Lattice-Segmented Foam Cushion for Customizable Pressure Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for pressure redistribution and offloading fail to provide effective customization and total offloading of weight from specific anatomical areas, particularly for patients with restricted mobility or those requiring precise anatomical support, leading to the risk of pressure injuries/ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A customizable foam device with a lattice array of pillars on the anatomical contact side, allowing for selective removal and shaping to conform to individual anatomical contours, providing precise positioning, weight redistribution, and potential total offloading of weight from specific areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed design pressure redistribution device is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different anatomical contours is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foam matrix is segmented into multiple pillars through the lattice array structure, allowing individual pillars to be selectively removed or modified. This segmentation enables customization of the device to match various anatomical contours while maintaining a simple, uniform manufacturing process for the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a uniform foam structure to one with localized variations through selective pillar removal. This creates areas of different density and support characteristics in specific locations to match anatomical requirements, while the overall manufacturing process remains standardized.
2Stress or pressure
If weight is distributed over a larger area, then pressure is reduced, but the device becomes less conformable to specific anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows dynamic customization by removing specific pillars based on the patient's anatomical needs. This creates a dynamically adjustable surface that can be optimized for both pressure distribution and anatomical conformity, rather than being fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the device surface are changed by selectively removing pillars, altering the contact area and pressure distribution characteristics to match the specific anatomical region being supported.
3Reliability
If total offloading of a specific area is required, then pressure injury prevention is improved, but the device loses structural support in that area
Solution Approach 1:
Specific pillars are extracted or removed from the foam matrix in areas requiring total offloading. This creates complete voids that eliminate pressure contact in those specific regions while preserving the structural integrity and support function of the remaining foam structure.
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
Enables precise customization to fit the contours of the patient's anatomy, effectively preventing pressure injuries/ulcers by redistributing and offloading weight, improving comfort and reducing the need for frequent repositioning, while being adaptable and affordable for bedside use.
Implementation Method 1
The foam matrix has a lattice of cuts formed in the anatomical contact side and extending only partly through the depth of the foam matrix toward a bottom side
Implementation Method 2
A customizable foam device with a lattice array of pillars on the anatomical contact side, allowing for selective removal and shaping to conform to individual anatomical contours
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention is a device intended for use where support or restriction of motion of a body part is desired. The subject of the present invention is the formation of a network of lattice intrusions into the matrix of the device so that elements of the lattice can be removed to form a depression in the matrix of the device that conforms to the anatomy of the region that is being supported and positioned while offloading pressure.