Manifold assembly for pneumatic system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses, such as medical beds, lack an efficient and compact manifold assembly for pneumatic systems that can independently adjust bladders between deployed and non-deployed states to provide therapies like rotation and pressure redistribution, while maintaining a lightweight and airtight design.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with a manifold core and a rotatable connector, controlled by a motor, that fluidly couples an inlet with multiple outlets via a recessed region, allowing for adjustable airflow to bladders within a mattress, integrated with a blower and control system for precise bladder inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold assembly is designed to independently adjust multiple bladders for therapeutic purposes, then the adaptability and therapeutic functionality are improved, but the device complexity and structural configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly serves multiple functions: it distributes air to multiple bladders independently, allows for different therapeutic protocols (rotation, pressure redistribution), and integrates the blower motor and control system into a single compact unit. This multi-functionality enables the mattress to provide various therapies without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly is disposed within the interior of the mattress, and the blower motor is integrated into the manifold assembly structure. The connector rotates within the manifold core, and the recessed region is formed within the connector structure itself. This nesting reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple components into integrated units.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable connector with recessed region is used to fluidly couple inlet with outlets, then the ease of operation and adjustability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to rotate relative to the manifold core, allowing dynamic adjustment of airflow distribution to different bladders. The motor drives the connector rotation, enabling the system to transition between different therapeutic protocols dynamically. This rotational mechanism provides ease of operation for adjusting bladder inflation patterns without requiring complex valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed region formed by the inner side of the connector acts as an intermediary airflow passage that selectively couples the inlet to different outlets based on connector rotation position. This recessed region serves as a simple yet effective mediator that controls airflow distribution without requiring complex internal valve mechanisms, thus improving ease of operation while limiting complexity increase.
3Weight of moving object
If the manifold assembly is integrated within the mattress interior, then the weight and compactness are improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly combines the blower motor, manifold core, connector, and control system into a single integrated unit that is disposed within the mattress interior. This merging eliminates the need for separate housings and mounting structures, reducing overall weight and complexity. The integrated design allows the entire pneumatic system to be manufactured as one assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the sophisticated internal configuration.
4Reliability
If the inner side of the connector abuts the manifold core to define airflow passage, then the airtightness and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's inner side automatically forms the airflow passage by abutting the manifold core when the connector rotates into position. The abutting action itself creates the sealed connection and defines the airflow path, eliminating the need for separate sealing components or complex passage formations. This self-service mechanism ensures airtightness through the natural mating of surfaces, reducing reliance on high-precision manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables efficient and independent adjustment of bladders for therapeutic purposes, maintaining a lightweight and airtight mattress design, facilitating compact integration and reducing component leakage.
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.