Air-Pressure Patient Positioning Controller With Multi-Chamber Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning apparatuses lack efficient automation, customization for varying patient sizes, and additional safety features to prevent injury and device malfunction during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Inflatable devices with independently inflatable chambers and a controller that adjust pressure based on patient metrics, providing customizable positioning and safety features to prevent hypertension and device malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inflation process is used for patient positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency are worsened due to lengthy manual adjustment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs patient positioning by inflating chambers based on pre-programmed protocols and real-time sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by medical professionals. The device self-regulates pressure and positioning without continuous human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of positioning devices is replaced with an automated electro-mechanical system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and controlled inflation mechanisms to achieve precise patient positioning automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pressure chambers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different patient sizes and procedures is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device transitions from fixed, static chambers to dynamically adjustable chambers that can change pressure and volume in real-time. The system continuously adapts to different patient anatomies and procedural requirements through automated pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters such as chamber pressure, volume, and inflation rate based on detected patient metrics and procedural needs. Multiple pressure levels and inflation patterns are available to accommodate varying patient sizes and positioning requirements.
3Productivity
If rapid inflation is used to quickly position patient, then productivity is improved, but object-affected harmful factors are worsened due to risk of acute hypertension and injury
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of single rapid inflation, the system uses periodic, staged inflation cycles with intermediate pauses. The chambers are inflated in sequential phases with monitoring between stages, allowing the system to achieve rapid positioning while preventing harmful pressure spikes through controlled intermittent action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements pre-inflation of adjacent chambers and gradual pressure buildup before reaching target pressure levels. This cushioning approach prevents sudden pressure shocks to the patient's body by distributing the inflation force over time and space.
4Reliability
If additional safety features and monitoring are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor chamber pressure, patient position, and physiological parameters, feeding this information back to the control system. Real-time feedback enables automatic adjustments and safety interventions without requiring complex manual monitoring protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions including pressure regulation, positioning control, safety monitoring, and emergency response within a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety devices while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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
Enhances patient positioning efficiency, reduces injury risk, and adapts to various patient sizes and medical procedures, improving ventilation and airway management.
Implementation Method 1
apparatuses, systems, and methods that utilize inflatable chambers that facilitate or accomplish the safe, effective, and efficient placement of a human individual into the Head Elevated Laryngoscopy Position
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to provide a pressure signal indicative of pressure in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for positioning a patient utilizing an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device may include three independently inflatable chambers. The controller may include first, second, and third pressure output ports; first, second, and third pressure sensors; a plurality of electro-mechanical switches; an electronic user interface; an computer; a pressurized air input port; and an atmospheric air port. The plurality of electro-mechanical switches may be configured to independently control air flow through the first, second, and third pressure output ports. The first, second, and third pressure sensors may be configured to measure pressure internal to the first, second, and third pressure output ports, respectively. The computer may be configured to receive first, second, and third pressure signals from each of the first, second, and third pressure sensors, respectively; to control each of the plurality of electro-mechanical switches; and communication with the user through the electronic user interface.