Portable Pressure Ulcer Support Assembly With Fluid-Filled Pods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioning devices fail to effectively prevent pressure ulcers by not fully conforming to the body, leading to localized pressure on bony prominences, which can result in tissue necrosis and prolonged hospital stays or amputation.
Innovation Solution
A portable support assembly with individual fluid-filled pods enclosed within inner and outer fluid pads, secured by a flexible outer shell, redistributes pressure by controlling pod compression and preventing bottoming out, allowing for adjustable fitting to specific body regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional flexible cushioning devices (foam or springs) are used, then the cushion can deform and conform to the patient's body, but the device bottoms out such that the patient's body contacts the underlying platform and localizes pressure onto the body
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple independent fluid-filled bladders arranged in an array, where each bladder can independently deform and conform to localized body contours while distributing pressure across multiple segments rather than concentrating it at single contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion uses fluid-filled bladders instead of traditional foam or springs, utilizing hydraulic principles where the incompressible fluid transmits and distributes applied pressure evenly across the bladder structure, preventing bottoming out while maintaining conformability to body shapes
2Stress or pressure
If fluid-filled cushions with large single bladders or compartmentalized bladders are used, then the patient's body is hammocked or suspended preventing bottoming out, but the device requires a large area for placement beneath the patient or specialized bedding
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single large bladder requiring extensive placement area, the invention segments the cushion into multiple smaller bladders arranged in a compact array that can be positioned directly over targeted body regions, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining effective pressure distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion applies pressure redistribution locally at specific body regions using targeted bladder arrays, rather than requiring a large-area blanket approach, allowing the device to be placed only where needed on the patient's body
3Stability of the object's composition
If segmented bladders are used to isolate individual bladders from one another, then individual bladders can be isolated, but the cushion fails to fully conform to the patient's body as fluid between segmented cushions is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion employs segmented bladders that are isolated from one another, with each bladder independently filled and sealed, allowing each segment to independently conform to local body contours while maintaining structural stability and preventing fluid transfer between compartments
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 assembly significantly reduces pressure on localized body regions to below 4.3 kPa, preventing tissue necrosis and reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers, while being portable and adaptable for use on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an inner pad enclosing the one or more pods such that compression of the pods is controlled by the inner pad, an outer pad enclosing the inner pad... redistributing a pressure load from the one or more pods and inner pad to an outer pad positioned along the support assembly and enclosing the inner pad
Data Source
AI summary
System for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual spring assemblies which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid and/or outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the spring assemblies may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers.