EP2050425A1 - Alternative inflation method of a support device with inflatable cells and device for implementing same - Google Patents
Alternative inflation method of a support device with inflatable cells and device for implementing same Download PDFInfo
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- EP2050425A1 EP2050425A1 EP08166638A EP08166638A EP2050425A1 EP 2050425 A1 EP2050425 A1 EP 2050425A1 EP 08166638 A EP08166638 A EP 08166638A EP 08166638 A EP08166638 A EP 08166638A EP 2050425 A1 EP2050425 A1 EP 2050425A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cells
- pressure
- inflation
- pump
- series
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/05769—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers
- A61G7/05776—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with inflatable chambers with at least two groups of alternately inflated chambers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
- A61G2203/34—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for pressure
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of pressure regulation for support devices with cells or inflatable compartments such as therapeutic mattresses.
- Such mattresses are used in particular to aliter patients suffering from or at risk of developing skin diseases such as bed-sores associated with prolonged maintenance without movement while sitting or lying down.
- the invention more particularly relates to a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of such a support device and a particular device for the implementation of this method.
- each inflatable cell communicates sealingly with at least one means for supplying a fluid inflating the cells, traditionally air, via at least one solenoid valve, which is itself connected to a control device controlling the inflation and the regulation of the fluid pressure inside the inflatable cells of the mattress.
- Supporting devices of this type are used as mattresses for patient care because they provide adequate body position and support on the surface of the mattress, depending on the morphology and position of the patients.
- the ideal comfort of a patient, and the optimal vascularization of the tissues, in particular to avoid the formation of pressure ulcers or to reduce localized pains in certain zones of support of the body on the mattress, are obtained when the points of support of the body are redistributed on the surface of the mattress, that is to say when the pressure exerted by the different areas of the body on the mattress (called “interface pressure") is substantially identical for all the points of the surface of the mattress. body in contact with the mattress and if, on the other hand, this contact surface of the body with the mattress is as high as possible.
- This requires adapting the inflation of the inflatable cells of the mattress under the different parts of the body to control the level of depression of the body in the different areas of the mattress.
- a distribution of the air pressure inside the inflatable cells is carried out by controlling their filling / emptying as a function, in particular, of the measurements of stress exerted by the patient's body on the mattress, these measurements being carried out with sensors in, on or preferably below the mattress depending on the type of sensors used.
- sensors hereinafter referred to as morphology sensors, are known to those skilled in the art and more particularly measure a constraint consisting in the pressure exerted by the patient's body on the cells of the mattress, referred to as the interface pressure or the driving distance. or immersion volume of the patient's body in the cells of the mattress, as described for example in the European patent EP 0 676 158 and the European patent EP 1 056 372 in the name of the plaintiff.
- a regulation pressure of the inflation of the cells appropriate according to the morphology of the patient on the mattress.
- morphology of the patient on the mattress is here understood to mean both the mass of the patient and his area of contact with the mattress, that is to say his position on the mattress.
- the control and regulation of the filling / emptying of the inflatable cells also makes it possible to provide support devices operating in "alternating" inflation mode cells in which alternately inflate and deflate alternately and simultaneously some cells of the support device evenly distributed in the length thereof. For example, one cell out of two is deflated / inflated and the cells adjacent to those previously deflated and then inflated are deflated / inflated.
- each inflatable cell of the support device is successively and gradually deflated / re-inflated, creating a kind of wave moving in the longitudinal direction of the support device back and forth and discharging the interface pressure locally favoring this. place the vasculature of the soft tissues at the interface with the surface of the support device.
- the current inflatable cell support devices comprise control and regulation systems for the inflation pressure incorporating complex electronic circuits for controlling the solenoid valves and other inflation compressors, circuits comprising between others digital counters and clocks whose cost of development and realization is particularly high, as well as congestion.
- control and regulation systems known to date, the inflation cycle and alternate deflation cycle times are fixed, left to the discretion of the manufacturer or user.
- the present invention relates to a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of a support device of a mattress type supporting member for supporting the body of a patient, said mattress comprising inflatable cells of a fluid, in particular air, comprising at least one zone comprising two first and second series of inflatable cells, said first and second cells respectively, the cells of each series communicating hydraulically or preferably pneumatically, with each other, and with inflation means, the cells of each series of cells that can be either in open communication with the pump and the cells of the other series of cells, or in closed communication with the pump and the cells of the other series and open communication with the outside a so-called "venting" state in which deflation and alternating re-inflation cycles are performed in which each said series of cells is deflated and then re-inflated alternately and successively, said first cells being deflated and then re-inflated simultaneously with re-inflation and then deflation respectively.
- the steps of deflation and reinflation alternate said first and second cells of the support device comprising at least one step of inflation of said cells up to a value of at least a reference pressure PC, PRmax, PRmin of which the value is determined from a continuous measurement carried out using a sensor, called a morphology sensor, measuring the stress generated by the patient's body on the cells.
- a predetermined alternating cycle time is set and the inflation pressure is determined as a function of a residual pressure value of the air measured inside the cells at the end of deflation during the cycle, after a given fixed time predetermined. So in EP 1 695 681 the inflation pressure of the cells can be varied regularly during the cycle depending on the morphology of the patient, but the duration of the inflation / deflation cycles can not be varied automatically according to the morphology of the patient.
- EP 0168 213 the regulation pressure or inflation pressure of the cells is determined from pressure measurements inside the cells when the pressure in the different cells equilibrates during a calibration or initialization step before starting the alternating cycle well said. And, this calibration step must be repeated at regular intervals.
- EP 0168231 no details are provided as to the embodiment of the alternate inflation / deflation method subsequent to this initial calibration step.
- the reference pressures at which the cells must be inflated during an inflation / deflation cycle are determined as a function of the air pressure inside the cells measured at regular intervals, which further requires the implementation of a clock.
- the object of the invention is therefore to provide a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of a support device such as a therapeutic mattress and a device for its implementation which are more economical than the methods and devices. known.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of alternately inflating therapeutic mattress cells whose inflation / deflation cycle time is a function of the morphology and the position of the patient on the mattress.
- said mattress comprising inflatable cells of a fluid.
- the cells each series of cells that can be in the open communication state with the pump and the cells of the other series of cells, or in the closed communication state with the pump and the cells of the other series and open communication with the outside, a so-called "venting" state in which deflation cycles are carried out and alternating re-inflation in which each said series of cells is deflated and then re-inflated alternately and successively, said first cells being deflated and then re-inflated simultaneously with reinflation and then respectively deflation of said second cells, the steps of deflation and rego alternately nflage
- the method according to the invention therefore involves the implementation of two measurements and their comparison, namely the continuous measurement of the internal pressure of the cells during a cycle and its comparison with a reference pressure calculated from the continuous measurements performed by a morphology sensor.
- the cycle time is automatically adjusted continuously according to the said reference pressure value measured with the aid of the said morphology sensor, and thus according to the morphology of the patient on the mattress.
