Welded Multi-Permeability Patient Support for Microclimate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current low-air-loss mattress systems for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment require materials with varying permeability properties to be coupled or joined effectively, posing challenges in achieving a biologically sealed and controlled air loss surface.

Innovation Solution

The use of high-frequency welding to join materials with different properties, such as urethane-based and Teflon-based materials like GORE-TEX®, to create a support surface with antimicrobial, structurally sound, and controlled air loss features, allowing for the formation of a biologically sealed and controlled air loss surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If materials with different permeability properties are coupled or joined, then the support surface can achieve controlled air loss and moisture management, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty of joining increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled air lossVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface is divided into multiple zones with different permeability properties (air permeable, vapor permeable, liquid impermeable) to achieve controlled air loss and moisture management in different areas, resolving the contradiction by segmenting the surface into functional zones rather than using uniform materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple materials with different permeability characteristics (air permeable material, vapor permeable material, liquid impermeable material) into a composite support surface structure, enabling controlled air loss while managing moisture through the layered composite design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high-frequency welding is used to join materials, then a biologically sealed and controlled air loss surface can be achieved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiologically sealedVSAvoidease of joining

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods (sews, adhesives, clips) with high-frequency welding technology, which uses electromagnetic energy to fuse materials together, achieving biologically sealed joints without mechanical fasteners while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through automated welding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple materials with different properties are joined, then the support surface can manage microclimate effectively, but the structural integrity and sealing reliability become more difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroclimate managementVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where air permeable material, vapor permeable material, and liquid impermeable material are joined through high-frequency welding to form integrated zones that manage microclimate while maintaining structural integrity and sealing reliability through the welding process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional joining methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ability to achieve controlled air loss and biological sealing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of joiningVSAvoidcontrolled air loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods with high-frequency welding, which enables controlled air loss and biological sealing capabilities that were not achievable with sews, adhesives, or clips, while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through automated welding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables the creation of a support surface that effectively manages skin microclimate, reduces moisture buildup, and minimizes power requirements and noise levels, enhancing the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-frequency welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2043583B1Patient support with welded materials

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 HUNTLEIGH TECHNOLOGY LTD

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AI summary

Apparatus, systems, and methods to support a patient or other person include a first material that is substantially air impermeable welded to a second material that is substantially air permeable and liquid impermeable. The first material may also be liquid and vapor impermeable and the second material may be vapor permeable. Exemplary embodiments may include an inflatable enclosure formed from a sheet of the first material with an aperture, and the second material may cover a portion of the aperture.