insufficient and adaptability to varying patient sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system is divided into multiple independently controllable air zones or chambers that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows different regions of the support surface to be optimized for different patient body parts, improving adaptability to varying patient sizes and shapes while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable air pressure mechanisms that allow real-time modification of support characteristics. By dynamically adjusting pressure in different zones, the system can adapt to varying patient sizes, weights, and positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, customizable support surface.
2Strength
If air pressure is increased to improve support, then support strength is improved, but pressure relief capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the patient support system are assigned different air pressure levels simultaneously. Areas requiring stronger support (such as for heavier body parts) receive higher pressure, while areas requiring pressure relief (such as for bony prominences or areas at risk for pressure sores) maintain lower pressure. This local differentiation allows the system to provide both strong support and effective pressure relief in appropriate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically across different zones rather than applying uniform pressure throughout. By independently controlling pressure in each air zone, the system can optimize the balance between support strength and pressure relief for each specific region based on patient needs, body part location, and clinical requirements.
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 provides customizable support and pressure relief, accommodating patients of various sizes and types, improving comfort and reducing the risk of pressure-related injuries by allowing for real-time adjustment of pressure and movement assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The high air loss device includes a supply tube and a delivery tube. The supply tube receives a volume of low pressure air from an air supply. The delivery tube includes a plurality of apertures configured to vent the air received from the supply tube around the bladders.
Implementation Method 2
The body includes a plurality of bladders
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.