Patient Support Control Unit for Adaptive Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support systems in hospitals lack advanced control units that can dynamically adjust to patient size, weight, and activity level, and do not provide real-time pressure monitoring and relief, which is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers and ensuring patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control unit for patient support systems that includes a housing with a controller, air supply components, and a user interface, enabling adjustable pressure distribution through inflatable bladders and sensors, along with a display and communication ports for monitoring and controlling various operational modes, including CPR and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air supply system is used for the patient support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both high volume low pressure air and low volume high pressure air is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is divided into two separate portions: a first air supply portion (blower) that provides high volume low pressure air for general support, and a second air supply portion (compressor) that provides low volume high pressure air for targeted pressure control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together under controller coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit integrates multiple functions into a single device by combining both a blower and a compressor in one system. This multi-functional air supply unit can dynamically switch between providing high volume low pressure air and low volume high pressure air, or both simultaneously, depending on patient needs and therapeutic requirements.
2Reliability
If real-time pressure monitoring and adjustment is implemented, then patient comfort and pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the pressure exerted on the patient's body in real-time. This feedback is sent to the controller, which automatically adjusts the air supply to maintain optimal pressure levels, preventing pressure ulcers while minimizing energy consumption by only making adjustments when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support system dynamically adjusts pressure distribution based on real-time sensor data and patient characteristics (size, weight, activity level). The controller modulates the air supply dynamically, increasing or decreasing pressure as needed, rather than maintaining a static pressure level, thereby improving reliability while managing energy use efficiently.
3Ease of repair
If the control unit is designed to be removably coupled to the patient support, then the ease of repair and maintenance is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed as a separate, removable module that can be easily detached from the patient support system. This segmentation allows the control unit to be replaced independently for repair or maintenance without affecting the rest of the system, improving ease of repair while maintaining reliable connections through proper coupling mechanisms.
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 control unit allows for real-time adjustment of pressure distribution based on patient size, weight, and activity, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and enhancing patient comfort by providing customizable support and monitoring features.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion operably coupled to the controller to provide high volume, low pressure air to a first interior portion of the patient support
Implementation Method 2
a second portion operably coupled to the controller to provide low volume, high pressure air to a second interior portion of the patient support
Implementation Method 3
adjustable pressure distribution through inflatable bladders
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a control unit for a patient support, such as a mattress. One embodiment of the control unit includes a base portion and a display portion pivotably coupled to the base portion. The control unit may also include one or more communication ports for sending or receiving data from one or more remote devices over a network. The control unit may also include a memory port into which memory may be removably inserted. The control unit may also include a visual indicator configured to be activated by a triggering event, such as a patient exiting the mattress. The display unit may include a touchscreen user interface. The display unit may also be configured to display audiovisual material.