Pneumatic Support Device for Prone Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patients in hospital settings, particularly those in prone positions due to respiratory issues like COVID-19, face significant risks of bedsores from existing support devices that fail to distribute pressure effectively over lengthy periods, complicating access for medical connections.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising modular support elements with pneumatic cavities and thermoplastic polymer sheets, maintained at pressures below 0.04 bar, designed to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on sensitive areas, ensuring comfort and accessibility for medical interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wedges and rolled sheets are used to support patients in prone position, then the patient can be positioned for respiratory assistance, but bedsores appear frequently due to pressure on skin and flesh

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning effectivenessVSAvoidbedsore formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inflatable support device with air chambers that can be adjusted to distribute pressure evenly across the patient's body. The air pressure can be controlled to provide adequate support while preventing excessive pressure points that cause bedsores, resolving the contradiction between effective positioning and bedsore prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows adjustment of air pressure parameters to optimize both positioning support and pressure distribution. By changing the pressure parameter, the system can adapt to different patient weights and positioning requirements while maintaining bedsore-free contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If foam or gel wedges are used to raise the patient, then thoracic cage clearance is achieved for breathing, but access to medical connections becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethoracic clearanceVSAvoidaccess to connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into multiple independent air chambers or segments along its length. This segmentation allows different portions to be independently adjusted, enabling optimal thoracic clearance while maintaining flat or accessible areas for medical connections to pass through or be applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the support device have different properties - some areas are inflated to provide thoracic elevation, while other areas remain flat or have reduced pressure to facilitate access for medical connections, catheters, and monitoring equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of moving object

If patients remain in prone position for lengthy periods, then respiratory treatment is effective, but severe bedsores are likely to appear due to artificial coma and overweight condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment durationVSAvoidbedsore severity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support device allows dynamic adjustment of air pressure and chamber inflation levels during the treatment period. This enables the system to adapt to changes in patient condition, weight distribution, and pressure points over time, preventing bedsore formation during prolonged prone positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device can incorporate pressure sensors that provide feedback on contact pressure at different body points. This feedback allows for real-time adjustment of air pressure to maintain optimal support while preventing excessive pressure that would cause bedsores during extended treatment periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device significantly reduces the risk of bedsores and maintains patient comfort by evenly distributing weight and keeping critical areas accessible for medical connections, allowing prolonged treatment without necrosis or severe bedsores.

Implementation Method 1

the said at least one first portion forming a pneumatic cavity, the said at least one first portion having a valve, and the said at least one first portion of at least one shoulder support module being kept at a pressure of less than 0.04 bar underneath the weight of the human body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure distribution: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20230372176A1Device for supporting a human body in a lying position

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A device for supporting a human body in a lying-down position, notably in a prone position, is made up of at least one shoulder support module and at least one pelvis support module. The shoulder support module and the pelvis support module are made up of a first portion that comes into contact with the human body, the first portions forming a pneumatic cavity having a valve, and the first portion of the shoulder support module being kept at a pressure of less than 0.04 bar underneath the weight of the human body.