- the next stage of the cycle can only be carried out if the inflation means have succeeded, during inflation, in restoring the pressure in the cells to a said reference pressure value.
- This is a safety because the cycle is necessarily interrupted in case of leakage unlike previous methods in which clocks controlled the triggers of the successive stages of the cycle even in case of leakage.
- the deflation of said first and second cells corresponds to a partial emptying of said cells.
- the deflation of said first and second cells corresponds to a partial emptying of said cells.
- 15 to 20% of the fluid contained in said cells is transferred.
- the cells that deflate by escaping deflate faster than cells during inflation. This makes it possible to reach a zero relative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure during deflation.
- the duration of the so-called balancing phases of steps b) and d) and the over-inflation / deflation phase of steps a) and c) is determined by the time taken by the inflation means to reach the regulation or set-point pressures determined by the mass of the element to be supported resting the support device.
- the method of the invention is advantageously distinguished from the state of the art by its variable cycle time which is adjusted automatically according to the morphology of the patient. It is therefore more efficient than known inflation control methods and devices because it allows an automatic parameterization of the additional therapeutic variable that constitutes the cycle time.
- the inflation time varies depending on the patient.
- the volume of immersion of the body in the mattress is relatively low and the cells will be more quickly inflated.
- the method according to the invention is also more economical than known methods because it does not require the implementation of expensive electronic clock to sequence the successive phases of stopping and starting of the pump.
- the support device is a mattress comprising a plurality of air-filled cells, in the form of tubes arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, and the inflation means comprise a pump comprising an air compressor.
- the duration of the deflation / reinflation phase of steps a) and c) can vary according to the integrity of the cells of the support device, up to the blocking of the cycle and generating a malfunction alarm, if a fluid leakage inflation in the cells or hydraulic connection means between the cells and the inflation means is greater than the maximum flow of the inflation device. In this case the stop of the inflation system is never done, so the cycle does not go to the next phase.
- the method according to the invention is interrupted, but the inflation of the cells in continuous leakage so that there is no risk of sudden deflation which could be dangerous for the patient.
- the so-called “reference” fluid pressure is determined with respect to the regulation pressure, in particular proportional to the regulation pressure, preferably greater than the "regulation” pressure and more preferably at least 10% higher than the "control” pressure, more preferably at least 15% to 30% higher than the "control” pressure.
- solenoid valves are 3-way solenoid valves, preferably 3/2 solenoid valves in line
- This embodiment requires the implementation of three-way solenoid valve (called solenoid valves “3/2 solenoid valves”).
- said solenoid valves comprise two said first and second endpieces arranged symmetrically with respect to a main body defining an outer surface of rounded shape, preferably said main body being of cylindrical shape, said main body being of the same longitudinal axis as said first and second tips.
- the outer diameter of said cylindrical body is substantially the same or slightly greater than that of said supply pipe.
- the solenoid valve can be arranged in the extension of the pipe in an optimal size.
- control pressure corresponds to a pressure within a pressure range known as the control range Prmax to Prmin. This makes it possible to avoid excessive sensitivity which could trigger undesirable disturbances of cycles, in particular variations in cycle time, for the same patient, since the regulation pressure can vary according to his movements on the mattress, among others. In this case the set pressure is higher than Prmax.
- the flow rate of the fluid transferred between the two series of cells is insufficient to allow the minimum value of the regulation pressure range to be reached in said cells and or maintain the pressure in said first and second cells connected to each other in said regulation range, because, in view of the pressure exerted by the patient's body on the deflated cells, the deflating cells deflate faster than those that are being reinflated are not inflated.
- Starting the pump slows the deflation of the cells being deflated and allows the cells being re-inflated to reach the control pressure.
- said mattress comprises at least one zone in which said two series of cells comprise the same number of cells in each series, with one cell of each of said two series of cells alternately in the longitudinal direction of the mattress-type device in said area.
- one cell of each of said two sets of cells is adjacent to one cell of the other set of cells, i.e., preceded and / or followed by one cell of the other set of cells.
- the mattress comprises at least a third series of cells, called third cells in communication with said pump and said first and second cells, of preferably said third cells communicating hydraulically with each other continuously, and said third cells are interposed hydraulically between the pump and said first and second cells, so that the pressure in said third cells varies between the control pressure and the set pressure during the steps a) to d).
- third cells in communication with said pump and said first and second cells, of preferably said third cells communicating hydraulically with each other continuously, and said third cells are interposed hydraulically between the pump and said first and second cells, so that the pressure in said third cells varies between the control pressure and the set pressure during the steps a) to d).
- said third cells are interposed upstream of said first and second solenoid valves.
- the flow rate of the pump is chosen according to the volume of said first and second cells to obtain a cycle time of 5 to 20 minutes for patients of 50 to 120 kg.
- the number of said first and second cells is less than half the total number of cells in the mattress, preferably between 1/3 and 1/2 of the total number of cells.
- said area of the first and second cells covers the sacrum area, and the mattress comprises third cells at the foot area and the head area. More particularly still, said first and second cells are number of 4 each, 8 in total, in said zone, and the mattress comprises 20 cells, 3 in foot zone, and 7 in the head zone.
- the device according to the invention comprises a morphology sensor able to measure the pressure applied by a said patient to said inflatable cells of the support device, and to determine said regulation pressure value and said setpoint pressure value, said sensor being connected to said control means of the inflation means.
- the morphology sensor makes it possible to determine and quantify the interface pressure exerted by the patient on the cells resulting from the mass of the element to be supported by the cells of a support device, which causes a displacement of fluid and a depression of the element to be supported in the cells causing an increase in the fluid pressure in the cells.
- Sensor devices for morphology are known to those skilled in the art as mentioned above, but preferably, said morphology sensor comprises at least one resistive force sensing cell.
- the means for measuring the pressure inside the cells may be, for example, piezoelectric sensors.
- said inflation means comprise a low voltage pump powered at a voltage of 12 volts AC.
- the inflation device of the invention also comprises a 12-volt DC supply comprising a bridge of transistors, in order to generate the AC voltage of said inflation means.
- the inflation device also comprises a morphology sensor, able to measure the stress applied by a said element to be supported on the said inflatable cells of the support device and a pressure sensor able to measure the pressure inside the inflatable cells.
- the power supply of the inflation device of the invention finally comprises a power supply battery able to maintain the operation of the inflation device in the event of a power failure.
- FIG. 1A and 1B there is shown a therapeutic mattress 11, equipped with an inflation device 1 according to the invention.
- the therapeutic mattress 11 consists of 19 inflatable cells, said cells 12 being arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mattress.
- Each cell consists of two compartments, respectively an upper compartment and a lower compartment, said upper and lower compartments, in the form of a coil, communicating with each other at their ends.
- the central zone 11C corresponds to an inflated zone according to an alternating inflation method of the present invention.
