Support Surface Cooling Device for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients confined to bed for extended periods are at risk of developing decubitus ulcers due to external pressure interrupting blood supply, and moisture and heat exacerbate these ulcers by causing skin maceration.
Innovation Solution
A support surface cooling device (SSCD) with multiple layers configured for airflow, incorporating an air mover to provide high vapor transfer rates and reduce skin temperature, comprising a vapor permeable material, a spacer material, and a conductive cooling mechanism to aid in ulcer prevention and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an air mover with high air flow rate (5-50 CFM) is used to reduce skin temperature and remove moisture, then skin temperature is reduced to approximately 88°F and vapor transfer rates exceed 500 gm/m2/hr, but the device complexity increases due to multiple layers and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into multiple functional layers: a support portion with vapor permeable material and spacer material, a cover portion, and integrated conduits. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (temperature reduction, moisture removal, structural support) while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduits are embedded within the spacer material layer, creating a nested structure where the air flow channels are integrated into the support structure itself. This nesting reduces the need for separate external components while maintaining the required air flow paths for cooling and moisture removal.
2Loss of substance
If vapor permeable material and spacer material are used to enable high vapor transfer rates, then moisture removal is enhanced with transfer rates exceeding 500 gm/m2/hr, but the device complexity increases due to multiple layered components
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates vapor permeable material and spacer material with porous structures that facilitate high vapor transfer rates. These materials allow moisture to pass through while maintaining structural integrity, enabling effective moisture removal without requiring complex active pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device uses composite construction combining vapor permeable material, spacer material, and conductive cooling elements in multiple layers. This composite approach integrates different material properties (permeability, spacing, thermal conductivity) to achieve high vapor transfer rates while maintaining a manageable device structure.
3Reliability
If conductive cooling mechanism with air flow is applied to reduce skin temperature, then skin temperature is reduced to approximately 88°F promoting ulcer prevention, but the device complexity increases due to integrated air mover and conduit system
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a pneumatic system with an air mover and conduits to deliver controlled air flow through the layered structure. This pneumatic approach enables reliable conductive cooling and moisture removal, directly contributing to ulcer prevention through consistent temperature and humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device performs multiple functions simultaneously: temperature reduction, moisture removal, and pressure distribution. The integrated design of the air mover, conduits, and layered structure allows a single device to address multiple aspects of ulcer prevention, reducing the need for separate therapeutic devices.
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 SSCD effectively reduces skin temperature to approximately 88°F, promoting ulcer prevention and healing by enhancing moisture and heat removal, while reducing interface pressure and preventing skin maceration.
Implementation Method 1
the air mover is configured to create air flow through the spacer material toward the air mover
Implementation Method 2
a first layer comprising a vapor permeable material
Implementation Method 3
the air mover is configured to provide air flow sufficient to provide conductive cooling to the skin of a patient adjacent to the first layer
Implementation Method 4
provide high vapor transfer rates, including for example, those in excess of 500 gm/m2/hr
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a support surface cooling device configured to reduce the skin temperature of a patient.