Retractable Blower Cavity Support for Static-Dynamic Mattresses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body support systems face challenges in converting between dynamic and static configurations, as the removal and reinsertion of air blowers often result in misplaced or lost separable pillows or support rigs, altering the support characteristics and complicating the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A body support system with a retractable support that compresses to accommodate an air blower and rebounds to provide cushioning when the blower is removed, utilizing a polyurethane foam structure with a resilient core and a vapor-permeable outer cover, allowing seamless conversion between dynamic and static configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separable pillow or support rig is used to fill the cavity when the air blower is removed, then the support characteristic is maintained, but the pillow or support rig is frequently misplaced or lost during conversion between dynamic and static configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separable pillow and support rig into a single integrated unit that remains in the cavity continuously. This eliminates the need to remove and reinsert the pillow during conversion between dynamic and static configurations, preventing misplacement while maintaining support characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pillow structure serves multiple functions: it provides support when the air blower is removed (static configuration) and is compressed to accommodate the air blower when installed (dynamic configuration). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate pillow management.
2Ease of operation
If the cavity is left empty when the air blower is removed, then the conversion operation is simple, but the support characteristic of the body support surface is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adaptable pillow structure that changes its physical state based on the configuration mode. In static mode, the pillow is uncompressed and provides full support. In dynamic mode, the pillow is compressed to accommodate the air blower. This dynamic adaptation allows simple conversion operations while maintaining stable support characteristics in each mode.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to maintain support characteristics, then the support stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate the air blower is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the pillow's physical properties, specifically its compressibility and density. The pillow material is selected to maintain adequate support characteristics in its uncompressed state while being sufficiently compressible to accommodate the air blower when compressed. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
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
Ensures consistent support characteristics by maintaining cushioning even when the air blower is not in use, preventing pressure ulcers by redistributing pressure and managing heat and moisture effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient core is compressible to a compressed length when an air blower or air flow unit is inserted into such cavity
Implementation Method 2
the resilient core rebounds from its compressed or retracted position to its original length, or close to its original length to fill or substantially fill that portion of the cavity evacuated by the air blower or air flow unit
Implementation Method 3
The resilient core may be covered with an outer cover that is permeable to vapor
Data Source
AI summary
A compressible or retractable support (10, 80, 90, 100) is installed inside an air blower cavity (36) of a body support system (30), such as a medical mattress with forced air flow. The support is compressed or retracted within the cavity when the air blower (40) is inserted in the dynamic configuration of the body support system. The support rebounds to an uncompressed state to fill a greater portion of the air blower cavity when the air blower is removed to convert the body support system to a static configuration.