Segmented Foam Mattress Cover for Hospital Bed Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In clinical environments, mattresses with advanced articulation systems often experience improper positioning of components relative to patients due to relative movement, leading to decreased performance and displacement of internal components within the mattress cover.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus comprising a foam frame, a bladder assembly with interconnected foam-filled bladders and a relief valve, and a cover that secures to an articulated frame, allowing for self-adjustment and controlled movement to maintain optimal interface pressure and prevent displacement during frame articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mattress is used with an articulated frame that allows complex positioning, then patient positioning versatility is improved, but internal components become displaced within the cover causing decreased mattress performance
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress cover is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to move and flex in coordination with the articulated frame's movements. The cover includes features such as a movable foot section and articulated panels that can independently move relative to each other, enabling the cover to adapt to complex frame positions without displacing internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress cover is divided into multiple independent segments including a head section, torso section, leg section, and foot section that can move independently. This segmentation allows each portion to adjust to the articulated frame's movements separately, preventing internal component displacement while maintaining overall mattress functionality across complex positioning scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mattress components are securely attached to prevent displacement, then component stability is improved, but the mattress cannot adapt to complex frame articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system uses dynamic connections rather than rigid fixed attachments. The cover includes movable panels and flexible connections that maintain component stability during normal operation while allowing controlled movement when the articulated frame changes position, enabling both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress cover utilizes flexible materials and thin film structures that can bend and deform to accommodate frame articulation while maintaining attachment to internal components. The flexible nature of the cover allows it to move with the frame without causing component displacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover is made flexible to accommodate frame movement, then adaptability to articulation is improved, but internal components become improperly positioned relative to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple controlled sections (head, torso, leg, foot portions) that can move independently. This segmentation allows precise control over how each section moves during articulation, maintaining proper component positioning relative to the patient while accommodating overall frame movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary layer between the articulated frame and the internal mattress components. It absorbs and distributes the movement forces from the frame, preventing direct transmission that would cause improper component positioning while still allowing necessary adaptability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If relief valves are added to prevent overpressurization, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valve system is designed to automatically activate when overpressurization occurs, without requiring external control or monitoring. The valves self-regulate the bladder assembly pressure by releasing air when the predetermined pressure limit is exceeded, providing safety functionality while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief valves are simple, passive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Their simplicity reduces the overall complexity addition to the bladder assembly while providing effective overpressurization protection.
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 solution ensures consistent support pressure across the mattress, preventing internal component displacement and maintaining performance even with complex patient positioning, thereby enhancing patient comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
having a relief valve to release air from the bladder assembly if the pressure in the bladder assembly exceeds a predetermined limit
Implementation Method 2
A patient support apparatus includes a foam frame defining a space
Implementation Method 3
A patient support apparatus includes a foam frame defining a space; a bladder assembly positioned in the space
Data Source
AI summary
A non-powered mattress including a cover enclosing a frame structure and a bladder assembly, the cover adapted to engage an articulated frame to control movement of portions of the foam frame and the bladder assembly in response to movement of the articulated frame.