Patient support apparatuses and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems with inflatable chambers do not effectively isolate and adjust pressure in specific zones, such as the seat zone, when the back section of a bed is adjusted, leading to discomfort due to uneven distribution of pressure.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with multiple inflatable zones, primary and secondary fluid sources, and a controller that adjusts pressure by activating or deactivating fluid sources and valves to maintain optimal pressure in each zone based on the angle of the back section, ensuring comfortable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fluid source is used for all inflatable zones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust pressure in specific zones (such as the seat zone) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid supply into multiple independent zones, each with its own fluid source (primary and secondary), allowing independent pressure control in different mattress regions such as the seat zone and back zone. This segmentation enables targeted pressure adjustment without affecting other zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Check valves are introduced as intermediary components between fluid sources and inflatable zones. These check valves act as mediators that allow fluid to flow in one direction only, enabling the system to maintain pressure in specific zones while preventing backflow, thus facilitating zone isolation when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the back section angle is adjusted, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but pressure distribution in the seat zone becomes uneven causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects changes in back section angle and preemptively adjusts fluid delivery to the seat zone before discomfort occurs. When angle change is detected, the controller activates the primary fluid source for the seat zone to maintain optimal pressure, preventing the harmful effect of uneven pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure in each zone and provide feedback to the controller. When the back section angle changes, the feedback mechanism triggers pressure adjustment in the seat zone to compensate for the angle change, maintaining comfortable pressure distribution throughout the adjustment process.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure is increased in all zones simultaneously, then overall support is improved, but the ability to provide targeted support to specific areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each inflatable zone is equipped with its own primary and secondary fluid sources, enabling independent pressure control. This allows the system to apply different pressure levels to different zones based on local requirements, such as providing higher pressure to the seat zone when needed while maintaining lower pressure in other areas.
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 efficiently maintains optimal pressure distribution across zones, reducing discomfort and improving patient support by isolating and adjusting pressure in response to changes in the bed's angle, thereby enhancing the overall support and comfort.
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~5
AI summary
Improved patient-support apparatuses and methods for rapid mattress inflation and pressure-compensation for changes in patient position.