Support Surface Immersion Control via Timed Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support surfaces for preventing and treating pressure ulcers fail to effectively manage transient pressure gradients and points of elevated pressure, leading to inadequate pressure relief, particularly in bedridden or wheelchair-confined patients, and require sensors or external measurements for immersion control.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a 'Timed Exhaust' technique to immerse individuals into a support surface without sensors, using fluid chamber fluid exhaustion to achieve a desired immersion depth, and a 'Targeted Offloading' system to dynamically redistribute pressure based on chamber priorities and physiological parameters, ensuring consistent immersion and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If reactive support surfaces are used to reduce tissue interface pressure through immersion and envelopment, then contact area increases and contact pressure reduces, but the pressure remains constant until patient moves or external loads are applied, failing to address transient pressure gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static reactive support surfaces to dynamic active support surfaces that continuously adjust chamber pressures in response to detected pressure gradients. The system monitors tissue interface pressure in real-time and dynamically redistributes pressure by inflating or deflating individual chambers, enabling adaptation to transient pressure changes and patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors detect tissue interface pressure and pressure gradients, which are then processed by a controller that adjusts chamber pressures accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the support surface to respond to and correct transient pressure changes, preventing pressure ulcer formation at high-risk areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active systems are used to periodically redistribute pressure through inflation or deflation of fluid-filled chambers, then pressure redistribution is achieved, but the systems require sensors and external measurements for immersion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure-sensitive foam material that automatically deforms and redistributes pressure in response to patient weight and position without requiring external sensors or control systems. The foam's viscoelastic properties enable it to self-adjust to pressure gradients and patient anatomy, providing immersion control and pressure relief through its inherent material characteristics rather than active electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor and control systems with a passive mechanical solution using pressure-sensitive foam. The foam material's physical properties (viscoelasticity, porosity) enable it to sense and respond to pressure changes mechanically, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, actuators, and control circuits while achieving the same pressure redistribution function.
3Stress or pressure
If traditional turning schedules are used to alleviate pressure on specific body areas, then pressure relief is provided, but the treatment is not continuous and requires manual nursing intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides continuous pressure redistribution and relief through the constant operation of the active support surface system. The controller continuously monitors pressure gradients and adjusts chamber pressures in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted pressure management without requiring periodic manual turning or nursing intervention. This continuous action prevents pressure ulcer development more effectively than intermittent turning schedules.
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
This approach allows for consistent immersion depth and pressure relief independent of individual weight or surface changes, reducing tissue interface pressure and enhancing patient comfort and caregiver efficiency by eliminating the need for sensors and external measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The method involves a 'Timed Exhaust' technique to immerse individuals into a support surface without sensors, using fluid chamber fluid exhaustion to achieve a desired immersion depth
Implementation Method 2
a 'Targeted Offloading' system to dynamically redistribute pressure based on chamber priorities and physiological parameters
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the reduction of tissue interface pressure. The present invention provides a method to immerse an individual to a desired depth into a support surface. The method of the present invention maintains a desired level of immersion over time independent of the motion of the individual or changes in the position of the support surface or externally applied loads to the support surface, alone or in combination. The method of the present invention is an improvement to using an individual's weight or height or other sensor to determine inputs to an algorithm for immersing the individual to a certain depth into the surface. No pressure measurements or displacement measurements are required in accordance with the present invention, and the height and weight of the individual is not required.