Lateral Positioning Device for Recumbent Patients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral support devices for patients who are recumbent for long periods face challenges such as disorientation due to frequent pressure changes and require manual repositioning, which is physically demanding for nursing staff and can lead to health issues.
Innovation Solution
A lateral support device with sensors and an actuator system that automatically adjusts the lying surface's angle to a therapeutically suitable position, allowing precise and reproducible repositioning of patients from side to supine and back, using sensors to detect the angle and an air bellows system for gentle and noiseless adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual repositioning of patients is performed by nursing staff, then patient repositioning can be achieved, but physical exertion on nursing staff increases and health damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic patient repositioning through self-service mechanisms. Sensors detect patient position and the control unit automatically activates actuators to reposition the patient, eliminating the need for manual intervention by nursing staff and thus removing physical exertion requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical repositioning by nursing staff is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The control unit processes sensor signals and activates actuators to perform repositioning, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical actuation based on electronic control.
2Reliability
If alternating pressure mattresses with frequently changing pressure distribution are used, then pressure sore prevention is improved, but patient disorientation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure distribution and patient positioning based on real-time sensor feedback. Rather than using fixed alternating pressure cycles, the pressure mattress works in combination with dynamic positional changes controlled by the system, adapting to patient needs while maintaining orientation through controlled, rather than frequent, repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor patient position and pressure distribution, providing feedback to the control unit. This closed-loop feedback system enables intelligent decision-making about when and how to reposition the patient, balancing pressure sore prevention with patient orientation by avoiding unnecessary frequent changes.
3Measurement precision
If sensor feedback control is implemented for precise angle adjustment, then repositioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the actual inclined position of the lying surface and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit compares the actual position with the desired position and activates the actuator only when adjustment is needed, achieving precise control through simple feedback comparison rather than complex continuous control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor-controlled system automatically monitors and adjusts the lying surface angle without requiring external intervention. The sensor and control unit work together to self-regulate the positioning, with the sensor providing autonomous feedback about system state and the control unit making independent decisions about actuator activation.
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 device provides effective decubitus prophylaxis and therapy with precise and reproducible repositioning, reducing physical exertion on nursing staff, minimizing pressure sore formation, and ensuring patient comfort and orientation, while being adaptable to various care beds and patient weights.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is designed as an acceleration sensor. This allows the actual inclined position to be detected easily and inexpensively using the acceleration signal output by the sensor. The acceleration signal that is output corresponds to a proportion of the gravitational acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lateral positioning device for the variable lateral positioning of a recumbent person (6), having the following features: at least one actuator (4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96) acting on a resting surface (5) for the person (6), wherein, by means of the actuator (4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96), the angle (aL, aR) between the transverse axis (Q) of the resting surface (5) and the horizontal (H) can be varied, at least one sensor (7, 9) having an output signal which represents the respective angle (aL, aR) between the transverse axis (Q) and the horizontal (H), and at least one electronic control device (11) which is connected to the sensor (7, 9) and the actuator (4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) and is equipped i) to determine an actual inclined position from the output signal of the sensor (7, 9), ii) to adjust the angle (aL, aR) between the transverse axis (Q) of the resting surface (5) and the horizontal (H) by actuating the actuator such that the actual inclined position is set to a predetermined target inclined position. The invention further relates to a method for the variable lateral positioning of a recumbent person.