Support surface covers, and associated materials, devices, systems, and methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hospital bed system mattress covers fail to provide adequate moisture vapor transfer, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy, leading to undesirable patient outcomes in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer support surface cover material with a first fabric layer, a second adhesive layer, and a third polyurethane layer, providing enhanced moisture vapor transport, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, elasticity, and longevity, which can be integrated into the mattress cover to improve patient comfort and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-layer mattress cover is used, then the device complexity is low, but the moisture vapor transfer capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture vapor transfer capabilityVSAvoidcover structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress cover is divided into multiple functional layers: a top layer for moisture vapor transfer, a middle layer for chemical resistance and flame retardancy, and a bottom layer for structural support. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between performance and complexity by distributing functions across segmented layers rather than requiring a single complex material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material construction combining different materials with complementary properties. The top layer uses breathable fabric for moisture vapor transfer, while the middle layer incorporates flame-retardant and chemically resistant materials. This composite approach achieves superior overall performance without requiring each individual material to excel at all functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional mattress cover materials are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the flame retardancy and chemical resistance are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame retardancy and chemical resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Flame retardant and chemically resistant properties are incorporated into the middle layer during the manufacturing process rather than requiring post-production treatment. This preliminary incorporation of protective functions simplifies the overall manufacturing process while ensuring consistent performance, as the protective properties are built-in rather than added separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a multi-layer cover with enhanced functionality is implemented, then patient safety and comfort improve, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safety and comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The middle layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing flame retardancy, chemical resistance, and structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized layers, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining high patient safety and comfort standards through the integrated protective functions.

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 multi-layer cover effectively reduces the risk of bedsores, infections, and skin tears by enhancing moisture vapor transfer, while providing superior chemical resistance and flame retardancy, thus improving patient outcomes and extending the lifespan of the mattress cover and bed system.

Implementation Method 1

a second adhesive layer disposed between the first fabric layer and the third polyurethane layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The second material layer and the third material layer can be coupled to the first material layer. The multi-layer cover material can provide a predetermined (i) moisture vapor transport capacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture vapor transfer: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS20240324787A1Support surface covers, and associated materials, devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 SIZEWISE RENTALS LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, the present technology can include a multi-layer cover material having a first material layer, a second material layer disposed over the first material layer, and a third material layer disposed over the second material layer. The second material layer and the third material layer can be coupled to the first material layer and, collectively, the multi-layer cover material can provide certain minimum (i) moisture vapor transport capacity, (ii) chemical resistance, and (iii) flame retardancy, among other characteristics. The multi-layer cover material can be incorporated into a cover layer of a support surface cover, which can be incorporated with a support surface, and used with a hospital bed system.