- the central zone 11C comprises a first series of cells, called first 12C1 cells (cells 5, 7, 9 and 11), and a second series of cells, called second 12C2 cells (cells 4, 6, 8 and 10). ).
- each of said first and second series 12C1 and 12C2 are connected in series, that is to say in line, the two series being connected in parallel, fed by the same inflation device 1.
- the cells 12 of the mattress 11 each comprise an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice (not shown).
- the inlet or supply port is located at one end of the upper compartment, in the transverse direction of the mattress, the outlet or outlet being located at the end of the same side of the lower compartment, in the transverse direction of the mattress (or longitudinal direction of the cell).
- Two adjacent cells have their orifices disposed at opposite ends in the transverse direction of the mattress and belong to a different series of cells.
- the cell No. 1 at the foot of the mattress is fed by a pipe 13 at the end of the upper compartment of the cell No. 1, and the end of the same side the lower compartment of the cell No. 1 communicates directly with the end of the lower compartment on the same side of the cell No. 3, the end of which on the same side of the upper compartment communicates, from a branch tee connection , 13a, with, on the one hand, a first solenoid valve 14 1 , from which are placed in series cells 5, 7, 9 and 11 of said first series 12C1 of cells, and, on the other hand, parallel to the cells 12C1, the end of the same side of the upper compartment of the cell No. 13, which is the second cell of the head zone 11T from the foot of the bed, the other cells of the head zone, 15, 17 and 19, being mounted one after the other, in series.
- the cells of the head zone 11T and of the foot zone 11P constitute third cells, which are situated upstream of the first and second solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 .
- the solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 have been shown disposed in line between the pipes 13 and the orifices of the first cells of said first series 12C1 and second series of cells 12C2. However, they could be arranged in a specific housing.
- Said first and second solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 are 3-way solenoid valves of the 3/2 type, as previously described.
- On the solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 there is shown the lateral vents of venting 14a. Their change of readiness between their said activation state and said resting state is controlled by the transistors 1 and 6, respectively, the sequencer 62 6 described below.
- said solenoid valves comprise a main body comprising a cylindrical internal cavity into which both said first and second internal channels open, said internal cavity enclosing a longitudinal magnetic core capable of being displaced in said axial longitudinal direction of said solenoid valve, said magnetic core moving within an axially extending induction coil, said core being movable between, on the one hand, an open position in which the core is disengaged from the ends of said first and second inner channels opening in said internal cavity so as to allow the fluid to pass through said solenoid valve between the ends of said two said first and second ends and, on the other hand, a closed position wherein said core obstructs the end opening into said internal cavity of one of said two said first and second internal channels of the solenoid valve so as to prevent the flow of fluid through said solenoid valve between the ends of said two first and second end.
- This type of solenoid valve is called “compact in-line solenoid valve” because the various components are arranged along the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the solenoid valve.
- the passage of the fluid through the solenoid valve between its first and second ends is always axially along the same longitudinal axis as that of the solenoid valve, unlike the conventional 3-way solenoid valves in which the axis of the core and the displacement of the core are generally perpendicular to a conduit for the passage of fluid inside the solenoid valve.
- said first cells 12C1 are in the reinflation phase, said first solenoid valve 14 1 being in said rest state, allowing the supply of said cells 12C1 via the pipe 13 from the inflation device 1.
- the second 12C2 cells are in the deflation phase and, as shown in FIG. figure 3 they have reached zero relative pressure.
- the second solenoid valve 14 2 is in the activation state.
- the pressure detected inside the first cells 12C1 reaches the set pressure Pc determined to be approximately 20% higher than the upper limit PRmax of the regulation range.
- This detection of a pressure Pc in said cells 12C1 causes the pump to stop. And, stopping the pump triggers the next phase (phase P.1) in which the second solenoid valve 14 2 is put in a state of rest.
- phase P.1 in which the second solenoid valve 14 2 is put in a state of rest.
- phase P.1 is a phase of air transfer balancing of said first 12C1 cells to the second 12C2 cells during which the pressure in 12C1 cells decreases and the pressure in 12C2 cells increases by simple transfer of air under the effect of the support of the patient.
- the pressure measuring means 3 in the cells measure a pressure in the first cells 12C1 equal to the upper limit PRmax of the regulation range, while, simultaneously, the pressure in the second cells 12C2 is below the limit. lower PRmin of the control range.
- the pressure in said second cells 12C2 reaches the lower limit PRmin and the first and second cells 12C1 and 12C2 are maintained at a pressure within the range of regulation, which triggers a new stoppage of the pump and sends a signal to the sequencer 6 to trigger the next phase (phase P.2), in which the first solenoid valve 14 1 is activated for venting the cells 12C1, allowing the deflation of the first cells 12c1, while the second solenoid valve 14 2 remains in a state of rest.
- the activation of the first solenoid valve 14 1 is accompanied by a reference 6 3 of information to the comparator of the control means 4, ordering it to take the set pressure as the reference pressure for the inflation of the 12C2 cells. This triggers the restart and the operation of the pump for the reinflating of said second cells as the pressure detected in the cells does not reach the set pressure.
- the setpoint pressure PC is reached in said second cells, which triggers the stopping of the pump.
- This new stop of the pump triggers the next phase (phase P.3), with activation of the activation of the second solenoid valve 14 2 and deflation of the second cells 12C2, and thus venting of the second cells.
- the activation of the second solenoid valve 14 2 is accompanied by an information return to the comparator of the control means 4, which will compare the measured pressures in the cells with the regulation pressure range.
- This causes a slowing down of the deflation of the second 12C2 cells and allows the first 12C1 cells to reach the regulation range at t5.
- the detection of the set pressure in said first cells controls the stopping of the pump and a new phase of the cycle by resting said second solenoid valve 14 2 , the two solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 being at rest, which makes it possible to start, as at time t0, a new air transfer balancing phase from the first 12C1 cells to the second 12C2 cells.
- the quiescence of said second solenoid valves 14 2 at t0 and t6 and quiescent of said first solenoid valves 14 1 to t3 send a signal to the control means 4 of the pump to compare the pressure inside. cells with the control pressure, in this case a PRmax-PRmin range, as the reference pressure range.
- the comparator of the control means 4 finds that the first cells at t1 and t2, and second cells at t4 and t5, are in the regulation range, whereas the second cells and first cells are not in the control range.
- control range at t1 and, respectively, t4 it controls the restart of the pump at t1 and t4, and it controls the stopping of the pump at t2 and t5 for the opposite reasons, namely that the second cells 12C2 and first 12C1 cells are in the regulation range at t2 and, respectively, t5.
- the central support zone 11C of the mattress 11 thus comprises eight inflatable cells 12C. These eight cells are organized in two groups of four cells 12C1, 12C2 distributed one cell out of two in the zone 11C and hydraulically interconnected by pipes 13 and the inflation device 1. During the alternating inflation cycles, the cells of the first 12C1 group are thus inflated when those 12C2 of the second group are deflated and vice versa, 12C1 cells are deflated when those 12C2 are inflated.
