Multi-Layer Cushion Structure for Pressure Relief and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning devices fail to effectively distribute pressure evenly across the body, leading to the formation of pressure ulcers due to bottoming out issues and lack of stability, especially in patients who are not as heavy as the maximum design weight, resulting in non-uniform pressure application and instability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer cushion support system comprising a central chamber filled with a gas, such as air, and a peripheral chamber filled with a more viscous liquid, like mineral oil, with a cushioning foam layer positioned either beneath or atop the support to enhance pressure distribution and stability, while maintaining direct contact with the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If fluid-filled bladders are used to support patient body weight, then cushioning is provided, but the bladder bottoms out in localized areas creating high pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple independent fluid-filled chambers (first chamber with less viscous fluid, second chamber with more viscous fluid) arranged in layers. This segmentation allows each chamber to independently respond to pressure loads, preventing bottoming out while distributing pressure evenly across the contact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluids with different viscosity parameters - the first chamber contains a less viscous fluid (e.g., water) for initial cushioning and conformability, while the second chamber contains a more viscous fluid (e.g., oil) for enhanced stability and pressure distribution. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between cushioning and stability.
2Stress or pressure
If the volume of fluid in the bladder is increased to prevent bottoming out, then pressure distribution improves, but the device becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large volume of fluid, the patent segments the fluid volume into multiple smaller chambers with different fluid properties. The layered arrangement of chambers with varying viscosities provides both adequate pressure distribution and maintains stability without requiring excessive fluid volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the fluid in different chambers rather than increasing volume. The more viscous fluid in the second chamber provides stability while the less viscous fluid in the first chamber ensures conformability and pressure distribution, eliminating the need for large fluid volumes.
3Strength
If fluid-filled membranes are made thicker to provide adequate pressure relief, then structural integrity improves, but hammocking occurs in high protrusion regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple thin-walled fluid chambers rather than using a single thick membrane. This segmentation allows the structure to remain flexible and conformable to body contours while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid-filled chambers to provide structural support and pressure distribution. The hydraulic pressure within the chambers maintains structural integrity without requiring thick membranes, while the fluid nature allows the structure to conform to body contours and eliminate hammocking effects.
4Shape
If conventional foam or spring materials are used, then the cushion deforms to conform to the body, but the device bottoms out and localizes pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional foam or spring materials with fluid-filled chambers that can deform and conform to body contours like soft materials, but unlike foam, the incompressible fluid prevents bottoming out. The fluid pressure distributes loads evenly across the contact surface while maintaining conformability.
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 multi-layer system effectively reduces peak pressure on bony prominences, enhances stability, and provides adequate cushioning, as demonstrated by experimental results showing significant reductions in skin interface peak pressure values compared to conventional cushioning supports.
Implementation Method 1
the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface, wherein the second support is filled with a second gas or liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-layer cushion supports are described which may generally comprise a first support having a first contact surface for contacting a portion of a body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface. The second support may be filled with a second gas or liquid which is relatively more viscous than the first gas or liquid. In particular, the first support may be filled with a volume of air and the second support may be filled with oil which is less than the volume of air.