Spine Table Positioner Pad with Pressure Sensing and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spine table positioner pads often cause pressure ulcers due to uneven pressure distribution and increased temperature during spinal surgery, leading to discomfort and potential skin damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular support system with pressure-sensing and cooling features, incorporating a fluid-filled bladder connected to an electronic pressure sensor and a cooling system, which adjusts pressure and temperature to prevent ulcers by sensing fluid pressure and circulating a cooling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular support pads are used to provide positioning support during spinal surgery, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but pressure ulcer risk increases due to localized pressure on chest and hips
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad is divided into multiple independent bladder chambers that can be individually adjusted. Each chamber can be inflated or deflated separately to distribute pressure across different body regions, preventing localized pressure ulcers while maintaining overall positioning support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system incorporates dynamic pressure adjustment capability through electronic pressure sensors and controllable inflation/deflation mechanisms. The bladder chambers can dynamically adapt their pressure levels in response to sensor feedback, continuously optimizing pressure distribution to prevent ulcer formation while maintaining positioning flexibility.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If modular support pads are used for extended surgical periods, then positioning stability is improved, but temperature increase and moisture trapping occur leading to pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad uses fluid-filled bladder chambers that can be inflated and deflated to create air gaps between the pad surface and patient skin. This pneumatic mechanism allows heat and moisture to escape, preventing temperature buildup and moisture trapping while maintaining positioning stability during extended surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic inflation and deflation cycles of the bladder chambers. This periodic action creates intermittent contact between the pad and patient, allowing heat dissipation and moisture evaporation during deflation phases while maintaining support during inflation phases, thereby preventing temperature-related pressure ulcers.
3Measurement precision
If electronic pressure sensors are integrated into the modular support pad, then pressure sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluid pressure as an intermediary to transmit pressure information from the contact point to the electronic sensor. The fluid-filled bladder chambers convert mechanical pressure into fluid pressure changes that can be accurately measured by external electronic pressure sensors, achieving precise pressure measurement without embedding complex sensor arrays within the pad structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct mechanical pressure sensing (which would require embedded sensors in each pad section) with a fluid-mechanical transduction system. The fluid-filled bladders act as pressure transmission media, converting localized mechanical pressure into measurable fluid pressure changes that can be detected by simpler external sensors, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by dynamically adjusting pressure and temperature, providing real-time feedback for optimal patient positioning and comfort during prolonged surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic pressure sensor sensing a fluid pressure within the fluid-filled bladder
Implementation Method 2
a cooling system which circulates a cooling fluid through the fluid-filled bladder
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include a modular support pad having a support cushion, a fluid-filled bladder coupled to an electronic pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure within the fluid-filled bladder, and a ticking surrounding the support cushion and the fluid-filled bladder and providing a person support surface between the fluid-filled bladder and a person. Other embodiments include a modular support pad having a support cushion, a bladder coupled to an electronic pump for circulating a cooling fluid within the bladder, and a ticking surrounding the support cushion and the bladder and providing a person support surface between the bladder and a person. Methods of sensing pressure applied by a support pad are also described.