Active multicompartmental pressure redistribution system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure redistribution systems are ineffective in dynamically adjusting to real-time pressure changes, often relying on passive materials that deform and fail to evenly distribute forces, leading to issues like pressure ulcers, stress fractures, and foot problems, particularly in individuals with neuropathy or those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic multicompartmental pressure redistribution system using interconnected fluid-containing vessels with sensors and microcontrollers that adjust pressure in real time based on collected data, utilizing algorithms to redistribute forces and learn user-specific patterns for optimal comfort and injury prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive materials (springs, rubber, foam, polymers) are used for pressure redistribution, then the device structure is simple, but the pressure redistribution effectiveness deteriorates over time as materials deform and lose efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static passive materials with dynamic active components (pumps, valves, sensors, microcontrollers) that can adapt and adjust pressure distribution in real-time, preventing the degradation issue inherent in passive materials. The system actively responds to changing conditions rather than passively deforming over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor pressure distribution and automatically triggers the pump and valve mechanisms to redistribute pressure as needed, enabling the device to self-regulate and maintain effectiveness without external intervention or material replacement.
2Reliability
If shoes contain microcontrollers, motors, flow regulators, and containment vessels to actively adjust pressure, then pressure redistribution effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shoe into multiple independent containment vessels (compartments) that can be individually controlled by separate valves and sensors. This segmentation allows localized pressure adjustment without requiring complex system-wide control, simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it controls pumps, regulates valves, processes sensor data, and coordinates pressure distribution across all compartments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each component, thereby managing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If cushioning materials are used in shoes, then comfort is provided, but the foot is locked in certain positions and range of motion is limited, preventing force translation and even pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable pressure chambers that can change their stiffness and support characteristics in real-time based on foot movement and loading conditions. This allows the system to provide comfort during static periods while permitting natural foot motion during activity, unlike fixed cushioning materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (pressure, volume, stiffness) of the containment vessels dynamically to adapt to different foot positions and movement phases, maintaining both comfort and range of motion by adjusting support characteristics rather than providing fixed cushioning.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are used to collect pressure data, then problem identification capability improves, but the data is not used to make dynamic real-time changes, limiting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensors continuously monitor pressure distribution, the microcontroller processes this data in real-time, and the pump/valve system automatically adjusts pressure distribution based on the feedback. This ensures measurement precision is directly translated into immediate corrective action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of sensors, data processing, and pressure adjustment without interruption, ensuring that pressure redistribution is an ongoing adaptive process rather than a periodic or reactive measure, thereby maximizing real-time problem resolution capability.
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 system effectively reduces excessive pressure, decreases the risk of ulcers and stress fractures, and improves comfort by dynamically redistributing forces, as demonstrated by a 50% reduction in amputation rates in diabetic patients and enhanced comfort for various users.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid will move from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
An interconnected multicompartmental pressure redistribution system that is able to precisely identify contact pressure points and address excess pressure on the body by redistributing the pressure in real time. Sensors that are part of a matrix of fluid substance filled interactive pixels communicate with a microcontroller that may also be in wireless communication with a smart device. The microcontroller controls the individual fluid flow regulators located between the interactive pixels. This causes specific flow regulators to open, allowing the fluid substance to flow from one interactive pixel to another, redistributing pressure, as needed.