Multi-Layer Support Surface for Moisture and Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients confined to bed for extended periods are at risk of developing decubitus ulcers due to pressure that interrupts blood flow, and moisture and heat exacerbate these ulcers, leading to skin maceration and associated problems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer support system comprising a vapor-permeable and liquid-impermeable first layer, a vapor-impermeable and liquid-impermeable second layer, and an air mover that creates channels between the layers to facilitate the removal of moisture, vapor, and heat, with optional cellular cushioning and protrusions for enhanced comfort and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-layer support surface is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot effectively remove moisture, vapor, and heat leading to skin maceration
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple functional layers: a first layer with vapor-permeable/liquid-impermeable properties, a second layer with vapor-impermeable/liquid-impermeable properties, and intermediate channels. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (vapor removal, liquid protection, air flow) that collectively solve the moisture and heat accumulation problem without requiring a single complex material.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines materials with different permeability characteristics (vapor-permeable, vapor-impermeable, liquid-impermeable) into a composite structure. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of vapor removal through the first layer while preventing liquid penetration and maintaining structural integrity through the second layer.
2Stress or pressure
If external pressure is applied to relieve pressure ulcers, then pressure distribution improves, but blood flow interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces air flow through channels between the layers to create a pneumatic environment that actively removes moisture and vapor. This pneumatic approach complements pressure relief by managing the microclimate without requiring additional mechanical pressure application, thereby maintaining blood flow while improving pressure distribution.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If moisture removal is enhanced through multiple layers, then skin maceration is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer is designed with specific local properties: the first layer has vapor-permeable/liquid-impermeable characteristics for vapor removal while blocking liquids, the second layer has vapor-impermeable/liquid-impermeable properties for structural support and liquid protection. This local quality assignment allows effective moisture management through targeted material properties rather than uniform complexity throughout the system.
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 prevents and treats decubitus ulcers by reducing pressure, absorbing and dispersing moisture and heat, thereby promoting healing and preventing ulcer formation.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer (110) comprising a vapor-permeable and liquid-impermeable material
Implementation Method 2
a second layer (120) comprising a vapor-impermeable and liquid-impermeable material
Implementation Method 3
an air mover (140) configured to pull air through the plurality of channels (130) formed between the first layer (110) and the second layer (120) and toward the air mover (140)
Implementation Method 4
the second layer further comprises a cellular cushioning material
Data Source
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.