Climate-Controlled Bed Topper With Spacer Airflow for Pressure Ulcers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing pressure ulcers in bed-bound patients are inadequate in effectively managing pressure, temperature, and moisture levels, leading to discomfort and the risk of bed sores.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled conditioner mat or topper member with fluid zones and non-fluid zones, featuring a spacer material to distribute fluids and maintain separation between layers, includes a fluid module for thermal conditioning and sensors for moisture detection, ensuring targeted delivery of heated or cooled air to reduce pressure and improve comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure redistribution is implemented through bed design, then pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface is segmented into multiple independent air cells of varying sizes that can be individually inflated or deflated. This segmentation allows different regions to provide different pressure distribution characteristics, enabling effective pressure ulcer prevention while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cells are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the bed to adapt its pressure distribution characteristics in real-time based on patient position and needs. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide optimal pressure redistribution without requiring a complex fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If temperature and moisture control are added to pressure management, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air cell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: pressure redistribution through mechanical support, temperature control through thermal exchange with the air cells, and moisture management through the breathable materials. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to address multiple patient comfort needs without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls temperature and moisture by changing the physical parameters of the air cells, such as inflation/deflation levels and material permeability properties. By adjusting these parameters, the system can regulate thermal and moisture exchange between the patient and environment, providing climate control through simple parameter modifications rather than complex active systems.
3Reliability
If multiple air cells with different sizes are used, then pressure redistribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple air cells of different sizes, each contributing to pressure redistribution in specific body regions. The segmentation is designed with standardized connection interfaces and modular construction methods, allowing complex multi-sized cell configurations to be manufactured through repetitive assembly processes rather than custom fabrication.
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 effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by managing pressure, temperature, and moisture levels, enhancing comfort and preventing bed sores through targeted climate control.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber, wherein the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and configured to help with the passage of fluids within at least a portion of the interior chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device... fluids entering the interior chamber through the inlet are generally distributed by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings
Implementation Method 3
sensors for moisture detection, ensuring targeted delivery of heated or cooled air
Implementation Method 4
a conduit connecting an outlet of the fluid module with the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet. In one embodiment, fluids entering the chamber through the inlet are generally distributed within the chamber by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings along the upper layer. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.