Inflatable support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Positioning patients for medical imaging poses risks to both patients and caregivers due to the need for lifting and the use of devices that can limit imaging and cause artifacts, leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable patient support system with a top and bottom panel, an internal wall defining two inflatable chambers, and an inflation device that allows controlled inflation to maintain patient positioning without internal stringers, ensuring stability and clear imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional positioning devices with internal stringers and supports are used to maintain patient position, then patient stability is improved, but imaging quality deteriorates due to artifacts and limited imaging areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient stabilityVSAvoidimaging artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional internal stringers, supports, and rigid structural elements from the positioning device. Instead, it uses an inflatable membrane structure that provides patient support without any internal metal or rigid components that would create imaging artifacts, thereby eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining positioning stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an inflatable structure filled with gas (pneumatics) to provide patient support and positioning stability. The inflatable membrane can be adjusted to different pressure levels to maintain patient position during imaging procedures, replacing traditional rigid mechanical supports with a pneumatic system that is transparent to imaging waves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Device complexity

If manual lifting and positioning methods are used to place patients in seated position, then device complexity is reduced, but caregiver safety deteriorates due to injury risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system simplicityVSAvoidcaregiver safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable positioning device provides support that counterbalances patient weight, allowing patients to be positioned and maintained in seated position without requiring caregivers to perform manual lifting. The distributed pressure from the inflatable membrane supports patient weight safely, eliminating the need for caregivers to bear heavy loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable positioning system can be automatically inflated and adjusted to support patient weight and maintain positioning without requiring manual intervention for lifting or repositioning. Once inflated, the system self-adjusts to provide stable support, reducing the need for continuous caregiver intervention and minimizing injury risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid supports and internal structures are used for patient positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited adjustment options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inflatable membrane structure that can dynamically adjust its shape, volume, and pressure distribution to adapt to different patient sizes, positions, and comfort requirements. The inflation/deflation capability allows real-time adjustment of positioning characteristics, providing both precision and adaptability that rigid structures cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning characteristics of the device are controlled by changing physical parameters of the inflatable membrane, such as internal pressure, volume, and inflation level. By adjusting these parameters, the device can precisely position patients while adapting to different body types and positioning requirements, combining precision with versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 inflatable support system reduces caregiver injury, minimizes patient repositioning risks, and prevents imaging artifacts, enhancing diagnostic accuracy by providing a stable and artifact-free imaging environment.

Implementation Method 1

The internal wall defines at least one passage therethrough that allows fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11298282B2Inflatable support

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 D T DAVIS ENTERPRISES LTD (D B A HOVERTECH INT)

AI summary

An inflatable patient support includes a top panel defining a first perimeter and a bottom panel defining a second perimeter. The second perimeter of the bottom panel is coupled to the first perimeter of the top panel. An internal wall is coupled between the top panel and the bottom panel to define a first chamber and a second chamber. The internal wall defines at least one passage therethrough that allows fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are inflatable.