Patient support apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems, such as foam mattresses, suffer from air leakage issues and require cumbersome sleeve removal for maintenance, lacking advanced features like pressure regulation and notification systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system featuring inflatable cells with a foam core, pressure sensors, and a controller that maintains pressure above ambient levels, includes one-way valves for pressure relief and notification devices to alert on pressure changes, and integrates with a fluid supply system for various therapy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a foam mattress is used for patient support, then comfort is provided, but air leakage occurs and pressure cannot be maintained above ambient levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using an inflatable cell structure filled with gas to provide patient support. The cell can be inflated to desired pressure levels and maintains that pressure through a valve system, eliminating the air leakage problems of foam mattresses. The gas-filled cell provides consistent pressure support that can be regulated and maintained above ambient pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state from solid foam to gas-filled inflatable cell, allowing pressure to be dynamically adjusted and maintained. The valve system enables parameter changes by controlling gas flow in and out of the cell, permitting pressure regulation to maintain optimal support levels while preventing unwanted air leakage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a KEVLAR sleeve is installed over the foam mattress, then fire protection is provided, but the sleeve must be removed for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fire-resistant barrier layer that can be integrated into the inflatable cell structure itself, rather than requiring a separate removable sleeve. This thin film or layer provides fire protection while allowing the cell to be inflated, deflated, and cleaned without removal, improving maintenance accessibility.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure relief valves are added to control internal pressure, then pressure regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-regulating pressure relief valves that automatically open at predetermined pressure thresholds without requiring external control systems. The valves self-service by mechanically responding to pressure conditions, providing pressure regulation through simple mechanical means rather than complex electronic control systems.
4Reliability
If notification devices are integrated to alert on pressure changes, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual notification devices such as LED indicators that change color or illuminate to alert caregivers of pressure conditions. This provides reliable safety monitoring through simple visual signals rather than complex audio or electronic notification systems.
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 comfort and support by maintaining consistent pressure, alerting on pressure changes, and offering adjustable therapy modes, improving patient care and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a cell which is inflatable with a gas to a pressure above an ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
a valve in fluid communication with an interior of the cell, the valve being configured to permit gas to egress from the interior of the cell when the pressure is greater than a threshold pressure and to maintain the gas in the interior of the cell when the pressure is lower than the threshold pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members. The plurality of inflatable members may include a core including a resilient material. The patient support may be controlled with a first controller positioned within an envelope of the patient support. The patient support may include a detector to detect when an external controller is coupled to the patient support, the patient support being controlled by the second controller when the second controller is present.