Resilient Support Structure with Integrated Piezoelectric Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support structures and sensors used in beds and similar applications are inadequate in detecting movements such as breathing, heart rate, and seizures, as they focus on precise position sensing rather than overall movement analysis, and often require additional mats or pads that are not directly integrated with the resilient elements providing primary support.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elongate, resilient members with piezoelectric sensor elements along their length to detect changes in pressure, acceleration, or force, allowing for improved movement sensing without the need for separate sensor mats, as these elements generate an electrical response proportional to the mechanical force applied, providing direct feedback from the main supporting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional position sensors are used to detect the exact position of a patient, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to detect movement-related parameters such as breathing motion and heart rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the patient and contains sensor elements that detect various movement parameters including position, breathing motion, and heart rate. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the support structure adaptable to different detection needs without requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements are integrated directly into the resilient member structure, merging the support function and sensing function into a single unified component. This integration allows the system to detect multiple movement parameters while maintaining structural support, thereby improving versatility without sacrificing the mechanical function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor mats or pads are incorporated into support structures, then movement detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are integrated directly into the resilient member structure, merging the support function and sensing function into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor mats or pads, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member serves as both the structural support element and the sensing platform, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sensor components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts in the system while providing comprehensive movement detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor mats are added to detect patient movement, then movement sensing is improved, but material consumption and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are integrated directly into the resilient member structure, merging the support function and sensing function into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor mats or pads, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member serves as both the structural support element and the sensing platform, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sensor components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall quantity of materials required for manufacturing while providing comprehensive movement detection.
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
This solution enables reliable detection of various movements, including lateral shifts and vital signs, while conserving material and eliminating the need for additional sensor devices, allowing for more comprehensive monitoring of a person's activity on the support structure.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor element may be configured to generate an electrical charge, current or voltage resulting from a mechanical force applied to the resilient member. In various embodiments the sensor element comprises a piezoelectric material extending along the length of the tube.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus comprising one or more resilient members for supporting a human or other animal, wherein the one or more resilient members each comprise one or more sensor elements that are attached to and run at least partially along the length of the respective resilient member, and each of the one or more sensor elements is configured to provide an electrical response proportional to the amount of movement of the respective resilient member.