Vacuum Mattress Head Fixation via Fold-Over Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum mattresses with head fixation systems, such as those with laterally attached head parts or foldable side chambers, restrict patient positioning and comfort during rescue and transport, as they do not allow for effective adaptation to the patient's head and often require bulky additional structures.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum mattress with flat design and turn-up areas at the head end, defined by inward-projecting incisions, which can be adjusted to form a comfortable head fixation without additional elements, using Velcro strips for secure attachment and carrying handles for efficient transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laterally attached head sections are folded upwards and attached with adhesive tape, then head fixation is achieved, but patient positioning is not improved and additional elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into functional zones with incisions creating fold-over areas at the head end, allowing the mattress itself to be segmented and reconfigured for head fixation without adding separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress structure serves multiple functions: the fold-over areas provide both head support and positioning, eliminating the need for separate headrests or fixation devices by making the mattress itself multi-functional
2Reliability
If bulky additional structures are added to the lying surface, then head fixation is improved, but storage and transport are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The head fixation structure is dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed and bulky, allowing the mattress to be configured as needed and stored compactly when not in use, improving both fixation reliability and ease of storage
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress uses flexible, thin fold-over sections created by incisions rather than rigid bulky structures, providing effective head fixation while maintaining a compact profile for storage and transport
3Ease of operation
If the mattress surface is made soft for patient comfort, then patient comfort is improved, but head support effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress provides different local qualities: the fold-over areas at the head end provide firm support structure, while the rest of the mattress surface remains soft for patient comfort, resolving the contradiction between comfort and support effectiveness
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum mattress (1) with head fixation (21, 22) for the secure positioning on a lying surface (11) and the transport of a patient (3) with the same, having a head end (12) and a foot end (11), wherein the vacuum mattress (1) is designed as a flat surface and has at least two fold-over areas (21, 22) at the head end (12) for forming the head fixation, wherein the fold-over areas (21, 22) are bounded by incisions (211, 212; 221, 222) projecting from the outside towards the center (M) of the vacuum mattress, which end before the center (M), wherein the fold-over ends (21a, 21b; 22a, 22b) formed by the incisions (211, 212; 221, 222) are oriented towards the head (31) of a patient lying on it. (3) are beatable.