Pressure-Adjustable Patient Support for Real-Time Interface Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems fail to effectively minimize interface pressure between the support surface and the patient, leading to discomfort and potential health issues due to inadequate pressure relief and adaptation to patient movement.
Innovation Solution
A pressure adjustable mattress system incorporating a plurality of air bladders and force sensors that detect patient position and movement, adjusting pressure in real-time to optimize comfort and reduce pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure relief support surfaces are used to minimize interface pressure, then patient comfort and health are improved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to multiple sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple independently controllable air bladders or cells that can be selectively inflated or deflated. Each bladder can be controlled individually or in groups to provide localized pressure relief at different body zones (head, torso, limbs) based on sensor feedback, allowing complex pressure management through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts pressure in real-time. Force sensors detect patient movement and position changes, triggering automatic pressure adjustments in the air bladders to maintain optimal pressure distribution and prevent pressure ulcers.
Solution Approach 3:
Force sensors are integrated into the support surface to continuously monitor interface pressure and patient position. This feedback information is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts air bladder pressure to maintain therapeutic pressure levels, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing patient needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support surface is made adjustable to accommodate patient movement, then pressure relief effectiveness is improved, but the response time and adaptability to real-time patient needs deteriorate in static systems
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface operates continuously with force sensors constantly monitoring patient position and air bladders maintaining pressure through continuous micro-adjustments. The system never stops adapting, providing uninterrupted pressure relief as the patient moves, breathes, or changes position during sleep or rest periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface incorporates automatic control systems that respond to sensor input without requiring external intervention. When force sensors detect patient movement or pressure buildup, the system autonomously adjusts air bladder pressure to maintain optimal conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by healthcare providers.
3Measurement precision
If multiple force sensors are deployed to detect patient position and movement, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple force sensing elements are integrated into a unified sensor network within the support surface structure. The sensors share common signal processing and control electronics, allowing precise detection of patient position and pressure distribution across multiple zones while minimizing redundant components and reducing overall energy consumption through shared infrastructure.
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 reduces the risk of pressure-related injuries by dynamically adjusting pressure based on patient position and movement, ensuring optimal support and pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of force sensors, each of the plurality of pressure sensors subtending at least one of the plurality of air bladders to sense a force transmitted through the subtended air bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support having real time pressure control. The patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a bladder including a plurality of upright cylindrical elements. The pressure within the bladder is controlled based on the pressure or force sensed by the plurality of sensors.