Stacked Shoulder and Arm Cushions for Lateral Patient Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient support systems fail to effectively support the lower shoulder and extended arms of patients lying on their side, leading to discomfort and potential harm from pressure points, and do not provide adequate access to nasopharyngeal cavities.

Innovation Solution

A set of three stackable cushions, with a flat bottom cushion for supporting the lower shoulder and middle and top cushions featuring furrows for arm support and cut-off corners for nasopharyngeal access, constructed from high resilient foam rubber or viscoelastic materials with hook-and-loop fasteners for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wrist restraints are used to hold the wrists and restrain the patient, then the patient is effectively restrained, but the lower shoulder and extended arms are not supported, causing pressure points and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint effectivenessVSAvoidpressure points on shoulder and arms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into three separate stackable cushions: a bottom cushion for shoulder support, a middle cushion for arm support with a furrow, and a top cushion for additional arm support. This segmentation allows each cushion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stackable cushions serve as an intermediary device between the patient's body and the bed surface. Rather than using wrist restraints that directly contact and restrain the patient, the cushions provide indirect support by redistributing pressure and maintaining proper positioning through their structured design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If pillows, towels, blankets, or cushions are used to prop up the patient's back, then the patient is positioned in lateral or semi-lateral positions, but the shoulders and arms are not supported, causing pressure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidpressure points on shoulders and arms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each cushion in the stack is designed with specific local qualities: the bottom cushion has a flat surface for broad shoulder support, the middle cushion has a furrow specifically shaped to support the arm, and the top cushion provides additional localized support. This local quality optimization ensures that each area of contact is specifically designed for its function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support system transitions from two-dimensional flat pillows to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with varying heights and shapes. The middle cushion's furrow creates a channel that cradles the arm, adding dimensional complexity that provides superior support compared to flat surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If single-arm support cushions with grooves or ridges are used, then one arm is supported, but both arms and the lower shoulder are not comprehensively supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm supportVSAvoidsupport coverage for both arms and shoulder

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple single-arm support devices into a unified three-cushion stackable system. The bottom cushion supports the shoulder while the middle and top cushions with their furrows support both arms, creating a comprehensive support solution that addresses all pressure points in one integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stackable cushion system is universal in its applicability - it can be configured to support various body types and positions, accommodate different procedural needs, and provide comprehensive support for the shoulder and both arms simultaneously. The modular design allows adaptation to different clinical scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides enhanced support, safety, and access to both arms and nasopharyngeal cavities, reducing pressure sore incidence and improving comfort compared to traditional methods, while being lightweight and economical.

Implementation Method 1

constructed from high resilient foam rubber or viscoelastic materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

The bottom cushion comprises a flat compressible surface for supporting the patient's lower shoulder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7441293B1Support for a lower shoulder and extended arms of a person lying on their side

Publication Date: 2008.10.28 ADAM J SINGER & ROBIN BROWN SINGER FAMILY TRUST

AI summary

One embodiment comprises a set of three stacked cushions to support a lower shoulder and both extended arms of a patient in a lateral and semi-lateral position on a bed. A bottom cushion has a flat compressible surface to support the patient's lower shoulder and a middle cushion. Smaller middle and top cushions stack on the bottom cushion. The middle and top cushions each comprises a top surface with a furrow for support and access to the arms. In addition, the middle and top cushions have cut-off corners that provide access to the person's nasopharyngeal cavities.