Patient Support with Lattice Cells and Low Air Loss Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems often experience airflow obstruction when the cover is pressed against a dense support layer, leading to inadequate moisture removal and increased risk of pressure sores.
Innovation Solution
The patient support system incorporates a crib assembly with conformable layers and a spacer layer that allows fluid to flow vertically and laterally, preventing airflow obstruction even under pressure, and includes a low air loss manifold to manage moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dense support layer is used to provide adequate patient support, then support strength is improved, but airflow becomes obstructed when the cover is pressed against it
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple conformable layers with different densities and properties. The顶层 is a softer conformable layer that maintains contact with the patient, while lower layers provide progressively firmer support. This segmentation allows the cover to press against the soft top layer without obstructing airflow to the dense support layers below, resolving the contradiction between support strength and airflow consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patient support have different layer configurations and densities tailored to local needs. High-density support layers are positioned where maximum support is required, while areas requiring airflow prioritization have optimized layer structures that maintain air permeability. This local quality approach allows simultaneous achievement of strong support and consistent airflow in different zones.
2Stress or pressure
If pressure is applied to the patient support (e.g., through patient weight), then patient support is improved, but airflow becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The conformable layers are designed to dynamically adjust their compression and airflow characteristics based on applied pressure. Under light pressure, the layers maintain open air passages for optimal airflow. Under heavier pressure from patient weight, the layers progressively compress while maintaining interconnected air channels that allow airflow to continue through the support structure, preventing complete obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformable layers act as intermediaries between the patient/cover and the dense support structure. These intermediate layers are designed to transmit mechanical pressure effectively while simultaneously maintaining airflow pathways. The specific layer construction allows pressure to be distributed and transmitted to the support structure without blocking the air passages, resolving the contradiction between pressure transmission and airflow maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is pressed against the support layer, then patient comfort is improved, but moisture removal becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The conformable layers incorporate porous materials with controlled pore sizes and distributions that maintain air permeability even when compressed against the patient. The porous structure allows moisture vapor to pass through the layers and be carried away by airflow, while the outer surface remains soft and comfortable for patient contact. This porous construction resolves the contradiction between comfort and moisture removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system uses composite material constructions combining different materials with complementary properties. The top conformable layer uses soft, comfortable materials with adequate air permeability, while lower layers incorporate materials optimized for both support and airflow. The composite structure allows the cover to press against the comfortable top layer while airflow continues through the composite layers to remove moisture effectively.
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
This design maintains consistent airflow and effective moisture removal, reducing the likelihood of pressure sores and providing improved patient support.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer layer that allows fluid to flow vertically and laterally, preventing airflow obstruction even under pressure
Implementation Method 2
an internal air supply system that carries away moisture vapor entering the patient support through a cover
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support includes a conformable layer having a lattice of cells. Each cell having a base and extending to a top portion disposed opposite the base to form a column, and at least some of the cells within the lattice having a fluid passage extending from the base through the top portion of the cell. The patient support having a fluid flow path defined by a port connector configured to direct a fluid to a low air loss manifold, the low air loss manifold configured to direct and release the fluid towards the fluid passages of the conformable layer with the fluid passages configured to direct the fluid into a reduced zone having a surface area, and a spacer layer configured to receive the fluid in the reduced zone and disperse the fluid underneath a cover across a surface area larger than the surface area of the reduced zone.