Pressure-Relief Mattress Overlay Using Shape-Memory Elastic Panels

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic systems for preventing decubitus, such as alternating mattresses, are bulky and difficult to handle due to their large size and weight, making them impractical for use in various settings.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight device comprising adjacent members with elastic panels connected via a pulling element, preferably made of memory metal wires, which can be activated to change shape and distribute pressure effectively, allowing for easy attachment to existing mattresses or bases, and can be controlled to vary support locations to prevent pressure peaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alternating mattresses with multiple compartments are used to relieve pressure, then pressure distribution is improved, but device size and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distributionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable zones or compartments that can be activated separately. Each zone contains elastic panels that can be individually manipulated to create pressure relief areas, allowing targeted pressure distribution without requiring the entire mattress to be bulky

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mattress incorporates dynamic elements including movable elastic panels and controllable air chambers that can change configuration in real-time. The elastic panels can be stretched or relaxed, and air pressure in compartments can be adjusted to dynamically adapt to patient position and pressure needs, reducing the need for large static structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If alternating mattresses with multiple compartments are used to relieve pressure, then pressure distribution is improved, but handling ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable zones or compartments that can be activated separately. Each zone contains elastic panels that can be individually manipulated to create pressure relief areas, allowing targeted pressure distribution without requiring the entire mattress to be bulky

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual manipulation of the mattress is replaced with automated or semi-automated control systems. Motorized actuators, air pumps, and control circuits enable automated adjustment of panel positions and compartment pressures, eliminating the need for manual handling of complex structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If large compartments are used in alternating mattresses, then pressure relief is achieved, but device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure reliefVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress is divided into multiple independently controllable zones or compartments that can be activated separately. Each zone contains elastic panels that can be individually manipulated to create pressure relief areas, allowing targeted pressure distribution without requiring the entire mattress to be bulky

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mattress uses flexible elastic panels and thin-film structures instead of rigid large compartments. These flexible elements can be stretched, folded, or compressed to create pressure relief zones on demand, allowing the mattress to maintain portability while achieving effective pressure relief when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively prevents decubitus wounds by distributing pressure evenly and can be easily integrated into existing support systems, enhancing mobility and usability while maintaining effectiveness in supporting patients.

Implementation Method 1

the pulling element consists of one or more wires made of memory metal, which wires are connected to a heating element controlled by the control device in order to heat the wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

wires made of memory metal, which wires are designed such that they assume a contracted position upon heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 3

Each of the members is covered with a layer of elastic material which defines a reclining surface... each member comprises at least one resilient panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7823232B2Device for preventing decubitus

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 HANS VOORWINDE BEHEER BV

AI summary

Device for preventing decubitus, consisting of a number of adjacent members (1) which are attached to a base and which members (1) are covered with a layer (2) of elastic material which defines a reclining surface for a patient. Each member comprises at least one elastic panel whose two opposite ends are connected to one another via a pulling element (6, 13) in order to pull the two ends towards one another, while bending the said panel, so that the vertical height of the member increases. The device also comprises a control device (3) for activating the pulling element for one or more of the said members as desired. The pulling element preferably consists of a wire, rod or strip of memory metal, which can assume its original contracted position by means of heating.