Segmented Buttock Support for Load-Relief Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body weight load-relief systems require complex connections that disrupt medical devices and hinder patient mobility, especially for critically ill patients who cannot self-attach harnesses and have multiple medical devices attached.
Innovation Solution
A buttock support with two separated support regions and a central gap allows for simple, single-person connection to a load-relief system without rotating the patient, maintaining access to the thigh and groin areas for medical treatment and providing comfortable support through rounded surfaces and adjustable design features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If harnesses and belts are used to secure the patient to the load-relief system, then the patient can be securely supported during weight load-relief, but the connection process becomes complex and disruptive to medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving means is divided into two separate support regions (first and second support regions) separated by a gap, allowing independent positioning and simplified connection to the load-relief system without requiring complex harnesses and belts
Solution Approach 2:
The complex harness and belt system is replaced by a simplified receiving means that directly receives the buttock region, extracting the essential support function while eliminating unnecessary complexity
2Ease of operation
If the patient is connected to the load-relief system from a supine position, then the connection can be made without rotating the patient, but lifting of the entire torso becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving means is designed to be easily positioned under the buttock region from a supine position without requiring staff to lift the patient's torso, allowing the system to be connected with minimal force and effort
3Reliability
If cuffs are used to receive the external extremity, then the patient can be secured to the load-relief system, but access to the thigh and groin area is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving means is segmented into two separate support regions with a gap between them, which maintains access to the thigh and groin areas while still providing secure support for the buttock region
Solution Approach 2:
The support regions are rounded at the top and front faces to provide comfortable local contact with the buttock region, while the gap between regions preserves access to medical treatment areas
4Ease of operation
If the support regions are rounded at the top and front faces, then patient comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support regions are rounded at the top and front faces to provide comfortable contact with the patient's body, using curved surfaces that distribute pressure evenly while remaining manufacturable
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a buttock support for at least partial load-relief of the body weight of a person, the buttock support having two support regions adapted to receive at least part of a buttock region of the person. Also disclosed is a load-relief system having the aforementioned buttock support. The two support regions are separated from one another by a gap and are rounded. The gap separates the two support regions from one another centrally. The buttock support significantly simplifies the connection of a person to the aforementioned load-relief system to prepare for manual and/or automated physical therapy and also ensures that the thigh region, in particular the inner face of the thigh, and the groin region are accessible for further medical/therapeutic treatment by the medical staff.