Patient support pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support pads with embedded electronic components, such as pressure sensing devices, often increase interface pressure and reduce load redistribution due to their semi-rigid nature, leading to a higher risk of pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A support pad design featuring a layered structure with a sensing device positioned between cushion layers, including expandable portions on a substrate that moves in response to pressure, allowing for improved load redistribution and accurate pressure sensing without significant increases in interface pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components are embedded in a support pad, then sensing capability is improved, but interface pressure increases and load redistribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple discrete elements including tab portions and expandable portions. This segmentation allows the substrate to flex and expand locally in response to pressure, maintaining softness and load redistribution capability while providing structured support for electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable portions are designed to dynamically change volume in response to applied pressure, transitioning between contracted and expanded states. This dynamic behavior allows the substrate to adapt to varying loads, maintaining low interface pressure while accommodating electronic components.
2Strength
If a rigid support pad is used, then structural strength is improved, but load redistribution capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed as a flexible structure with tab portions and expandable portions that can deform under load. This flexibility enables the support pad to conform to patient contours and redistribute loads effectively, while the integrated electronic components provide structural reinforcement where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pad combines flexible cushioning materials with a structured substrate containing electronic components. This composite structure integrates the load redistribution capabilities of soft materials with the structural strength and sensing capabilities of the substrate system.
3Measurement precision
If electronic components are positioned adjacent to the outer surface, then sensing accuracy is improved, but interface pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are nested within the layered structure of the support pad, specifically positioned between the first and second cushion layers. This nesting allows the sensing elements to detect interface pressure accurately while being protected by and integrated with the cushioning layers, preventing direct contact that would increase interface pressure.
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 support pad effectively redistributes loads and accurately senses interface pressure, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers by minimizing peak interface pressure and enhancing the flexibility and strength of the substrate for embedded electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.