Temperature and moisture regulating topper for non-powered person-support surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients lying on non-powered person support surfaces for extended periods are susceptible to pressure ulcers due to inadequate pressure redistribution and temperature/moisture regulation.
Innovation Solution
A non-powered mattress with a vapor permeable and air impermeable coverlet that includes a fluid supply assembly to regulate heat and moisture, featuring a 3-dimensionally engineered spacer for air flow and a controller to maintain optimal surface temperature and humidity levels, reducing pressure ulcers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-powered mattress is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but temperature and moisture regulation capability deteriorates leading to pressure ulcer susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
A topper layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the non-powered mattress and the patient. This topper contains a fluid distribution system with channels that allow liquid (water or ice) to be circulated, enabling temperature regulation without requiring the entire mattress system to be powered. The topper acts as a mediator that adds thermal regulation capability while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying non-powered mattress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes a hydraulic/fluid-based system for temperature control. Liquid (water or ice) is circulated through channels embedded in the topper layer, allowing passive thermal regulation. This fluid circulation system enables temperature control without requiring electrical power, maintaining the non-powered nature of the mattress while adding regulatory capability.
2Device complexity
If a non-powered mattress is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but moisture regulation capability deteriorates leading to increased pressure ulcer risk
Solution Approach 1:
The topper layer serves as an intermediary that captures and manages moisture before it reaches the patient. The fluid distribution system in the topper absorbs and redistributes moisture away from the patient contact surface, preventing moisture accumulation and associated skin problems while keeping the overall system simple and non-powered.
Solution Approach 2:
The topper incorporates porous or absorbent materials that can wick and redistribute moisture away from the patient. These materials allow moisture to be drawn through the topper layer and dispersed through the fluid distribution channels, preventing moisture buildup at the patient interface without requiring active pumping or powered mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If pressure redistribution is inadequate, then the mattress structure remains simple, but pressure ulcer development increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress system is segmented into distinct functional layers: a simple non-powered base mattress and an added topper layer with pressure-redistributing properties. This segmentation allows the complex pressure redistribution function to be isolated to the topper, maintaining the simplicity of the main mattress structure while adding the necessary protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction by combining the original mattress material with a topper layer made of different materials optimized for pressure redistribution. This composite structure leverages the strengths of each material - the simplicity and support of the base mattress combined with the pressure-redistributing and temperature-regulating properties of the topper.
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 solution effectively prevents and heals pressure ulcers by maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity range, enhancing pressure redistribution and skin health.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor permeable and air impermeable person contacting surface and mattress contacting surface configured to exhaust heat and moisture communicated through the person contacting surface out an outlet in the coverlet
Implementation Method 2
a fluid supply assembly to regulate heat and moisture... maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity range
Implementation Method 3
featuring a 3-dimensionally engineered spacer for air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.