Shear Absorbing Cushion Layer for Pressure Wound Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cushioning devices fail to effectively address shear and friction, leading to pressure-related wounds in individuals with reduced mobility, as they often sacrifice positioning to reduce friction and shear, which are major risk factors for these wounds.
Innovation Solution
The development of shear-reduction cushioning devices featuring upper and lower layers with an internal shear reduction layer that allows dynamic relative translation, absorbing friction and shear internally, while being attachable beyond the shear reduction region to limit translation and re-center the layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional foam or air cushions are used to provide pressure reduction, then pressure relief is improved, but shear and friction reduction is insufficient leading to pressure-related wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple functional layers: a first cushioning layer for pressure distribution, a second cushioning layer for additional support, and a shear reduction layer positioned between them. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in addressing either pressure or shear/friction forces independently, resolving the contradiction between pressure relief and shear reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
A shear reduction layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second cushioning layers. This intermediate layer specifically addresses shear and friction forces through its low-friction material properties, while the outer cushioning layers continue to provide pressure reduction, thus resolving the contradiction without compromising either function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wheelchair tilt or dump position is used to prevent sliding, then friction and shear are reduced, but pressure on ischial tuberosities and coccyx increases causing pressure wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion system separates the functions of shear reduction and pressure management into distinct layers. The shear reduction layer handles friction and sliding forces, while the cushioning layers maintain proper pressure distribution on bony prominences, eliminating the need for harmful tilt positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction parameter at the interface between cushioning layers by introducing a low-friction shear reduction layer. This allows the cushion to accommodate user movement without generating harmful shear forces, while maintaining vertical pressure distribution parameters through the cushioning layers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed tilt cushion is used to reduce slide tendencies, then friction and shear are reduced, but user positioning and transfers become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shear reduction layer provides dynamic friction reduction that accommodates user movement and positioning adjustments. Unlike fixed tilt cushions that restrict movement, this layer allows controlled sliding to facilitate transfers and repositioning while still reducing harmful shear forces through its low-friction material properties.
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
These devices prevent pressure-related wounds by reducing shear and friction without compromising positioning, allowing users to sit or lie without sliding, thereby minimizing the risk of wounds and improving comfort and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing friction and shear internally
Implementation Method 2
reducing shear and friction
Data Source
AI summary
Shear-reduction cushioning devices are provided for the prevention of shear related wounds. Cushioning devices include upper and lower cushioning layers that contact each other through at least one internal shear reduction layer provided between the cushioning layers and extending over a shear reduction region, such that dynamic relative translation of the two cushioning layers is permitted within the shear reduction region while absorbing friction and shear internally. The interface between the cushioning layers (where the shear reduction layer is provided) may be angled relative to an external surface of the cushioning device. The cushioning layers may be attached or attachable to one another beyond the shear reduction region, to limit an amount of relative translation of the cushioning layers and to re-center or reset the cushioning layers after use.