Lateral Mattress Tilt Using Independent Inflatable Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for patients do not allow for continuous therapeutic pressure regulation when a patient is positioned on their side, which can compromise therapeutic benefits and safety, and require manual intervention to maintain comfort and hygiene, often leading to back injuries for caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A lateral tilting device integrated into the mattress, comprising two pneumatically independent inflatable cells that can be inflated or deflated to control the angle of incline, allowing for automated and controlled tilting cycles to redistribute pressure and prevent bedsores, with a sensor to monitor and adjust pressure and angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to maintain patient position and comfort, then patient comfort and hygiene can be maintained, but labor intensity and risk of infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated dynamic adjustment of mattress inclination angles through motorized actuators that continuously adjust the mattress position based on patient needs, replacing static manual positioning with dynamic automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect patient position and pressure distribution, enabling the mattress to self-adjust its inclination and support characteristics without requiring manual intervention or patient movement
2Reliability
If patient is positioned on side for therapeutic benefit, then pressure redistribution is improved, but continuous pressure regulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor pressure distribution across the mattress surface and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts mattress inclination and cell pressure to maintain optimal pressure redistribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple parameters including mattress inclination angle, inflatable cell pressure, and cell configuration to maintain therapeutic pressure distribution regardless of patient position
3Reliability
If automated lateral tilting is implemented, then therapeutic pressure regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mattress into multiple independently controllable inflatable cell zones that can be adjusted separately, allowing complex pressure regulation functions to be achieved through coordinated control of simpler modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress system performs multiple therapeutic functions including pressure redistribution, lateral tilting, positioning support, and pressure ulcer prevention through a single integrated automated control system
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 solution enables safe and continuous therapeutic benefits by automatically controlling the mattress angle to reduce pressure on bony projections, preventing bedsores and ensuring patient safety without increasing the risk of falling, while minimizing caregiver strain and maintaining hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
at least two first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent of one another... capable of creating a lateral incline of the mattress when a first cell is inflated more than the second cell
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral tilting device for a patient lying on a mattress is capable of being inserted between the mattress and a level bed base or bed frame on which the mattress rests. The lateral tilting device comprises at least two independent first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent and positioned at least partly symmetrically from one another in relation to a median axis of the tilting device. The lateral tilting device includes two ‘U’ shaped inflatable compartments that are fitted into one another. A method for the lateral tilting of the mattress includes inflating a said first or second cell and concomitant deflation of the other second or respectively first cell of the tilting device laid out under the mattress.