Patient Support Microclimate Control for Compression-Limited Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microclimate systems used in patient supports often fail to maintain rated levels of heat and moisture removal due to restricted airflow caused by compression, which can lead to skin issues like decubitus ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A microclimate system with a support surface, air box, and immersion sensor that detects patient immersion and adjusts airflow, temperature, and humidity to maintain rated performance levels by updating operating parameters, ensuring effective heat and moisture removal even in compressed areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microclimate system operates at rated parameters, then heat and moisture removal performance is maintained, but airflow becomes restricted due to compression of the microclimate system
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time compression feedback from load cells. The controller continuously monitors compression levels and modifies airflow, temperature, and humidity parameters to maintain rated performance despite varying compression conditions, transforming a static system into an adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
Load cells provide real-time feedback on compression levels to the controller, which then adjusts operating parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for compression-induced airflow restrictions and maintain consistent heat and moisture removal performance.
2Ease of operation
If the microclimate system is compressed to support the patient, then patient support function is achieved, but airflow through the microclimate system is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Load cells positioned beneath the support surface measure compression forces exerted by the patient. This feedback is transmitted to the controller, which adjusts operating parameters to compensate for the airflow restriction caused by patient weight, ensuring both support function and microclimate performance are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (airflow rate, temperature, humidity) in response to detected compression levels. When patient weight compresses the microclimate system, the controller increases airflow and adjusts thermal parameters to maintain effective heat and moisture removal despite the physical compression.
3Reliability
If operating parameters are increased to compensate for compression, then rated performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on actual compression conditions rather than operating at fixed high levels. The controller increases energy consumption only when and to the extent necessary to compensate for detected compression, optimizing the balance between maintaining rated performance and minimizing energy usage.
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 effectively maintains rated performance levels of heat withdrawal and evaporative capacity, preventing skin issues by dynamically adjusting airflow and humidity in response to patient immersion, thus enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of decubitus ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
The immersion sensor may include an induction sensor including a metal element and an inductive element. The inductive element may include an inductive coil spaced apart from and positioned beneath the topper.
Implementation Method 2
The topper may be configured to conduct air along a top face of the support surface so that heat and moisture from a patient lying on the support surface are drawn away from the top face of the support surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a microclimate system (12) includes a support surface (16), an air box (18), and an immersion sensor (20). The support surface is configured to support a patient and conduct air along a surface of the support surface so that heat and moisture from a patient lying on the support surface are drawn away from the surface. The air box (18) includes a blower (56) coupled to the support surface (16) to provide airflow to the support surface (16). The immersion sensor (20) is configured to detect the immersion of the patient into the support surface.