- the inflator 1 is preferably housed in an integrated closed or closed foot area 15, in particular covered with foam, integrated with a support device 11 such as an inflatable cell therapeutic mattress 12 as shown in FIG. figure 1 .
- a support device 11 such as an inflatable cell therapeutic mattress 12 as shown in FIG. figure 1 .
- the inflation device 1 may also be of the ambulatory type and integrated into an ancillary and removable assembly of such a support device.
- the inflation device 1 ( Fig. 1 ) of the invention comprises firstly inflation means constituted by a pump 2 with air compressor.
- the inflation device 1 also comprises pressure sensors 3 inside the inflatable cells 12 of the support device 11, in particular a low-pressure sensor, and control means 4. Pressure regulation in the cells 12 is implemented with a comparator element between the measurement of pressure in the inflatable cells by the pressure sensors 3 and the measurement of the morphology sensor 9. If the pressure measured by the sensors 3 inside the cells is too high by relative to the comparative reference pressure deduced from the measurements by the morphology sensor 9, the means for deflating the mattress are controlled. On the other hand, if the pressure in the cells 12 is too low, the inflation means 2, which are electrically connected to said control means 4 and to the detection means of the inflation stop 5.
- the inflation device 1 comprises detection means 5 connected to the inflating means 2 for detecting a stop of the inflating means 2.
- detection means 5 essentially comprise a simple inverting logic gate converting the information of the inflation device. stopping the inflating means 2 as a signal for an alternating cycle sequencer 6, changes in the state of the solenoid valves and changing the reference pressures of the comparator element of the control means 4 for alternately inflating and deflating the inflatable cells of the inflation device. support and able to control these.
- the sequencer 6 controls the four phases of the alternating cycle described above under the control of the detection means of the stop inflation 5.
- phase # 1 (P.1): the transistor 6 2 sends a signal that causes the quiescent state of the solenoid valve 14 2 , and returns signal 6 3 to the comparator 4 to take as reference start-up of the pump, the regulating pressure.
- phase 2 the transistor 6 1 sends a signal which causes the activation state of the solenoid valve 14 1 , and returns signal 6 3 to the comparator 4 to take as reference starting the pump the set pressure.
- phase 3 the transistor 6 2 sends a signal that causes the quiescent state of the solenoid valve 14 1 , and returns signal 6 3 to the comparator 4 to take as reference starting the pump the regulating pressure.
- phase # 4 (P.4): the transistor 6 1 sends a signal which causes the activation state of the solenoid valve 14 2 , and returns signal 6 3 to the comparator 4 to take as reference to start the pump the set pressure.
- Said sequencer is connected to the control circuit of the two solenoid valves for emptying and filling the two series of cells and the control means of the inflation system 4 to switch the regulation of the so-called regulation pressure during the first and third phases to pressure setpoint during the second and fourth phases.
- the inflation means of the device of the invention comprise a low voltage pump 2 powered at a voltage of 12 volts AC, generated from a 12-volt DC supply.
- the power supply 7 may also include a power supply battery 10 able to maintain the operation of the inflation device in the event of a power failure.
- a battery 10 may be particularly useful during the transport phases of a bedridden patient on an inflatable cell support device, during which the supply of the electronic inflation device 1 must be disconnected from the electrical sector, in order to to maintain during the duration of the transport the alternate inflation process of the cells 12 of the support device 11.
- Such a power supply battery may in particular be of lithium-ion type in order to have a small footprint while having a storage capacity sufficient to provide autonomous power to the inflation device of the invention for a period of at least two hours.
- the device of the invention comprises a power supply 7 comprising an "H" bridge of transistors 8.
- This transistor bridge is controlled by an oscillator frequency adjustable. It is the frequency of the oscillator 16 which sets the frequency of the AC voltage of the inflation system.
- This mode of feeding is advantageous because it makes it possible to optimize the point of operation of the inflation system and its efficiency. The performance of the inflation system is thus improved from 10% to 20% with reduced electrical energy consumption.
- the inflation device of the present invention finally finally comprises, in an advantageous embodiment, a morphology sensor 9 placed under the mattress 11, able to measure the stresses applied by the body of a bedridden patient to the inflatable cells. of the support device 11, said morphology sensor 9 comprising in a preferred embodiment thereof at least one resistive force-sensing cell, in particular as described in the applications EP No. 08 163 149.1 and US N ° 12 / 199,869 in the name of the plaintiff.
- the resistive force-sensing cells which are electronic components whose impedance decreases the more the intensity of a force applied perpendicularly to their surface increases, are not very sensitive to noise and vibrations which facilitates the realization and the exploitation of the measures. Their wide range of impedance also allows the use of interface electronics and simplified operation as is that of the inflation device 1 of the invention.
- the alternate inflation method of the invention is applied only to certain inflatable cells 12 of said mattress 11 in a particular support zone thereof, and in particular only to the cells 12C of the central support area 11C of the mattress 11 which serve to support the sacral zone of an individual lying down or sitting on the mattress 11, the inflatable cells in the support zone of the bust of a patient 11T and those of the 11P foot support zone being maintained constantly between the control pressure Pr and the set pressure due to their mounting upstream of the solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 .
- the inflation and deflation time of 12C1, 12C2 cells varies depending on the patient. It is a function of the patient's morphology because it depends on the inflation time to arrive at the regulation pressure needed to properly wear it in the mattress 11 and the volume of air that the body takes by immersion in the inflatable cells 12C1, 12C2 of the central support zone 11C of the mattress.
- a possible inclination of a portion of the mattress 11 also has an influence on the duration of a complete cycle of inflation and deflation of the cells 12C1, 12C2. Such inclination occurs especially frequently when a therapeutic mattress such as the mattress 11 of the figure 2 is used on medical beds equipped with a backrest.
- the figures 6 and 5 which represent the pressure variation curves in the cells 12C1 and 12C2 of the central support zone 11C of the mattress 11 of the figure 3 during the implementation of the alternate inflation method of the invention with an inclination of 60 ° of the support area of the bust 11T of the mattress relative to the support zone 11P legs, and show that such inclination to also as a consequence, an increase in the duration of the cycle of reinflation and deflation of the 12C1, 12C2 cells subjected to alternating inflation.
- the alternate inflation method of the present invention does not respond to fixed adjustment parameters but instead automatically adapts to the operating conditions of the support device on which the device is placed. as well as to the particular characteristics of the individuals installed on the support device so that the inflation pressures and the cycle times adjust automatically, which is essentially permitted according to the present invention by the use of the signal of stopping the inflation pump as a control element for alternating inflation of the cells of the support device.
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Abstract
Description
La présente invention concerne le domaine de la régulation de pression pour des dispositifs de support à cellules ou compartiments gonflables comme par exemple les matelas thérapeutiques. De tels matelas sont notamment employés pour aliter des patients souffrant ou présentant des risques de développements de pathologies cutanées de type escarres de décubitus liées à un maintien prolongé sans mouvement en station assise ou allongée.The present invention relates to the field of pressure regulation for support devices with cells or inflatable compartments such as therapeutic mattresses. Such mattresses are used in particular to aliter patients suffering from or at risk of developing skin diseases such as bed-sores associated with prolonged maintenance without movement while sitting or lying down.
L'invention a plus particulièrement pour objet un procédé de gonflage alterné de cellules gonflables d'un tel dispositif de support ainsi qu'un dispositif particulier pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé.The invention more particularly relates to a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of such a support device and a particular device for the implementation of this method.
Dans un dispositif de support à cellules gonflables tel qu'un matelas thérapeutique, chaque cellule gonflable communique de façon étanche avec au moins un moyen d'alimentation en un fluide de gonflage des cellules, traditionnellement de l'air, par l'intermédiaire d'au moins une électrovanne, qui est elle-même reliée à un dispositif de commande contrôlant le gonflage et la régulation de la pression de fluide à l'intérieur des cellules gonflables du matelas.In an inflatable cell support device such as a therapeutic mattress, each inflatable cell communicates sealingly with at least one means for supplying a fluid inflating the cells, traditionally air, via at least one solenoid valve, which is itself connected to a control device controlling the inflation and the regulation of the fluid pressure inside the inflatable cells of the mattress.
En pratique, pour remplir/gonfler les cellules gonflables du dispositif de support, on envoie de l'air dans les cellules jusqu'à ce que la pression nécessaire soit atteinte. Inversement, pour vider ou dégonfler les cellules gonflables ou pour en ajuster la pression de gonflage, on évacue de l'air par un orifice d'évacuation prévu à cet effet, et de préférence également muni d'une électrovanne commandée elle aussi par le dispositif de commande contrôlant le gonflage.In practice, to fill / inflate the inflatable cells of the support device, air is sent into the cells until the necessary pressure is reached. Conversely, to empty or deflate the inflatable cells or to adjust the inflation pressure, air is evacuated through a discharge orifice provided for this purpose, and preferably also provided with a solenoid valve also controlled by the device. controlling the inflation.
Des dispositifs de support de ce type sont utilisés comme matelas pour les soins des patients car ils permettent d'assurer position et un soutien adéquats du corps sur la surface du matelas, en fonction de la morphologie et de la position des patients.Supporting devices of this type are used as mattresses for patient care because they provide adequate body position and support on the surface of the mattress, depending on the morphology and position of the patients.
En principe, le confort idéal d'un patient, et la vascularisation optimale des tissus notamment pour éviter la formation d'escarres ou réduire les douleurs localisées en certaines zones d'appui du corps sur le matelas, sont obtenus lorsque les points d'appui du corps sont redistribués sur la surface du matelas, c'est-à-dire lorsque la pression exercée par les différentes zones du corps sur le matelas (appelée « pression d'interface ») est sensiblement identique pour tous les points de la surface du corps en contact avec le matelas et si, d'autre part, cette surface de contact du corps avec le matelas est la plus élevée possible. Ceci requiert d'adapter le gonflage des cellules gonflables du matelas sous les différentes parties du corps pour contrôler le niveau d'enfoncement du corps dans les différentes zones du matelas.In principle, the ideal comfort of a patient, and the optimal vascularization of the tissues, in particular to avoid the formation of pressure ulcers or to reduce localized pains in certain zones of support of the body on the mattress, are obtained when the points of support of the body are redistributed on the surface of the mattress, that is to say when the pressure exerted by the different areas of the body on the mattress (called "interface pressure") is substantially identical for all the points of the surface of the mattress. body in contact with the mattress and if, on the other hand, this contact surface of the body with the mattress is as high as possible. This requires adapting the inflation of the inflatable cells of the mattress under the different parts of the body to control the level of depression of the body in the different areas of the mattress.
Pour ce faire, on réalise une répartition de la pression d'air à l'intérieur des cellules gonflables en contrôlant leur remplissage/vidange en fonction notamment des mesures de contrainte exercée par le corps du patient sur le matelas, ces mesures étant effectuées avec des capteurs dans, sur ou de préférence dessous le matelas selon le type de capteurs mis en oeuvre. Ces capteurs dénommés ci-après capteurs de morphologie sont connus de l'homme de l'art mesurent plus particulièrement une contrainte consistant dans la pression exercée par le corps du patient sur les cellules du matelas dénommée pression d'interface ou la distance d'enfoncement ou volume d'immersion du corps du patient dans les cellules du matelas, tel que décrit par exemple dans le brevet européen
Le contrôle et la régulation des remplissage/vidange des cellules gonflables permettent aussi de fournir des dispositifs de support fonctionnant en mode de gonflage «alterné» des cellules dans lequel on gonfle et dégonfle alternativement et simultanément certaines cellules du dispositif de support régulièrement réparties dans la longueur de celui-ci. Par exemple, on dégonfle/regonfle une cellule sur deux puis on dégonfle/regonfle les cellules adjacentes de celles précédemment dégonflées puis regonflées.The control and regulation of the filling / emptying of the inflatable cells also makes it possible to provide support devices operating in "alternating" inflation mode cells in which alternately inflate and deflate alternately and simultaneously some cells of the support device evenly distributed in the length thereof. For example, one cell out of two is deflated / inflated and the cells adjacent to those previously deflated and then inflated are deflated / inflated.
Ainsi, chaque cellule gonflable du dispositif de support est successivement et de proche en proche dégonflée/regonflée, créant une sorte de vague se déplaçant dans la direction longitudinale du dispositif de support en aller et retour et déchargeant la pression d'interface localement favorisant à cet endroit la vascularisation des tissus mous à l'interface avec la surface du dispositif de support.Thus, each inflatable cell of the support device is successively and gradually deflated / re-inflated, creating a kind of wave moving in the longitudinal direction of the support device back and forth and discharging the interface pressure locally favoring this. place the vasculature of the soft tissues at the interface with the surface of the support device.
Pour réaliser un tel mode de gonflage alterné des cellules, les dispositifs de support à cellules gonflables actuels comportent des systèmes de commande et de régulation de la pression de gonflage intégrant des circuits électroniques complexes de pilotage des électrovannes et autres compresseurs de gonflage, circuits comprenant entre autres des compteurs et horloges numériques dont le coût de développement et de réalisation est particulièrement élevé, de même que l'encombrement. De plus, avec les systèmes de commande et de régulation connus à ce jour, les durées de cycle de gonflage et de dégonflage alterné sont fixes, laissées à l'appréciation du constructeur ou utilisateur.In order to perform such an alternating mode of inflating the cells, the current inflatable cell support devices comprise control and regulation systems for the inflation pressure incorporating complex electronic circuits for controlling the solenoid valves and other inflation compressors, circuits comprising between others digital counters and clocks whose cost of development and realization is particularly high, as well as congestion. In addition, with the control and regulation systems known to date, the inflation cycle and alternate deflation cycle times are fixed, left to the discretion of the manufacturer or user.
