Alternating Clinical Support Pad Cell Layout for Pressure Ulcer Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for preventing decubitus ulcers, such as static and active support systems, face challenges like susceptibility to leaking, patient discomfort, and manufacturing inefficiencies, and are less effective in home care settings where continuous repositioning of patients is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A clinical support pad with a plurality of support cells formed in an impermeable film layer, configured for alternating inflation and deflation, featuring continuous curvature surfaces and spacing within the two-point discrimination threshold to minimize patient sensation and prevent pressure ulcers, utilizing materials like polyethylene and polyurethane, and incorporating channels for fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If static support devices (foam mattresses, air mattresses) are used to redistribute support pressure, then pressure distribution is improved, but susceptibility to leaking and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple independent cells that can be individually inflated and deflated. This segmentation allows pressure to be redistributed across different zones without compromising the integrity of the entire system, reducing susceptibility to leaking while maintaining effective pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static support devices to dynamic alternating pressure cells that continuously adjust support distribution. The cells are alternately inflated and deflated in a cyclic pattern, creating dynamic pressure redistribution that prevents ulcer formation while reducing overall susceptibility to leaking through controlled pressure cycles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active devices (alternating air mattresses) are used to shift support pressure, then decubitus ulcer prevention is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support cells are inflated and deflated in alternating periodic cycles, creating rhythmic pressure changes that prevent decubitus ulcers. The periodic action redistributes pressure over time without maintaining constant high pressure on any single area, effectively preventing ulcers while reducing patient discomfort through the cyclic nature of the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing and duration parameters of cell inflation and deflation to optimize both ulcer prevention and patient comfort. By adjusting the cycle duration, inflation pressure, and deflation rate, the system achieves effective pressure redistribution while minimizing discomfort sensations for the patient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent patient repositioning is performed to prevent decubitus ulcers, then ulcer prevention is improved, but physical intensity and nursing care requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad system provides automatic pressure redistribution without requiring manual patient repositioning. The alternating inflation and deflation of support cells creates self-adjusting pressure zones that prevent decubitus ulcers autonomously, eliminating the need for physically intensive nursing interventions while maintaining effective ulcer prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.