Orientation-Sensitive Air Bladder Control for Patient Support Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems in hospitals lack effective pressure relief and adaptive capabilities to accommodate varying patient sizes and bed configurations, leading to inadequate comfort and support.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system featuring an air-permeable layer with inflatable bladders and pressure sensing assemblies, controlled by a controller to adjust pressure based on sensed forces and angles, allowing for real-time pressure regulation and adaptation to different bed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional solid mattress structures are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but pressure relief capability and adaptability to varying patient sizes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple independent air bladders arranged in zones (head, shoulder, back, thigh, calf, foot regions). Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to adapt to different patient body shapes and sizes, providing customized pressure relief without requiring a completely different mattress for each patient type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic air-filled system that can adjust its firmness and contouring in real-time. The controller automatically or manually adjusts air pressure in different bladder zones to match the patient's body profile, enabling the mattress to adapt dynamically to varying patient sizes and positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pressure support is provided, then device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different bed configurations and patient positions
Solution Approach 1:
The air bladder system serves multiple functions: it provides pressure relief, contours to different body positions, and adapts to various bed configurations (flat, elevated, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg). The same mattress structure can accommodate supine, prone, side-lying, and sitting positions, as well as different bed angle configurations, making it a universal solution for diverse clinical settings.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors embedded in the mattress detect the patient's body position and weight distribution, providing feedback to the controller. The controller processes this information and automatically adjusts air pressure in specific bladder zones to maintain optimal support and pressure relief, enabling the mattress to adapt to changing patient positions and bed configurations in real-time.
3Productivity
If manual pressure adjustment is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity and responsiveness to patient needs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress system performs self-adjustment through automated pressure control. Pressure sensors continuously monitor patient needs, and the controller automatically modulates air pressure in response to detected changes in position or pressure requirements, eliminating the need for constant manual intervention by healthcare providers while maintaining optimal patient comfort and care.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pressure sensing and automated control system creates a closed-loop feedback mechanism that rapidly responds to patient movements and pressure needs. This automated response system significantly improves productivity by eliminating manual adjustment delays and ensuring immediate pressure relief when needed, while the sophistication of the control algorithm keeps overall system complexity manageable.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If uniform support is provided across the mattress, then manufacturing is simple, but pressure relief at specific body zones is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress employs zone-specific pressure control with different air bladders dedicated to specific body regions (head, shoulder, back, thigh, calf, foot). Each zone can be independently adjusted to provide appropriate support and pressure relief tailored to the anatomical requirements of that specific body part, preventing pressure ulcers in high-risk areas while maintaining overall patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress is segmented into multiple independent air-filled chambers rather than a single uniform structure. This segmentation allows differential pressure control in different zones, enabling the mattress to apply higher pressure where support is needed (e.g., heels, sacrum) and lower pressure where relief is needed (e.g., bony prominences), thereby reducing pressure ulcer risk through localized pressure management.
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 provides enhanced pressure relief and comfort by dynamically adjusting pressure distribution, accommodating various patient sizes and bed configurations, thereby improving patient support and care.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensing assembly positioned underneath the first zone, a second pressure sensing assembly positioned underneath the second zone, the first and second pressure sensing assemblies being operable to sense force applied to the first and second zones, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of transverse bladders and the third zone including a plurality of upright can-shaped bladders... a controller operably coupled to the first and second pressure sensing assemblies to adjust pressure in one or more of the first, second, and third zones
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a patient support having an air permeable layer, a plurality of inflatable bladders, a pressure-sensing assembly and a controller. In one embodiment, a combination of transverse bladders and vertically oriented can-shaped bladders is provided. In one embodiment, one or more angle sensors are provided in articulatable sections of the patient support.