Plus particulièrement, la présente invention concerne un procédé de gonflage alterné de cellules gonflables d'un dispositif de support d'un élément à supporter du type matelas pour supporter le corps d'un patient, ledit matelas comportant de cellules gonflables d'un fluide, en particulier d'air, comprenant au moins une zone comprenant deux première et deuxième séries de cellules gonflables, dites premières et respectivement deuxièmes cellules, les cellules de chaque série communiquant hydrauliquement ou de préférence pneumatiquement, entre elles, et avec des moyens de gonflage, les cellules de chaque série de cellules pouvant être soit en état de communication ouverte avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre dite série de cellules, soit en état de communication fermée avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre série et communication ouverte avec l'extérieur, état dit de mise à l'air libre dans lequel on effectue des cycles de dégonflage et regonflage alterné dans lesquels on dégonfle puis regonfle alternativement et successivement chaque dite série de cellules, lesdites premières cellules étant dégonflées puis regonflées simultanément au regonflage puis respectivement dégonflage des dites deuxièmes cellules, le s étapes de dégonflage et regonflage alternés desdites premières et deuxièmes cellules du dispositif de support comprenant au moins une étape de gonflage des dites cellules jusqu'à une valeur d'au moins une pression de référence PC, PRmax, PRmin dont la valeur est déterminée à partir d' une mesure en continu effectuée à l'aide d'un capteur , dénommé capteur de morphologie, mesurant la contrainte générée par le corps du patient sur les cellules.More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of a support device of a mattress type supporting member for supporting the body of a patient, said mattress comprising inflatable cells of a fluid, in particular air, comprising at least one zone comprising two first and second series of inflatable cells, said first and second cells respectively, the cells of each series communicating hydraulically or preferably pneumatically, with each other, and with inflation means, the cells of each series of cells that can be either in open communication with the pump and the cells of the other series of cells, or in closed communication with the pump and the cells of the other series and open communication with the outside a so-called "venting" state in which deflation and alternating re-inflation cycles are performed in which each said series of cells is deflated and then re-inflated alternately and successively, said first cells being deflated and then re-inflated simultaneously with re-inflation and then deflation respectively. said second cells, the steps of deflation and reinflation alternate said first and second cells of the support device comprising at least one step of inflation of said cells up to a value of at least a reference pressure PC, PRmax, PRmin of which the value is determined from a continuous measurement carried out using a sensor, called a morphology sensor, measuring the stress generated by the patient's body on the cells.
Dans les brevets
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Le but de l'invention est par conséquent de fournir un procédé de gonflage alterné de cellules gonflables d'un dispositif de support tel qu'un matelas thérapeutique ainsi qu'un dispositif pour sa mise en oeuvre qui soient plus économiques que les procédés et dispositifs connus.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of a support device such as a therapeutic mattress and a device for its implementation which are more economical than the methods and devices. known.
Un autre but de la présente invention est de fournir un procédé de gonflage alterné de cellules de matelas thérapeutique, dont le temps de cycle de gonflage/dégonflage soit en fonction de la morphologie et de la position du patient sur le matelas.Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of alternately inflating therapeutic mattress cells whose inflation / deflation cycle time is a function of the morphology and the position of the patient on the mattress.
Ce but est atteint selon l'invention par procédé de gonflage alterné de cellules gonflables d'un dispositif de support d'un élément à supporter du type matelas pour supporter le corps d'un patient, ledit matelas comportant de cellules gonflables d'un fluide, en particulier d'air, comprenant au moins une zone comprenant deux première et deuxième séries de cellules gonflables, dites premières et respectivement deuxièmes cellules, les cellules de chaque série communiquant hydrauliquement ou de préférence pneumatiquement, entre elles, et avec des moyens de gonflage, les cellules de chaque série de cellules pouvant être soit en état de communication ouverte avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre dite série de cellules, soit en état de communication fermée avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre série et communication ouverte avec l'extérieur, état dit de mise à l'air libre dans lequel on effectue des cycles de dégonflage et regonflage alterné dans lesquels on dégonfle puis regonfle alternativement et successivement chaque dite série de cellules, lesdites premières cellules étant dégonflées puis regonflées simultanément au regonflage puis respectivement dégonflage des dites deuxièmes cellules, les étapes de dégonflage et regonflage alternés desdites premières et deuxièmes cellules du dispositif de support comprenant au moins une étape de gonflage des dites cellules jusqu'à une valeur d'au moins une pression de référence PC, PRmax, PRmin dont la valeur est déterminée à partir d' une mesure en continu effectuée à l'aide d'un capteur, dénommé capteur de morphologie, mesurant la contrainte générée par le corps du patient sur les cellules, caractérisé en ce que les étapes de dégonflage et regonflage alternés desdites premières et deuxièmes cellules interviennent selon un cycle piloté par les mises en marche ou arrêt desdits moyens de gonflage, lesquels mises en marche ou arrêt desdits moyens de gonflage sont commandés en fonction de la valeur de la pression du fluide mesurée à l'intérieur desdites cellules et sa comparaison à une dite une valeur de pression de référence , et les mises en marche ou arrêt desdits moyens de gonflage commandent les mises en état de communication ouverte ou état de communication fermée des dites premières ou secondes cellules avec lesdits moyens de gonflage.This object is achieved according to the invention by a method of alternately inflating inflatable cells of a support device of a mattress-type supporting element for supporting the body of a patient, said mattress comprising inflatable cells of a fluid. , in particular of air, comprising at least one zone comprising two first and second series of inflatable cells, said first and second cells respectively, the cells of each series communicating hydraulically or preferably pneumatically, with each other, and with inflation means, the cells each series of cells that can be in the open communication state with the pump and the cells of the other series of cells, or in the closed communication state with the pump and the cells of the other series and open communication with the outside, a so-called "venting" state in which deflation cycles are carried out and alternating re-inflation in which each said series of cells is deflated and then re-inflated alternately and successively, said first cells being deflated and then re-inflated simultaneously with reinflation and then respectively deflation of said second cells, the steps of deflation and rego alternately nflage said first and second cells of the support device comprising at least one step of inflating said cells to a value of at least a reference pressure PC, PRmax, PRmin whose value is determined from a measurement continuously performed using a sensor, called morphology sensor, measuring the stress generated by the body of the patient on the cells, characterized in that the steps of deflation and reinflation alternate said first and second cells occur in a cycle controlled by the start or stop of said inflation means, which start or stop of said inflation means are controlled according to the value of the pressure of the fluid measured inside said cells and its comparison to a said value of reference pressure, and the starting or stopping of said inflating means control the communication preparations open or closed communication state of said first or second cells with said inflation means.
