Pressure-Sensing Support Pad for Load Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support pads with embedded electronic components, such as pressure sensing devices, often increase interface pressure and reduce load redistribution due to their semi-rigid nature, leading to a higher risk of pressure ulcers in patients.
Innovation Solution
A support pad design featuring a cushion layer assembly with a pressure sensing device positioned between two cushion layers, utilizing a substrate with tab portions and expandable portions that move in response to pressure, allowing for improved load redistribution and accurate pressure sensing while maintaining flexibility and reducing interface pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components are embedded adjacent to the outer surface of the support pad, then sensing capability is improved, but interface pressure increases and load redistribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is constructed as a flexible thin film structure with expandable portions that can deform under pressure. This flexibility allows the electronic components to be embedded in the support pad without creating rigid interfaces that would increase peak pressures. The flexible substrate conforms to the cushion layers and patient body contours, maintaining pressure redistribution while enabling accurate pressure sensing through the embedded sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable portions of the substrate are designed to dynamically respond to applied pressure by expanding or deforming. This dynamic behavior allows the substrate to adapt its stiffness locally - remaining flexible under low pressure to allow load redistribution, while providing structural support where needed. The sensing elements mounted on these dynamic portions can accurately track pressure changes as the substrate deforms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support pad is used, then structural stability is improved, but load redistribution capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into multiple functional portions: tab portions for mounting sensing elements, expandable portions for pressure response, and connection portions for structural integrity. This segmentation allows different regions of the substrate to perform different functions - some areas provide structural stability while others provide flexibility for load redistribution. The sensing elements are distributed across multiple tab portions, enabling localized pressure measurement throughout the support pad.
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 support pad effectively redistributes loads, senses interface pressure accurately, and reduces peak pressure on the patient's tissues, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.