Segmented Air-Bladder Patient Support for Pressure Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems fail to provide adequate pressure relief and adaptability to accommodate patients of varying sizes and bed configurations, limiting their effectiveness in hospital and acute care settings.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system comprising a bladder with an air loss device, a cover, and a control unit that allows for adjustable inflation and deflation of multiple bladder assemblies and bolster components, enabling customization for different patient sizes and bed configurations through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-size bladder is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate patients of varying sizes and bed configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder assembly is divided into multiple separate bladders (first bladder, second bladder, third bladder, fourth bladder) that can be independently inflated and deflated. Each bladder can be adjusted to accommodate different patient body regions and sizes, allowing the device to adapt to various patient configurations without requiring a completely different structure for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a control unit with user interface that enables dynamic adjustment of bladder inflation and deflation in real-time. This allows the patient support device to adapt its configuration during use, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic system that can respond to different patient needs and bed configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable bladder assemblies are used, then adaptability to patient sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls inflation and deflation of all bladder assemblies, provides user interface for adjustment, and manages the overall system operation. This multi-functional approach consolidates control capabilities, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each bladder and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If air is delivered directly without a cover, then the air loss device is simple, but pressure relief effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover acts as an intermediary component between the air loss device and the patient. It distributes the delivered air more evenly across the patient's body surface and enhances the pressure relief effect by creating a more uniform air flow pattern. The cover transforms the direct air delivery into a distributed air therapy, improving pressure relief effectiveness without requiring complex modification of the air loss device itself.
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 pressure relief and adaptability, accommodating patients of up to 1000 pounds and varying sizes, while allowing for customization to different bed configurations, enhancing patient comfort and care.
Implementation Method 1
the tube including a plurality of apertures configured to deliver the air received
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.