Patient Support Positioner with Ultra Low Pressure Plenums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems fail to effectively off-load pressure from bony prominences, especially in the prone position, and often require inconsistent caregiver training for proper use.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising ultra low pressure plenums and a positioner, where the positioner is filled with fluidized particulate material to displace air and off-load pressure, and the system includes markings and handles to guide caregivers in proper patient positioning and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional patient support systems are used, then basic support is provided, but pressure off-loading from bony prominences is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultra low pressure plenums filled with gas (air) to create a compliant support surface that automatically conforms to patient anatomy. The gas-filled plenums provide pressure distribution and off-loading through pneumatic cushioning, eliminating hard contact points on bony prominences while maintaining patient support in prone position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by maintaining ultra low pressure within the plenums (significantly below atmospheric pressure), which allows the support surface to be extremely compliant and adaptive to patient contours. This pressure parameter change enables effective pressure redistribution without requiring active control mechanisms.
2Stress or pressure
If complex positioning systems are used to achieve proper patient positioning, then pressure distribution improves, but caregiver training requirements increase and use becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The ultra low pressure plenums are designed to automatically adapt to patient positioning without requiring complex adjustments by caregivers. The system self-regulates pressure distribution through its compliant gas-filled structure, eliminating the need for extensive training on complex positioning procedures while maintaining consistent pressure off-loading.
Solution Approach 2:
By maintaining a fixed ultra low pressure parameter within the plenums, the system eliminates the need for caregivers to adjust pressure settings or understand complex positioning parameters. The consistent pressure parameter ensures uniform performance regardless of caregiver expertise level.
3Stress or pressure
If the body is significantly elevated from the bed surface, then pressure off-loading improves, but patient stability and comfort decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-filled plenums provide a stable yet compliant interface between patient and bed surface. The pneumatic cushioning effect maintains patient stability through distributed support while simultaneously achieving pressure off-loading, eliminating the need for significant elevation that would compromise stability.
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 effective pressure off-loading for patients in various positions, including prone, while aiding caregivers in proper positioning through intuitive markings and handles, enhancing patient comfort and reducing skin breakdown risk.
Implementation Method 1
The positioner includes a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material with sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of air in the support to offload pressure being from a received body part
Implementation Method 2
In one embodiment, a phase change material can be used for adjusting the temperature of the system to adapt to temperature changes of the body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a patient support which can be used in a bed or flat surface and in particular to a system and method for support and offloading of the body and for turning and repositioning of a patient in a bed or on a flat surface. Features of the disclosure also relate to markings and other indicators used on the patient support which help guide caregivers in the proper use and correct patient positioning on the patient support.