Rotatable Connector Manifold Assembly for Pneumatic Bladder Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifold assemblies for pneumatic systems in patient support apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms for dynamically adjusting fluid communication between the inlet and outlets, limiting the ability to precisely control the inflation and deflation of bladders for therapeutic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with a rotatable connector coupled to a manifold core, featuring a recessed region that defines an airflow passage, allowing the inlet to be fluidly coupled with specific outlets by rotating the connector relative to the manifold core, thereby enabling precise control over bladder inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional manifold assembly is used without a rotatable connector, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to dynamically adjust fluid communication between inlet and outlets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to rotate between a first position connecting the inlet to a first outlet, and a second position connecting the inlet to a second outlet. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the manifold assembly to adapt fluid communication pathways in response to varying therapeutic requirements, enabling precise control over bladder inflation and deflation sequences
2Measurement precision
If multiple bladders are connected to a single inlet through fixed pathways, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the precision control over individual bladder inflation and deflation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly segments the fluid communication pathways by providing separate, selectively activatable connections between the inlet and multiple outlets. The rotatable connector enables independent control of each outlet connection, allowing precise regulation of individual bladder states while maintaining a unified manifold structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector rotates to different positions to control airflow, then the therapeutic versatility is improved, but the potential for air leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the inlet and multiple outlets. It provides sealed engagement surfaces that maintain airtight connections while enabling rotational movement between different positioning states, thus preserving system reliability during dynamic operation
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 allows for precise and efficient adjustment of bladder states, enhancing the capability of the pneumatic system to provide various therapies, such as continuous lateral rotation therapy and lateral pressure redistribution, while minimizing air leakage and optimizing airflow.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is configured to rotate the connector relative to the manifold core to fluidly couple the inlet with at least one of the outlets via an airflow passage defined at least partially by the recessed region
Data Source
AI summary
A support surface assembly includes a covering defining an interior. Bladders are disposed within the interior. The bladders are operable between a deployed state and a non-deployed state. A manifold assembly is disposed within the interior of the covering. The manifold assembly includes a manifold core defining an inlet and multiple outlets. An engagement surface of the manifold core defines an inlet-connecting aperture in fluid communication with the inlet and multiple outlet-connecting apertures each in fluid communication with one of the multiple outlets. A connector includes an inner side that abuts the engagement surface of the manifold core. The inner side defines a recessed region. The connector is configured to be rotated by a motor to fluidly couple the inlet-connecting aperture with at least one of the outlet-connecting apertures to adjust the respective bladders between the deployed state and the non-deployed state.