Multi-Layer Support Surface Cover for Pressure and Moisture Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients confined to bed for extended periods are at risk of developing decubitus ulcers due to pressure that interrupts blood supply to skin tissue, exacerbated by moisture and heat, which existing support surfaces fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer cover sheet system with a vapor-permeable top layer, a spacer material middle layer, and an air mover that creates airflow to reduce pressure and promote moisture and heat removal, integrated with support surfaces to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a patient is confined to bed for extended periods, then the patient receives continuous support and care, but the patient develops decubitus ulcers due to uninterrupted pressure on capillaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts air pressure between layers to create alternating pressure zones that shift over time, preventing sustained pressure on any single capillary bed. The air mover continuously cycles pressure to maintain blood flow while providing support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure control through an air mover that regulates air flow between the first and third layers, creating controlled pressure variations to prevent capillary occlusion while maintaining patient support during extended bed confinement.
2Temperature
If moisture and heat are retained around the patient body, then thermal comfort is maintained, but skin maceration and ulcer exacerbation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The second layer uses porous spacer material that allows moisture vapor to pass through while maintaining thermal insulation. This enables heat retention for comfort while permitting moisture evacuation to prevent skin maceration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts moisture vapor from the interface between the patient and support surface by allowing it to pass through the vapor-permeable first layer and spacer material, separating the moisture management function from thermal retention.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer cover sheet is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot simultaneously manage pressure distribution, moisture removal, and heat retention
Solution Approach 1:
The cover sheet is segmented into three functional layers: a vapor-permeable first layer for moisture management, a porous second layer for pressure distribution and air flow, and a third layer for additional support. Each layer performs a specific function that collectively addresses pressure, moisture, and heat management.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer structure achieves multi-functionality where the combined system provides pressure distribution, moisture vapor transmission, and thermal retention simultaneously, with each layer contributing to multiple functions through its specific material properties and configuration.
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 system effectively reduces interface pressure and enhances moisture and heat removal, thereby preventing the formation and promoting the healing of decubitus ulcers by maintaining a healthy skin environment.
Implementation Method 1
the air mover may be configured to create air flow through the spacer material
Implementation Method 2
a first layer comprising a vapor permeable material
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a support system includes a cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a top layer and a bottom layer are bonded to a middle spacer layer.