Layered Patient Support for Pressure Relief and Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support systems fail to provide adequate pressure distribution and moisture management, leading to discomfort and potential health issues for patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system featuring multiple cushioning layers, including inflatable bladders and a gel layer with transverse openings for air flow, supported by a foam crib with hinged panels for easy patient turning, and a breathable cover to manage moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional patient support systems are used, then the structure is simple, but pressure distribution is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system is divided into multiple independent cushioning layers including an air circulation layer with cells, a foam layer, and a gel layer. Each layer provides specific functions for pressure distribution, and they work together to achieve superior pressure management compared to conventional single-layer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining different materials: air-filled cells in the air circulation layer, foam material in the foam layer, and gel material in the gel layer. This multi-material composite approach enables each layer to contribute its unique properties for optimal pressure distribution and patient comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional patient support systems are used, then the device is simple, but moisture management is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation layer incorporates a porous structure with numerous cells that allow air to flow through the mattress. This porous design enables moisture vapor to escape from beneath the patient while maintaining breathability, effectively managing moisture without requiring complex active ventilation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are designed with specific local properties: the air circulation layer provides breathability and moisture vapor transmission, the foam layer offers pressure distribution and comfort, and the gel layer provides additional cushioning and temperature regulation. Each layer's local quality addresses specific aspects of moisture management.
3Stress or pressure
If multiple cushioning layers are added for pressure distribution, then pressure management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning system is segmented into three distinct layers with specific functions: the air circulation layer for breathability and moisture management, the foam layer for pressure distribution, and the gel layer for additional cushioning. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated mattress structure. The air circulation layer, foam layer, and gel layer are combined in a unified design that provides comprehensive pressure distribution and moisture management capabilities that would be difficult to achieve with separate components.
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 system provides improved pressure distribution and moisture management, enhancing patient comfort and support while allowing for individualized immersion levels and therapeutic functions like rotation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layers
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the cushioning layers includes transverse openings allowing air to pass through the at least one cushioning layer to direct air flow through the at least one cushioning layer
Implementation Method 3
a breathable cover to manage moisture that may build up under the cover, which is formed from a material that prevents liquid intrusion but allows gas and moisture to flow through the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.