Mattress Cover Sensor for Bed Sore Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual checks for bed sore risk assessment at the interface of patient support apparatuses are infrequent due to staffing limitations, leading to inadequate prevention of bed sore formation.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus equipped with a sensor unit integrated into a cushion cover, which detects moisture and other conditions, coupled with an air box and controller to adjust air flow and pressure, providing real-time data for risk assessment and automated interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual routines for checking interface conditions are implemented, then bed sore risk assessment can be performed, but the frequency of checks is limited due to staffing constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebed sore preventionVSAvoidcheck frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically detect moisture, temperature, and pressure conditions at the patient-interface, eliminating the need for manual assessment while maintaining continuous monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical inspection is replaced with electronic sensing systems that continuously measure interface conditions, providing objective data without requiring staff presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If continuous monitoring is implemented using sensors, then real-time bed sore risk assessment is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring continuityVSAvoidsensor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions (moisture, temperature, pressure) are combined into a single integrated sensor unit that can be incorporated into the patient support interface, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple assessment functions simultaneously, providing comprehensive bed sore risk evaluation through a single integrated platform rather than separate specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11684529B2Mattress cover sensor method

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 HILL ROM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A patient support apparatus includes a cushion, a cover arranged over a top side of the cushion, and a sensor unit. The sensor unit is coupled to the cover and arranged to underlie a patient supported on the cover. The sensor unit includes a sensor configured to detect conditions near the interface of a patient's skin with the cover.