Patient Support Microclimate Control via Blower Dynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses lack an efficient system for temperature regulation and microclimate management, which is essential for maintaining patient comfort and treating temperature-related conditions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulating and microclimate management surface system that includes a surface assembly with an outer covering, an inlet port, and an outlet port, along with a spacer material. This system is in fluid communication with a pneumatic assembly that includes a blower and a controller, which can adjust the blower's speed and a flow rate valve to generate both heating and cooling effects by controlling airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a blower is used to direct air through the surface assembly, then cooling effect is generated, but heating effect cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the blower's operating speed to achieve different temperature effects. By varying the speed from a first speed for cooling to a second, higher speed for heating, the same blower and surface assembly can provide both cooling and heating functions without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the blower, specifically the rotational speed, to transform the temperature effect. Increasing the blower speed from a first speed to a second speed changes the air flow characteristics and generates sufficient heat through friction and compression to provide heating effect.
2Temperature
If blower speed is increased to generate heating effect, then heating capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the typically wasteful heat generated by high-speed blower operation into a useful heating effect. Instead of dissipating the heat as waste, the system utilizes this heat to warm the air and provide therapeutic heating to the patient, turning an energy loss into a beneficial output.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower serves multiple functions: at lower speeds it provides cooling through air circulation, and at higher speeds it provides both air circulation and heating through friction heat generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, reducing overall energy consumption.
3Temperature
If flow rate valve is used to restrict discharge flow rate, then heating effect is generated, but cooling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate valve position based on the desired temperature effect. For cooling, the valve is positioned to allow maximum flow, while for heating, it is restricted to generate friction heat. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance for each specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-positions the flow rate valve and blower speed according to the selected function (heating or cooling) before operation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the system is optimized for the intended function, allowing rapid transition between modes without energy waste.
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 regulates temperature and manages microclimate, providing both heating and cooling effects to enhance patient comfort and treat temperature-related conditions efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The blower is configured to direct air through the spacer material via the inlet port
Implementation Method 2
adjust the blower to a higher second operating speed to generate heat in the housing and warm the air
Implementation Method 3
restrict a discharge flow rate of the blower with a flow rate valve to generate the heat in the housing
Implementation Method 4
recirculate exiting heated air from the outlet port of the surface assembly to the pneumatic assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A surface and accessory system for temperature regulation and microclimate management of a patient includes a surface assembly including an outer covering and a spacer material. A pneumatic assembly is in fluid communication with the interior. The pneumatic assembly includes a housing. A blower is disposed within the housing. A flow rate valve is operably coupled to the discharge outlet of the blower. The flow rate valve is configured to adjust a discharge flow rate of the blower. A controller is communicatively coupled to the blower and the flow rate valve. The controller is configured to adjust at least one of an operating speed of the blower and a restriction setting of the flow rate valve to selectively generate a cooling effect and a heating effect with airflow directed by the blower through the surface assembly.