Variable-Pressure Support with Guided Moving Elements for Bedsore Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alternating pressure systems for preventing bedsores fail to effectively distribute pressure and promote blood circulation, leading to circulatory disorders and thrombosis in bedridden patients.
Innovation Solution
An alternating pressure pad with movable support elements guided by a transverse arrangement, allowing continuous or intermittent change in contact pressure, featuring rotatable or sliding elements that move along a longitudinal direction to promote blood circulation and prevent pressure ulcers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If air chambers are used for alternating pressure, then pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using movable support elements (rollers or sliding elements) that can move along guides in the longitudinal direction, creating dynamic pressure alternation. The support elements are movable relative to the patient's body, allowing continuous or intermittent change in contact pressure points without requiring complex air chamber systems. This mechanical movement approach simplifies the overall device structure while achieving effective pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support surface into multiple discrete support elements (rollers or sliding elements) arranged along the longitudinal direction. Each support element can move independently along the guides, creating localized pressure relief zones. This segmentation allows targeted pressure management at different body contact points while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Reliability
If support elements are made movable, then blood circulation is promoted, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to move automatically under the patient's weight without requiring external actuation. The guides provide automatic guidance along the longitudinal direction, and the support elements self-regulate their movement based on the patient's body position and weight distribution. This self-service mechanism promotes blood circulation through continuous pressure alternation while maintaining ease of operation, as no complex control system or manual intervention is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic movement of support elements along the guides creates automatic pressure alternation that promotes blood circulation. The system adapts dynamically to the patient's body contours and weight distribution, adjusting pressure points continuously or intermittently without requiring operational intervention. This dynamic self-adjusting mechanism ensures reliable blood circulation promotion while keeping the system easy to operate.
3Reliability
If continuous pressure alternation is implemented, then bedsores are prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing support elements to move intermittently or continuously along the guides, creating regular pressure alternation cycles. This periodic movement effectively prevents bedsores by systematically relieving pressure on vulnerable body areas. The intermittent or continuous movement can be optimized based on patient needs, allowing energy consumption to be adjusted while maintaining effective bedsore prevention through consistent pressure alternation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements utilize the patient's own body weight to drive their movement along the guides, eliminating the need for external power sources. As the patient's weight shifts or as elements move under gravitational influence, pressure alternation occurs automatically. This self-service mechanism achieves effective bedsore prevention through continuous or intermittent pressure changes while consuming minimal or no external energy.
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 solution effectively prevents bedsores by continuously changing contact points, promoting blood circulation, reducing circulatory disorders, and preventing thrombosis, while being adaptable to various patient needs and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The support elements are designed to support the patient and can be moved along a longitudinal direction with the aid of a guide arrangement comprising two guides. The support elements extend in a transverse direction and can roll or slide under the patient during movement relative to the patient.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a variable-pressure support (1), a patient bed (50) having such a variable-pressure support (1) and a method for operating such a variable-pressure support (1). A plurality of supporting elements (2) is provided. Moreover, according to the invention, a guiding arrangement is provided which has two guides (3a, 3b) which are arranged opposite one another in a transverse direction (Q) and extend in a longitudinal direction (L). The supporting elements (2) are movably mounted at opposite ends (2a, 2b) in the guides (3a, 3b).