Pressure redistribution mattress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure redistribution mattresses face issues with air and moisture circulation due to the juxtaposition of air cells, leading to heat and humidity accumulation, which can result in pressure ulcers and bacterial contamination, and existing solutions fail to adequately manage microclimate and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A pressure redistribution mattress with air cells spaced apart and filled with open-structured, non-foam supportive materials made of three-dimensional elastic polymer filaments, allowing for improved air and moisture circulation, and a flexible supporting frame with transversal apertures to enhance ventilation, along with a removable air-permeable cover and specific zone support elements for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air cells are juxtaposed to form pressure redistribution assembly, then pressure redistribution function is achieved, but air and moisture circulation is blocked leading to heat and humidity accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spacers as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent air cells. These spacers create circulation channels that allow air and moisture to pass through the pressure redistribution assembly, mediating between the need for pressure redistribution and the need for microclimate management. The spacers act as a mediator structure that enables both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers are designed with porous or open-structured materials that allow air and moisture penetration while maintaining structural support. This porous structure enables the circulation of air and moisture through the mattress interior, preventing heat and humidity accumulation while preserving the pressure redistribution capability of the air cells.
2Speed
If spacers are made of traditional materials like felt, wick material or air-permeable foam, then some air circulation is allowed, but moisture circulation is captured and prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the spacers by specifying open-structured non-foam supportive materials with specific porosity characteristics. This parameter change enables the spacers to allow both air and moisture circulation simultaneously, unlike traditional materials that block moisture. The porosity and material composition are optimized to permit moisture vapor transmission while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If polyurethane foam elements are used for inner support structure, then structural support is provided, but air and humidity circulation ability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining air cells with open-structured non-foam spacer materials. This composite structure integrates the structural support function with the microclimate management function, creating a system that provides both mechanical support and effective air-moisture circulation pathways.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If air cells are spaced apart to allow circulation, then microclimate management improves, but pressure redistribution effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the spacers selectively permeable and positioning them strategically between air cells. The spacers have localized properties that allow circulation in certain directions while maintaining support, and their placement is optimized to preserve pressure redistribution zones while enabling microclimate management. This local optimization allows both functions to coexist effectively.
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 ensures efficient pressure redistribution, superior temperature and humidity management, optimal patient comfort, and simplified maintenance, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
supporting spacers formed of an open-structured, non-foam supportive material consisting of a three-dimensional elastic arrangement of polymer filaments allowing circulation of air and moisture
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of air cells connected by means of a pressure redistribution system
Implementation Method 3
open-structured, non-foam supportive material consisting of a three-dimensional elastic arrangement of polymer filaments
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a pressure redistribution mattress comprising an inner support structure housing a pressure redistribution assembly including a plurality of air cells connected by means of a pressure redistribution system. The air cells are spaced apart from one another to form gaps between the air cells and the gaps are filled with supporting spacers formed of an open-structured, non-foam supportive material consisting of a three-dimensional elastic arrangement of polymer filaments allowing circulation of air and moisture.