Modular Motorized Mattress for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air inflatable alternating pressure mattresses are ineffective in preventing and healing pressure ulcers due to limited shape adaptability, lack of precision in pressure control, and inability to dynamically adjust to individual patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A motorized and modular automated mattress system with high spatial precision and dynamic range, utilizing an array of independently moving linear actuators to adjust pressure and shape in real-time, supported by sensors and AI for personalized treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If air inflatable modules are used to create alternating pressure patterns, then pressure distribution is improved, but spatial resolution is insufficient for targeting small ulcer areas
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress surface is divided into a grid of 4x4 inches modular air cells arranged in rows and columns. Each cell can be independently inflated or deflated, allowing precise localization of pressure relief to specific body areas. This segmentation enables targeting of small ulcer regions (1 inch x 1 inch) that would be impossible to address with traditional large air cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress surface can have different pressure characteristics by controlling individual air cell inflation states. The system creates localized high-pressure and low-pressure zones dynamically, allowing each part of the mattress to adapt to the specific needs of the underlying body region, particularly for targeted ulcer treatment.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional alternating pressure mattresses are used, then basic pressure alternation is achieved, but adaptability to individual patient needs and body positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress transitions from static pressure patterns to dynamic, real-time adaptive pressure control. Sensors continuously monitor body position, pressure distribution, and skin condition, while the control system dynamically adjusts air cell inflation patterns to match changing patient needs, body positions, and ulcer locations throughout the day and night.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on body position, pressure points, and skin health status. This feedback loop enables the control system to automatically adjust pressure patterns, identify developing ulcers early, and adapt to individual patient characteristics such as weight distribution, preferred sleeping positions, and specific vulnerability areas.
3Device complexity
If large air cells are used for alternating pressure, then structural simplicity is maintained, but precision in addressing specific ulcer locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is constructed from a grid of smaller 4x4 inch air cells rather than a few large cells. While this increases the number of individual components, each cell remains relatively simple in design. The modular nature allows for systematic control and maintenance while achieving the precision needed for targeted ulcer treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The same modular air cell structure serves multiple functions: providing overall body support, creating alternating pressure patterns, and enabling precise localized pressure relief for ulcer treatment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components while maintaining structural efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a modular mattress assembly that can prevent the appearance of bed sores and can heal the developed sores by spreading the weight of the body on the mattress using an array of motorized support. The modular mattress is an array of small cushionettes each placed on top of a linear motion mechanism. Each cushionette can be adjusted in height independently of any other cushionettes through the electrical linear motion mechanism. This actively adjustable array mechanism of the mattress which can extend infinitely in Z-axis through motorized linear actuator brings a high resolution of the shape of the mattress. The array can change position in XYZ axis to accurately accommodate the patients medically required shape and skin contact points. The device uses predefined and amended algorithms to adapt the patients' situations individually or provide personalized treatment.