Le procédé selon l'invention implique donc la mise en oeuvre de deux mesures et leur comparaison, à savoir la mesure en continu de la pression interne des cellules en cours de cycle et sa comparaison avec une pression de référence calculée à partir des mesures en continue effectuées par un capteur de morphologie.The method according to the invention therefore involves the implementation of two measurements and their comparison, namely the continuous measurement of the internal pressure of the cells during a cycle and its comparison with a reference pressure calculated from the continuous measurements performed by a morphology sensor.
Ainsi, on peut piloter le cycle sans mise en oeuvre d'horloge pour commander les mises en marche ou arrêt des moyens de gonflage et les mises en état de communication ouverte ou fermée des cellules avec les moyens de gonflage.Thus, it is possible to control the cycle without using a clock to control the starting or stopping of the inflation means and the setting in open or closed communication state of the cells with the inflation means.
En outre, selon la présente invention, la durée du cycle est ajustée automatiquement en continu en fonction de la dite valeur de pression de référence mesurée à l'aide dudit capteur de morphologie, et donc en fonction de la morphologie du patient sur le matelas.In addition, according to the present invention, the cycle time is automatically adjusted continuously according to the said reference pressure value measured with the aid of the said morphology sensor, and thus according to the morphology of the patient on the mattress.
Enfin, on ne peut passer à l'étape suivante du cycle que si les moyens de gonflage ont réussi, au cours du gonflage, à rétablir la pression dans les cellules à une dite valeur de pression de référence. Ceci constitue une sécurité car le cycle est nécessairement interrompu en cas de fuite contrairement aux procédés antérieurs dans lesquels des horloges commandaient les déclenchements des étapes successives du cycle même en cas de fuite.Finally, the next stage of the cycle can only be carried out if the inflation means have succeeded, during inflation, in restoring the pressure in the cells to a said reference pressure value. This is a safety because the cycle is necessarily interrupted in case of leakage unlike previous methods in which clocks controlled the triggers of the successive stages of the cycle even in case of leakage.
Plus particulièrement, dans le procédé selon l'invention :
- les mises en marche ou arrêt desdits moyens de gonflage sont commandés en fonction de la valeur de la pression du fluide mesurée dans lesdites cellules et sa comparaison à une valeur d'une première dite pression de référence appelée pression de régulation déterminée en fonction de la morphologie du patient, et une valeur d'une deuxième pression de référence appelée pression de consigne, ladite pression de consigne étant supérieure à ladite pression de régulation et calculée par rapport à la pression de régulation, et
- les mises en marche ou arrêt desdits moyens de gonflage commandent le choix de la dite première ou dite deuxième pression de référence à prendre en compte pour ladite comparaison dans la mise en marche ou arrêt suivante des moyens de gonflage au cours d'un dit cycle.
- the starting or stopping of said inflation means is controlled as a function of the value of the pressure of the fluid measured in said cells and its comparison to a value of a first said reference pressure called the regulation pressure determined according to the morphology of the patient, and a value of a second reference pressure called setpoint pressure, said setpoint pressure being greater than said regulation pressure and calculated with respect to the regulating pressure, and
- switching on or off said inflation means controls the choice of said first or second said reference pressure to be taken into account for said comparison in the next start or stop of the inflation means during a said cycle.
Plus particulièrement encore, dans le procédé selon l'invention :
- lesdites premières cellules sont connectées les unes à la suite des autres en série et,
- lesdites deuxièmes cellules sont connectées les unes aux autres en série, et
- on réalise les étapes successives suivantes dans lesquelles :
- a) lorsque (t2,) toutes les cellules des deux dites première et deuxième série sont gonflées à une pression correspondant à une pression dite de régulation Pr, la pompe étant à l'arrêt, les cellules de chaque série de cellules étant en état de communication ouverte avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre dite série de cellules, la détection de ladite pression de régulation dans lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules, commande :
- a-1) le dégonflage des dites premières cellules par mise à l'air libre des dites premières cellules, et
- a-2) le surgonflage des dites deuxièmes cellules par mise en marche de la pompe jusqu'à une pression déterminée dite pression de consigne Pc supérieure à la pression de régulation, et
- b) lorsque (t3) la pression de consigne est atteinte dans lesdites deuxièmes cellules, la détection de ladite pression de consigne dans lesdites deuxième cellules commande l'arrêt de la pompe et la mise en état de communication ouverte avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre dite série de cellules pour les deux séries de cellules, ce qui permet un transfert du fluide des dites deuxièmes cellules vers lesdites premières cellules et donc le dégonflage des dites deuxièmes cellules et regonflage simultanée des dites premières cellules jusqu'à une dite pression de régulation, et
- c) lorsque (t5) toutes lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules sont à une pression correspondant à une pression dite de régulation, la détection d'une dite pression de régulation dans lesdites cellules commande l'arrêt de la pompe, lequel arrêt de pompe commande :
- c-1) le dégonflage des dites deuxièmes cellules par mise à l'air libre des dites deuxièmes cellules, et
- c-2) le surgonflage desdites premières cellules par mise en marche de la pompe jusqu'à une dite pression de consigne Pc et
- d) lorsque (t6) ladite pression de consigne est atteinte dans lesdites premières cellules, la détection de ladite pression de consigne dans lesdites premières cellules commande l'arrêt de la pompe et la mise en état de communication ouverte avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre dite série de cellules pour les deux séries de cellules, ce qui permet un transfert du fluide des premières cellules vers les deuxièmes cellules et donc le dégonflage des dites premières cellules et gonflage simultanée des dites deuxièmes cellules, jusqu'à une dite pression de régulation, et
- e) le cas échéant on réitère le cycle des étapes a) à d).
- a) lorsque (t2,) toutes les cellules des deux dites première et deuxième série sont gonflées à une pression correspondant à une pression dite de régulation Pr, la pompe étant à l'arrêt, les cellules de chaque série de cellules étant en état de communication ouverte avec la pompe et les cellules de l'autre dite série de cellules, la détection de ladite pression de régulation dans lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules, commande :
- said first cells are connected one after the other in series and,
- said second cells are connected to each other in series, and
- the following successive steps are carried out in which:
- a) when (t2,) all the cells of the two said first and second series are inflated to a pressure corresponding to a so-called control pressure Pr, the pump being stopped, the cells of each series of cells being in a state of open communication with the pump and the cells of the other said series of cells, the detection of said regulation pressure in said first and second cells, control:
- a-1) the deflation of said first cells by venting said first cells, and
- a-2) the over inflation of said second cells by starting up the pump to a determined pressure, said set pressure Pc greater than the regulation pressure, and
- b) when (t3) the set pressure is reached in said second cells, the detection of said set pressure in said second cells controls the stopping of the pump and the open communication state with the pump and the cells of the other said series of cells for the two series of cells, which allows a transfer of the fluid of said second cells to said first cells and thus the deflation of said second cells and simultaneous reinflation of said first cells to a said regulation pressure, and
- c) when (t5) all said first and second cells are at a pressure corresponding to a so-called control pressure, the detection of a said control pressure in said cells controls the stopping of the pump, which pump stop commands:
- c-1) the deflation of said second cells by venting said second cells, and
- c-2) the over inflation of said first cells by switching on the pump to a said set pressure Pc and
- d) when (t6) said set pressure is reached in said first cells, the detection of said set pressure in said first cells controls the stopping of the pump and the open communication state with the pump and the cells of the the other said series of cells for the two series of cells, which allows a transfer of the fluid from the first cells to the second cells and thus the deflation of said first cells and simultaneous inflation of said second cells, to a said pressure regulation, and
- e) where appropriate, the cycle of steps a) to d) is repeated.
