Cell bladder, expandable bladder, port system and attachment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure relieving therapy mattresses are expensive, complicated to manufacture, prone to cross-contamination, and cause uneven support surfaces due to independent tubes moving relative to each other, leading to pressure points and bedsores.
Innovation Solution
A mattress system with interconnected cells that share seals, allowing for continuous manufacturing, easy connection to a support frame, and secure attachment, while providing alternating pressures to reduce surface height fluctuations and prevent bedsores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate tubes are used in the inflatable frame structure, then pressure relieving therapy can be provided with varying pressures, but the tubes move relative to each other causing the sleep surface to oscillate in height and create pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate tubes into a single integrated inflatable frame structure with internal partitions. This combining approach maintains the ability to provide varying pressures to different zones while eliminating the relative movement between separate tubes, thus preventing surface oscillation and pressure points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tubes are connected to pressure sources, then pressure relieving therapy is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and expensive requiring hand assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tube functions into a single inflatable structure that can be manufactured as one integrated component. This eliminates the need for complex hand assembly of separate tubes and their connections to pressure sources, while still providing the capability for pressure relieving therapy through internal partitioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inflatable frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates pressure zones for therapy, and eliminates the need for separate tube assemblies. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing while maintaining therapeutic capabilities.
3Reliability
If ties are used to secure the mattress to the bed frame, then the mattress is held in place, but the ties interfere with fitted bed sheets designed to fit underneath and around the corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external tying mechanism from the mattress design. Instead of using ties that extend outward and interfere with sheets, the mattress is designed with integrated attachment features that secure it to the bed frame without protruding elements, allowing sheets to fit smoothly underneath and around the corners.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the inflatable frame structure is used, then pressure relieving therapy is provided, but the structure resists bending when the support frame articulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the inflatable frame structure with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex and articulate with the support frame while maintaining its pressure relieving function. The inflatable material and internal structure are configured to accommodate bending movements without compromising the therapeutic pressure zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell structure for a mattress or support where parallel cells are connected together substantially at their middle plane in series so that at least 5 tubes are sealed together in the series. In certain embodiments, feed cells are provided transverse the cell structure and the feed cells are sealed to the cell structure and include punches to allow fluid pressure form the feed cells to introduce into the cell structure. A rail cell is provide outwards of the feed cells and in certain aspects, the rail cell and alternating ones or groupings of the cells in the cell structure are provided with different pressure sources.