Patient support apparatus and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems with inflatable chambers struggle to maintain optimal pressure levels efficiently, especially during changes in patient position, which can lead to discomfort and prolonged inflation times after deflation events like CPR.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with multiple inflatable zones, primary and secondary fluid sources, and a controller that adjusts pressure by activating the secondary source when zones fall below a threshold, and isolates zones during position changes to maintain comfort and rapid re-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fluid source is used to inflate mattress zones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the re-inflation time after deflation events becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid source into two separate components: a primary fluid source connected to each individual zone for rapid localized re-inflation, and a secondary fluid source that can supply multiple zones. This segmentation allows the mattress to be quickly re-inflated after deflation events without requiring a complex centralized system.
2Ease of operation
If pressure is continuously maintained in all zones, then patient comfort is optimized, but the energy consumption increases during position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure distribution based on patient position. During position changes, the controller isolates zones that are not currently supporting the patient, reducing energy consumption. When the patient is stable, pressure is maintained in the appropriate zones for comfort. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between comfort and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller predicts position changes and preliminarily isolates zones before the patient actually shifts position. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary pressure maintenance in zones that will soon be empty, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort in the zones that will continue to support the patient.
3Use of energy by moving object
If zones are isolated during position changes, then energy is conserved, but the pressure stability in active zones may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure sensors to continuously monitor zone pressures and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the isolation and inflation actions based on this feedback to maintain pressure stability in active zones. This closed-loop control ensures that energy is conserved during position changes while pressure stability is maintained in zones that continue to support the patient.
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
Ensures comfortable patient support by dynamically adjusting pressure based on position changes and rapidly re-inflates the mattress to optimal pressure levels, reducing the time required to return to a supported state after deflation events.
Implementation Method 1
a mattress with two or more inflatable zones; two or more primary fluid sources each having a first capacity and coupled to a corresponding one of the two or more inflatable zones
Implementation Method 2
a secondary fluid source having a second capacity that is greater than the first capacity of each primary fluid source, the secondary fluid source coupled to the two or more inflatable zones; the controller configured to activate the secondary fluid source to provide fluid to the two or more zones if the pressure in at least one of the two or more zones is below a lower threshold pressure
Implementation Method 3
two or more check valves disposed between the secondary fluid source and the two or more zones of the mattress such that the two or more check valves permit fluid to flow through the two or more check valves away from the secondary fluid source, and substantially prevent fluid from flowing through the two or more check valves toward the secondary fluid source
Data Source
AI summary
Improved patient-support apparatuses and methods for rapid mattress inflation and pressure-compensation for changes in patient position.