Inflatable Transfer Mattress Rotational Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient handling mattresses do not provide adequate rotational or turning support, leading to issues such as bed sores, loss of local circulation, and increased strain on caregivers due to the need for manual repositioning of patients, which is physically demanding and requires high strength and skill.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable transfer mattress with a rotational positioning device, featuring independently inflatable bladder portions and a network of stringers or pontoons that allow for controlled air flow and rotation of patients to alleviate pressure points, facilitating easier patient repositioning and reducing the risk of bed sores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current patient handling mattresses are used, then basic support is provided, but rotational or turning support is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational support capabilityVSAvoidmattress structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable air bladders arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective inflation and deflation of specific sections to achieve rotational positioning without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Air pressure control systems are integrated into the mattress structure, with each bladder section connected to controllable air valves that enable precise rotational positioning through differential inflation of adjacent bladder sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If manual repositioning of patients is performed, then patient positioning is achieved, but physical strain on caregivers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient repositioning effortVSAvoidcaregiver strength requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress system performs the repositioning function automatically through controlled air pressure changes in the bladder sections, eliminating the need for caregiver physical intervention and reducing strain on healthcare workers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical repositioning by caregivers is replaced with a pneumatic control system that uses air pressure differentials to automatically rotate and reposition patients, converting human physical effort into automated pneumatic actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If patients remain immobile for prolonged periods, then confinement is maintained, but bed sores and circulation loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient skin healthVSAvoidpatient immobility duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress system implements periodic rotational positioning cycles, automatically rotating patients at predetermined time intervals to redistribute pressure and prevent localized tissue damage, thereby extending safe immobilization duration without causing bed sores

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Air pressure parameters in different bladder sections are dynamically adjusted to create rotational moments that gradually reposition patients, changing the pressure distribution pattern over time to prevent sustained pressure on any single body area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11439550B2Lateral transfer mattress and rotational positioning device

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 D T DAVIS ENTERPRISES LTD (D B A HOVERTECH INT)

AI summary

An inflatable transfer mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel having a perimeter sealingly coupled to a perimeter of the top panel to define an internal volume therebetween, and a rotational positioning device coupled to the top panel. The internal volume is configured to receive an air flow therein. The rotational positioning device is positioned outside of the internal volume and includes at least one inflatable bladder configured to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state. The bladder portion is configured to rotate a patient to a predetermined angle with respect to the top panel in the inflated state.