Systems and methods for directing fluid flow in a mattress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for modulating temperature and partial pressure of water vapor in the vicinity of a person supported by a person support apparatus, such as a bed, are inadequate and require further development to effectively direct fluid flow for improved comfort and care.
Innovation Solution
A mattress system comprising a base support layer and one or more insert support layers that form conduits for fluid flow, with a fluid supply and controller to meter and direct fluid to targeted regions, providing non-uniform resistance and distribution of airflow for enhanced comfort and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air flow systems are used for temperature modulation, then basic cooling function is provided, but the fluid flow cannot be effectively directed to specific targeted regions
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple zones with independent fluid flow channels, allowing different regions to receive controlled fluid flow independently. This segmentation enables targeted temperature modulation in specific areas rather than uniform cooling across the entire mattress surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mattress are provided with varying fluid flow resistance characteristics through the insert support layers. This creates local quality differences that direct fluid flow to specific targeted regions based on their unique resistance properties, enabling region-specific temperature control.
2Device complexity
If uniform fluid distribution is used, then simple system design is maintained, but non-uniform resistance and targeted region delivery cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The insert support layers incorporate materials or structures with varying fluid flow resistance distributed non-uniformly across different regions. This creates intentional local quality differences that guide fluid flow to specific areas, achieving targeted region delivery without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert support layers act as intermediary elements between the fluid supply system and the mattress surface. These intermediate layers provide the non-uniform resistance needed to redirect fluid flow, serving as a passive mediator that transforms uniform fluid input into non-uniform distributed output.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple support layers are used, then manufacturing ease is maintained, but directed fluid flow and targeted region delivery cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress construction is segmented into base support layers and separate insert support layers. This modular segmentation allows the insert layers to be specifically designed with fluid directing properties while keeping the base layers simple and easy to manufacture. The segmented structure enables added adaptability without significantly complicating overall manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert support layers serve multiple functions: they provide structural support like traditional mattress layers while simultaneously acting as fluid flow directors through their non-uniform resistance properties. This multi-functionality adds fluid flow control capability without requiring entirely separate systems, maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 directs fluid flow to specific areas, enhancing temperature and partial pressure modulation, thereby improving comfort and support for individuals using the person support apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one insert support layer may be configured to provide non-uniform resistance to fluid flow through it
Data Source
AI summary
A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.