Rotatable Manifold Assembly for Multi-Bladder Pneumatic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic systems for patient support apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically adjust bladder inflation and deflation to provide optimal therapeutic benefits and patient comfort, with existing solutions being complex and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly within the mattress that includes a rotatable connector coupled to a manifold core, allowing fluid communication between an inlet and multiple outlets to adjust bladder states, utilizing a motor-driven system and optical switch for precise positioning and efficient airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven rotatable connector system is implemented for dynamic bladder adjustment, then therapeutic efficacy and patient comfort are enhanced through customizable pressure distribution, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve control mechanism, a fluid distribution switch, and a positioning element all in one component. By rotating to different positions, it can direct airflow to different bladders or groups of bladders, providing versatile therapeutic options without requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static bladder inflation to dynamic adjustment through the motor-driven rotatable connector. The connector can rotate to different positions during therapy to modify pressure distribution in real-time, enabling adaptive therapeutic protocols that respond to changing patient needs throughout the treatment cycle.
2Measurement precision
If a manifold assembly with rotatable connector is used to control multiple bladders, then precise control over bladder inflation and deflation is achieved, but the system requires more space and has higher complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly integrates the inlet, multiple outlets, and rotatable connector into a single compact unit. By combining what would traditionally be separate valves and control mechanisms into one integrated manifold structure, the design achieves precise control functionality while minimizing the space required for the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable connector is nested within the manifold assembly structure, with its rotation axis and airflow passages integrated into the manifold body. This nesting arrangement allows the control mechanism to occupy minimal additional space while maintaining full rotational capability for precise bladder control.
3Device complexity
If existing pneumatic systems are used without dynamic adjustment mechanisms, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide optimal therapeutic benefits and patient comfort is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic adjustment cycles where the rotatable connector rotates to different positions at predetermined intervals during therapy. This periodic action enables the system to provide varying pressure patterns to different bladders over time, enhancing therapeutic efficacy through time-varying pressure protocols while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
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 precise control over bladder inflation and deflation, reducing system complexity and space requirements while enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient comfort through customizable pressure distribution and therapy protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The connector has an inner side defining a recessed region. The inner side abuts the manifold core. 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
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AI summary
A support surface assembly (100) includes a covering (102) defining an interior (18). Bladders (20, 114, 116, 118, 120) are disposed within the interior (18). The bladders (20, 114, 116, 118, 120) are operable between a deployed state and a non-deployed state. A manifold assembly (22) is disposed within the interior (18) of the covering (102). The manifold assembly (22) includes a manifold core (24) defining an inlet (26) and multiple outlets (28, 30, 32, 34). An engagement surface (280) of the manifold core (24) defines an inlet-connecting aperture (284) in fluid communication with the inlet (26) and multiple outlet-connecting apertures (286, 288, 290, 292) each in fluid communication with one of the multiple outlets (28, 30, 32, 34). A connector (36) includes an inner side (38) that abuts the engagement surface (280) of the manifold core (24). The inner side (38) defines a recessed region (40). The connector (36) is configured to be rotated by a motor (42) to fluidly couple the inlet-connecting aperture (284) with at least one of the outlet-connecting apertures (286, 288, 290, 292) to adjust the respective bladders (20, 114, 116, 118, 120) between the deployed state and the non-deployed state.