Mattress Bladder and Flap System for Dynamic Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses lack the ability to dynamically adjust pressure distribution for enhanced comfort and therapeutic benefits, such as improved blood circulation and cell re-oxygenation, while maintaining a comfortable support surface.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid mattress system with bladders and flaps that can be adjusted between deployed and non-deployed states, utilizing a manifold and pump system to control fluid flow, allowing for dynamic pressure changes and surface shape modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mattress structure is used, then the support surface remains stable and simple, but the ability to dynamically adjust pressure distribution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent zones with individual bladders and flaps that can be controlled separately. Each zone can be adjusted independently to create different pressure distribution patterns, enabling dynamic adaptation to patient needs while maintaining overall structural organization through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static support surface to a dynamic system where bladders can be inflated and deflated in real-time, and flaps can rotate between positions. This dynamic capability allows the mattress to actively respond to patient conditions and adjust pressure distribution throughout the support surface.
2Reliability
If bladders are added to provide pressure adjustment, then therapeutic benefits are improved, but the mattress structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bladders are nested within grooves formed in the mattress support surface. This nesting arrangement integrates the pressure adjustment mechanism into the existing mattress structure, reducing overall complexity by eliminating separate housing structures while maintaining the therapeutic functionality of the bladders.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladders serve multiple functions: they provide pressure adjustment for therapeutic benefits, maintain support surface integrity, and work in conjunction with the flap mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flaps are added to rotate and create pressure discharge, then blood circulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps act as intermediary elements between the bladder pressure changes and the patient's body. When bladders inflate or deflate, the flaps rotate in response and mediate the pressure discharge to the patient's surface, creating a mechanical linkage that translates internal pressure changes into external therapeutic effects without requiring direct complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed to rotate automatically in response to pressure differential changes within the bladders. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators or complex control systems for each flap, as the pressure changes themselves drive the flap rotation, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving pressure discharge.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple bladders are used for localized pressure control, then pressure distribution precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent zones with individual bladders that can be manufactured and assembled as modular units. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each zone while maintaining the ability to achieve precise pressure distribution through the combination of multiple zones, balancing manufacturing ease with pressure control precision.
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 localized pressure discharge for enhanced blood circulation and cell re-oxygenation, offering both comfort and therapeutic benefits through adjustable pressure distribution patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to evacuate fluid from the first bladder when the manifold is in a first operating state and configured to evacuate fluid from the second bladder when the manifold is in a second operating state to influence a shape of the support surface of the mattress
Implementation Method 2
A manifold is in fluid communication with each bladder. The manifold is configured to direct fluid into each bladder to adjust the bladders between the deployed state and the non-deployed state
Implementation Method 3
The manifold is configured to direct fluid into each bladder to adjust the bladders between the deployed state and the non-deployed state, and consequently move the flaps between a raised position and a lowered position, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a mattress that defines a plurality of grooves. A bladder is disposed within each groove. Each bladder is operable between a deployed state and a non-deployed state. A flap is disposed adjacent to each groove. Each flap includes a broad contact surface and a narrow contact surface. A manifold is in fluid communication with each bladder. The manifold is configured to direct fluid into each bladder to adjust the bladders between the deployed state and the non-deployed state, and consequently move the flaps between a raised position and a lowered position, respectively.