Multi-Layer Support Surface for Moisture and Heat Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Patients confined to bed for extended periods are at risk of developing decubitus ulcers due to pressure that interrupts blood supply to skin capillaries, exacerbated by moisture and heat, which existing support systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer support system that absorbs and disperses moisture, vapor, and heat, utilizing vapor-permeable and impermeable materials to create a low air loss feature, allowing air and vapor transfer while controlling air flow, and can be integrated with various support surfaces to reduce pressure and promote ulcer healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing support systems are used, then basic support function is provided, but moisture and heat management is inadequate leading to decubitus ulcer risk
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple functional layers: a vapor-permeable layer for moisture transfer, an air-impermeable layer for heat retention, and an air-permeable layer for convective cooling. Each layer addresses specific aspects of moisture and heat management, collectively preventing decubitus ulcers through comprehensive environmental control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines materials with different permeability properties (vapor-permeable, air-impermeable, air-permeable) in a multi-layer composite structure. This composite approach enables simultaneous moisture wicking, heat retention, and air flow management, resolving the contradiction between moisture control and thermal management.
2Quantity of substance
If vapor-permeable and air-impermeable materials are used, then vapor transfer is enabled, but air flow control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the support system have localized properties: the first layer is vapor-permeable but air-impermeable for vapor transfer, while the second layer is air-permeable for convective cooling. This spatial differentiation of material properties enables independent optimization of vapor and air flow characteristics without increasing overall system complexity.
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 the risk of decubitus ulcer formation and aids in their healing by managing moisture and heat, while maintaining interface pressure and being cost-effective and suitable for use without electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer configured to transfer moisture vapor from an interface between a support surface and a patient to an environment surrounding the support system through the first layer
Implementation Method 2
a second layer between the first layer and a support surface, the second layer comprising an air-impermeable material
Implementation Method 3
a third layer between the second layer and the support surface, the third layer comprising an air-permeable material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer support system with a number of layers. Systems and methods of removing moisture vapor from an environment surrounding patient are disclosed that accomplish such removal without the use of powered air-movers.