Human stabilization platforms and related mattresses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment for immobilizing traumatically injured persons is ineffective in isolating patients from dynamic multi-axial shock loading and vibrations during transport, fails to provide clear access to injury sites, manage bodily fluids, reduce pressure ulcerations, and accommodate various positions and orientations, particularly for spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.
Innovation Solution
The development of human stabilization platforms with a litter made of composite materials, adjustable handles, and a mattress with varying stiffness and integrated head blocks, along with a flexible restraint system that can be secured at multiple points along the platform, to enhance immobilization, reduce injury risk, and facilitate easier transport and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional immobilization equipment is used, then some level of immobilization is provided, but the equipment fails to effectively isolate patients from dynamic multi-axial shock loading and vibrations during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating vibration isolation elements and shock-absorbing features into the stabilization platform design before transport occurs. The mattress structure includes compliant materials and damping elements that are pre-configured to absorb and dissipate shock loads and vibrations during patient transport, thereby protecting the patient from harmful dynamic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials in the construction of the stabilization platform, combining rigid structural components with compliant and damping materials. This composite approach creates a system that provides both structural support for immobilization and vibration isolation properties to protect the patient from shock loading and vibrations during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional restraint systems are used, then basic immobilization is achieved, but the equipment does not accommodate various positions and orientations for SCI and TBI patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a restraint system with multiple attachment points and adjustable components that can accommodate various patient positions and orientations. The stabilization platform includes versatile restraint mechanisms that can be configured for different clinical scenarios, including supine, lateral, and seated positions, as well as various orientations during aerial and ground transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by providing adjustable and reconfigurable restraint system components that can be dynamically adapted to different patient needs and transport requirements. The system allows for easy repositioning and reconfiguration of restraints to accommodate changing patient positions or orientations during the course of transport or treatment.
3Ease of operation
If current immobilization equipment is used, then transport is possible, but clear access to injury sites and management of bodily fluids is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stabilization platform into modular components, including a segmented mattress structure and divided restraint zones. This segmentation allows different portions of the platform to serve different functions - providing immobilization in certain areas while leaving other areas accessible for medical intervention, injury site access, or fluid management without compromising overall immobilization stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes certain portions of the mattress or platform structure to create access points or openings that allow medical personnel to reach injury sites or manage bodily fluids while the patient remains immobilized. These extracted areas provide clear access pathways without requiring removal of the entire immobilization system.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid immobilization structures are used, then patient stability is improved, but pressure ulcerations cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating pressure-relieving features at specific locations on the mattress where patients make contact, while maintaining rigid structural support in other areas for immobilization. The mattress includes localized pressure distribution elements, conforming sections, or pressure-relief zones that reduce the risk of pressure ulcerations without compromising the overall stability and immobilization of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
Mattresses for human stabilization may include a mass of foam material. A cover including a fabric material may at least partially surrounding the mass of foam material. Head blocks including a foam material may be located proximate to one end of the mattress. The fabric material of the cover may at least partially cover the head blocks, and the head blocks may be foldable relative to the mass of foam material to enable the head blocks to be positioned against lateral sides of a person's head. Human stabilization platforms may include a litter having a surface sized and shaped to support a person thereabove. Straps may be configured to restrain a person's head, the straps having releasable connectors at ends thereof. A track may be located on the surface of the litter, and may be configured to receive the connectors to affix the straps to the litter.