Rotary Plate Valve Segmentation for Multi-Bladder Pneumatic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mattress overlay systems for patient support lack efficient control mechanisms for pneumatic functions, such as percussion and vibration, turn assistance, and microclimate management, which are essential for patient comfort and therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A mattress overlay apparatus with a control unit that includes a blower, rotary plate valves, and a graphical user interface, allowing for precise control of inflatable bladders for percussion and vibration, left and right turn assistance, and microclimate management, using a combination of pneumatic and mechanical components to manage air pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotary plate valves are used to control pneumatic flow to multiple bladders, then control precision and therapy customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary plate valve is divided into multiple sealed compartments, each independently controllable through rotational positioning. This segmentation allows precise control of pneumatic flow to different bladders while maintaining a compact single-valve structure, resolving the contradiction between control precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single rotary plate valve integrates multiple control functions for different bladders (P&V, turn assistance, microclimate management) into one component. By rotating the plate to different positions, the same valve structure controls multiple pneumatic circuits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inflatable bladders are integrated for various therapeutic functions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress overlay integrates multiple inflatable bladders (P&V bladders, turn assistance bladders, microclimate management bladders) that share a common pneumatic control system. This universal design allows one system to provide diverse therapeutic functions, improving adaptability while managing device complexity through shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inflation and deflation of different bladder groups based on therapeutic requirements. The rotary plate valve enables dynamic reconfiguration of pneumatic flow paths, allowing the same physical structure to serve multiple functions at different times, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If sealed compartments are used in the rotary plate valve to prevent air leakage, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary plate valve uses flexible seals and thin film membranes to create sealed compartments. These flexible sealing elements can accommodate minor manufacturing variations while maintaining effective seals, thereby improving reliability without imposing excessively stringent manufacturing precision requirements.
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 system provides effective control over pneumatic functions, enhancing patient comfort through customizable therapy options, improving turn assistance, and maintaining optimal microclimate conditions, thereby addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
When the first rotary plate is in the first position, the inlet of the blower may be coupled to atmosphere and the outlet of blower may be coupled to the second rotary plate valve so that positive pressure produced at the outlet of the blower may be applied to the second rotary plate valve. When the first rotary plate is in the second position, the outlet of the blower may be coupled to atmosphere and the inlet of the blower may be coupled to the second rotary plate valve so that negative pressure produced at the inlet of the blower may be applied to the second rotary plate valve.
Implementation Method 2
The first rotary plate valve may include a first rotary plate that may be movable between a first position and a second position. The second rotary plate valve may include a second rotary plate that may be movable between first, second, third, and fourth positions.
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of inflatable bladders may include at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder, a left turn bladder, a right turn bladder, and a microclimate management (MCM) envelope. When the second rotary plate is in the first position and the first rotary plate is in the first position, the blower may be operable to inflate the at least one P&V bladder.
Data Source
AI summary
A mattress overlay apparatus is provided for use with a mattress. The mattress overlay apparatus includes an overlay configured for placement atop the mattress and having a plurality of inflatable bladders, a blower, and first and second rotary plate valves pneumatically coupled to the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves are arranged in series between the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves and the blower are operated to provide the overlay with percussion and vibration (P&V), left and right turn assist, and microclimate management (MCM) functionality.