Retractable Air Blower Cavity Support for Mattress Pressure Relief
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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 can lead to misplaced or lost separable pillows or support rigs, altering the support characteristics, and there is a need for systems that effectively redistribute pressure, manage heat, and evaporate moisture to prevent pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A retractable support system with a resilient core and vapor-permeable outer cover, capable of compressing and rebounding to fill the cavity when the air blower is inserted or removed, providing consistent cushioning and airflow management, integrated into a body support system that can switch between dynamic and static configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separable pillow or support rig is removed from the cavity before inserting the air blower, then the air blower can be installed, but the separable pillow may be misplaced or lost, altering the support characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable support integrates the functions of both the separable pillow and the air blower housing into a single unified component. The support is designed with a resilient core that can be compressed by the air blower during dynamic operation, eliminating the need for separate removable pillows and preventing misplacement or loss of support components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable support serves multiple functions: it provides cushioning support when compressed by the air blower during dynamic configuration, and it maintains consistent support characteristics when the air blower is removed for static configuration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate support components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the air blower is removed from the cavity to convert to static configuration, then the static support system is restored, but the empty cavity alters the support characteristic of the body support surface
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable support is designed with a resilient core that can dynamically adjust its state based on the presence or absence of the air blower. When the air blower is installed, the support compresses to accommodate it; when removed, the support rebounds to fill the cavity, maintaining consistent support characteristics throughout the conversion between configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support's physical state changes in response to the air blower's presence. The resilient core compresses under the air blower's weight and expands when removed, automatically adjusting its volume and density to maintain consistent support characteristics regardless of whether the system is in dynamic or static configuration.
3Strength
If a rigid support structure is used in the cavity, then structural support is provided, but it prevents effective compression and rebound when the air blower is inserted or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable support employs a resilient core surrounded by a flexible vapor-permeable outer cover. This flexible construction allows the support to compress when the air blower is inserted and rebound when removed, while the outer cover maintains structural integrity and provides the necessary support characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The support combines a resilient core material with a vapor-permeable outer cover material to create a composite structure. The resilient core provides compressibility and rebound capability, while the outer cover maintains structural strength and provides vapor permeability for moisture management.
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 retractable support system ensures consistent cushioning and airflow management in both configurations, preventing pressure ulcers by maintaining support characteristics and effectively managing heat and moisture, while allowing for easy conversion and reuse without losing support rig components.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient core has a first length when uncompressed and having a second length that is shorter than the first length when compressed or retracted. When the air blower or air flow unit is extracted from the cavity, the retractable support 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 2
The resilient core is covered with an outer cover formed of a vapor permeable laminate that incorporates expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
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.