Patient support surface control, end of life indication, and x-ray cassette sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient bed systems face challenges such as skin conditions due to heat and moisture, unreliable pneumatic systems, degradation of support surfaces, difficulties in installing and maintaining x-ray sleeves, detection of patient position and fluid ingress, and inadequate heel suspension, leading to safety hazards and increased healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a topper that conducts air to cool and dry the skin, a pneumatic blower integrated within the support surface, a controller for air flow management, an end-of-life indicator, a fluid-resistant x-ray cassette sleeve, and a heel suspension mechanism to prevent pressure ulcers and improve patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pneumatic box is positioned within the patient room to supply air to the microclimate structure, then effective cooling and drying of patient skin is achieved, but space within the patient room is occupied and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pneumatic blower and microclimate structure into an integrated support surface system. The blower is positioned within the support surface itself rather than in a separate external box, merging the air generation and air distribution functions into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for a separate pneumatic box while maintaining the microclimate effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic blower is nested within the support surface structure, with the blower housing integrated into the mattress layers. The air passages are embedded within the foam layers, creating a nested configuration where the air generation and distribution systems are contained within the support surface itself rather than occupying external space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If typical powered air surfaces rely on separate pumps and control modules, then wound treatment therapy can be provided, but users must locate available pumps within the facility and separate pumps may get lost, reducing availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump function into the support surface itself by integrating a pneumatic blower within the mattress structure. This eliminates the need for separate external pump modules that must be located and managed. The integrated design ensures that the air generation capability travels with the support surface, improving availability and ease of operation while maintaining wound treatment versatility.
3Productivity
If hose attachments of typical pumps are used, then air can be supplied to the microclimate structure, but the connections become unreliable and dirty, requiring cleaning after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air supply function from external hose connections and integrates it directly into the support surface structure. The pneumatic blower is positioned within the mattress with air passages embedded in the foam layers, eliminating the need for external hose attachments. This removes the source of connection unreliability and contamination while maintaining air supply capability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If support surfaces are used beyond their useful lives, then continuous patient support is maintained, but the support surfaces degrade and increase the likelihood of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an end-of-life indicator system that provides feedback about the support surface condition. The indicator monitors usage parameters and signals when the support surface has reached the end of its useful life, alerting healthcare providers to replace the mattress before degradation leads to skin breakdown or pressure ulcers.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-of-life indicator system performs preliminary detection of support surface degradation before actual skin breakdown occurs. By monitoring usage and providing advance warning, the system enables proactive replacement of the support surface before it reaches a dangerous state, preventing harmful effects rather than reacting to them after damage occurs.
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 solution effectively mitigates skin conditions, ensures reliable air flow, extends the life of support surfaces, simplifies x-ray sleeve installation, detects patient position and fluid ingress, and enhances heel suspension, thereby reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and associated healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The pneumatic blower may conduct air through the inlet port to the topper
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a support surface including a topper. An opening is formed in a side of the support surface. A cavity extends from the opening into the support surface. An inlet port is positioned within the cavity and fluidly coupled to the topper. A pneumatic blower is configured to removably position within the cavity and has an outlet port that couples to the inlet port.