Wireless Sensor Microclimate Control for Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients lying on support devices for extended periods are prone to pressure ulcers due to tissue forces, excess body heat, and moisture, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A microclimate management system that uses wireless sensors to monitor and modify temperature and humidity levels around the patient, adjusting airflow to maintain a comfortable environment and prevent pressure ulcer formation by controlling temperature and humidity based on real-time data from sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If patients lie on support devices for extended periods, then medical treatment can be provided, but pressure ulcers develop due to tissue forces, excess body heat, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts microclimate conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) in real-time based on sensor feedback from the patient's skin, transforming the static support environment into an adaptive system that responds to changing patient conditions to prevent pressure ulcers during extended support periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor skin temperature, humidity, and pressure levels, feeding this data back to the control system which automatically adjusts heating, cooling, and airflow elements to maintain optimal microclimate conditions and prevent tissue damage
2Device complexity
If temperature and humidity are not controlled, then the support device remains simple, but excess body heat and moisture exacerbate pressure ulcer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The support device integrates multiple functions into a single system: pressure distribution, temperature regulation (heating and cooling), humidity control, and airflow management, allowing it to address multiple harmful factors simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a microclimate layer between the patient and the support device mattress, using this intermediary zone to control temperature and humidity conditions, preventing direct contact with harmful thermal and moisture environments while maintaining comfort
3Measurement precision
If wireless sensors are used to monitor patient temperature, then real-time microclimate control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex wired sensor connections and manual monitoring with wireless sensor technology and automated control algorithms, reducing physical complexity while enhancing measurement precision and real-time responsiveness of the microclimate management 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
Effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, thereby mitigating tissue forces and moisture-related issues, enhancing patient comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wireless sensors positioned at desired locations on the body of the patient. The wireless sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the patient
Implementation Method 2
The microclimate management system can modify an amount of air flowing through the airflow system and/or a temperature and humidity of the air flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 3
controls an airflow system associated with the patient support device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for monitoring an environment for a patient on a patient support device can include: receiving a temperature reading from a wireless sensor coupled to a body of the patient; comparing the temperature reading to air flowing through an airflow system associated with the patient support device; and modifying the air flowing through the airflow system.