Soft Actuator Cavity Array for Adaptive Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cushion technologies for preventing pressure ulcers are not customizable and fail to effectively reduce interface pressure and shear loads on vulnerable areas, leading to prolonged exposure to mechanical stresses.
Innovation Solution
An automated cavity array technology that uses real-time pressure mapping and vibration frequency measurements to redistribute and offload pressure, adapt to individual anatomical features, and reduce vibration through dampening, allowing for customizable pressure modulation and vibration reduction without the need for customized production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional soft materials and customized cushion geometries are used, then pressure ulcer prevention is attempted, but the devices are not customizable and fail to effectively reduce interface pressure and shear loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion device dynamically adjusts the geometry and pressure distribution of cavities in real-time based on sensor feedback about user anatomy and pressure hotspots. This allows the device to adapt to different users and conditions while maintaining effective pressure reduction, resolving the contradiction between customizability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor pressure distribution and user anatomy, feeding this information back to the control system which then adjusts cavity configurations. This closed-loop feedback enables the device to be both customizable to individual users and reliably effective at reducing interface pressure and shear loads.
2Reliability
If automated cavity array technology with real-time pressure mapping is used, then pressure redistribution and offloading is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into an array of independent or semi-independent cavities that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows complex pressure modulation functions to be achieved through simple, modular units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity array system performs multiple functions (pressure mapping, pressure redistribution, vibration reduction) using a unified platform of cavities and sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliable pressure modulation.
3Stress or pressure
If cavities are inflated and deflated to redistribute pressure, then pressure offloading is achieved, but vibration and shear loads may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic inflation and deflation of cavities in a controlled sequence to redistribute pressure. By carefully designing the periodic action timing and pattern, the system achieves pressure offloading while minimizing the generation of harmful vibrations and shear loads through smooth, coordinated transitions.
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 technology effectively reduces the duration and magnitude of external mechanical forces on vulnerable areas, minimizing pressure buildup and shear loads, and adapts to individual sizes and shapes, providing improved comfort and prevention of pressure ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
The cavities are arranged on the body such that the cavities interface with a portion of a person's body when the person is supported by the device. One or more of the cavities can be inflated and/or deflated so as to redistribute an interface pressure across the person's body.
Implementation Method 2
reduction of vibration using dampening based on real-time vibration frequency measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Pressure modulating soft actuator array devices and related systems and methods. One example of the present systems comprises: a device having a body that defines a plurality of cavities; a pressure source configured to be in fluid communication with the plurality of cavities; a plurality of sensors configured to capture data indicative of pressure within the plurality of cavities; and one or more controllers configured to actuate the pressure source to move fluid toward and/or away from one or more of the plurality of cavities in response to data captured by the plurality of sensors; wherein the device is configured to be disposed between a user and a surface on which the user is seated upon.