- a) when (t2,) all the cells of the two said first and second series are inflated to a pressure corresponding to a so-called control pressure Pr, the pump being stopped, the cells of each series of cells being in a state of open communication with the pump and the cells of the other said series of cells, the detection of said regulation pressure in said first and second cells, control:
Aux étapes a-1) et c-1) le dégonflage des dites premières et respectivement deuxièmes cellules correspond à un vidage partiel des dites cellules. En pratique on ne transfert que 15 à 20% du fluide contenu dans lesdites cellules. Toutefois, compte-tenu de l'appui exercé dans le corps du patient, les cellules qui se dégonflent par mise à l'échappement, se dégonflent plus vite que les cellules en cours de gonflage. Ceci permet d'atteindre une pression relative nulle par rapport à la pression atmosphérique lors du dégonflage.In steps a-1) and c-1) the deflation of said first and second cells corresponds to a partial emptying of said cells. In practice, only 15 to 20% of the fluid contained in said cells is transferred. However, given the support exerted in the body of the patient, the cells that deflate by escaping, deflate faster than cells during inflation. This makes it possible to reach a zero relative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure during deflation.
La durée des phases dite d'équilibrage des étapes b) et d) et phase de surgonflage/dégonflage des étapes a) et c) est déterminée par le temps que mettent les moyens de gonflage à atteindre les pressions de régulation ou de consigne déterminées par la masse de l'élément à supporter reposant le dispositif de support.The duration of the so-called balancing phases of steps b) and d) and the over-inflation / deflation phase of steps a) and c) is determined by the time taken by the inflation means to reach the regulation or set-point pressures determined by the mass of the element to be supported resting the support device.
Le procédé de l'invention se distingue avantageusement de l'état de la technique par sa durée de cycle variable qui est ajustée automatiquement en fonction de la morphologie du patient. Il est donc plus performant que les procédés et dispositifs de régulation de gonflage connus car il permet un paramétrage automatique de la variable thérapeutique supplémentaire que constitue la durée du cycle.The method of the invention is advantageously distinguished from the state of the art by its variable cycle time which is adjusted automatically according to the morphology of the patient. It is therefore more efficient than known inflation control methods and devices because it allows an automatic parameterization of the additional therapeutic variable that constitutes the cycle time.
En effet, le temps de gonflage varie en fonction du patient. Ainsi pour un patient relativement léger, le volume d'immersion du corps dans le matelas est relativement faible et les cellules seront plus vite regonflées.Indeed, the inflation time varies depending on the patient. Thus for a relatively light patient, the volume of immersion of the body in the mattress is relatively low and the cells will be more quickly inflated.
Cette caractéristique d'auto régulation en continu du temps de cycle en fonction du poids du patient selon le procédé selon l'invention est très avantageuse, car les patients de petite corpulence présentent des risques d'escarres plus importants et requièrent un massage plus rapide que pour des patients de plus forte corpulence.This characteristic of continuous self-regulation of the cycle time according to the weight of the patient according to the method according to the invention is very advantageous, since the patients of small corpulence present risks of pressure sores more important and require a massage faster than for patients of greater body build.
Le procédé selon l'invention est également plus économique que les procédés connus car il ne requiert pas la mise en oeuvre d'horloge électronique coûteuse pour séquencer les phases successives d'arrêt et mise en marche de la pompe.The method according to the invention is also more economical than known methods because it does not require the implementation of expensive electronic clock to sequence the successive phases of stopping and starting of the pump.
Plus particulièrement, le dispositif de support est un matelas comprenant une pluralité de cellules remplies d'air, sous forme de boudins disposés transversalement à la direction longitudinale du matelas, et les moyens de gonflage comprennent une pompe comportant un compresseur d'air.More particularly, the support device is a mattress comprising a plurality of air-filled cells, in the form of tubes arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, and the inflation means comprise a pump comprising an air compressor.
Enfin, sa mise en oeuvre est sécurisée car dépendante de l'aptitude du matelas thérapeutique à porter correctement le patient allongé sur le matelas. En effet, la durée des phase dégonflage/regonflage des étapes a) et c) peut varier selon l'intégrité des cellules du dispositif de support, pouvant aller jusqu'au blocage du cycle et générant une alarme de disfonctionnement, si une fuite du fluide de gonflage au niveau des cellules ou des moyens de connexion hydraulique entre les cellules et les moyens de gonflage est supérieure au débit maximum du dispositif de gonflage. Dans ce cas l'arrêt du système de gonflage ne se fait jamais, donc le cycle ne passe pas à la phase suivante.Finally, its implementation is secure because it depends on the ability of the therapeutic mattress to properly wear the patient lying on the mattress. Indeed, the duration of the deflation / reinflation phase of steps a) and c) can vary according to the integrity of the cells of the support device, up to the blocking of the cycle and generating a malfunction alarm, if a fluid leakage inflation in the cells or hydraulic connection means between the cells and the inflation means is greater than the maximum flow of the inflation device. In this case the stop of the inflation system is never done, so the cycle does not go to the next phase.
En cas de fuite donc, le procédé selon l'invention est interrompu, mais le gonflage des cellules en fuite continu de sorte qu'il n'y a pas de risque de dégonflage brutal qui pourrait être dangereux pour le patient.In case of leakage therefore, the method according to the invention is interrupted, but the inflation of the cells in continuous leakage so that there is no risk of sudden deflation which could be dangerous for the patient.
Selon une caractéristique préférée du procédé de l'invention, la pression de fluide dite de "consigne" est déterminée par rapport à la pression de régulation, notamment proportionnelle à la pression de régulation, de préférence supérieure à la pression dite de "régulation" et de préférence encore supérieure d'au moins 10 % à la pression de "régulation", de préférence encore supérieure d'au moins 15 % à 30 % par rapport à la pression de "régulation".According to a preferred characteristic of the process of the invention, the so-called "reference" fluid pressure is determined with respect to the regulation pressure, in particular proportional to the regulation pressure, preferably greater than the "regulation" pressure and more preferably at least 10% higher than the "control" pressure, more preferably at least 15% to 30% higher than the "control" pressure.
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation du procédé selon l'invention :
- lesdites premières cellules sont reliées à au moins une première électrovanne permettant soit la communication ouverte avec la pompe et lesdites deuxièmes cellules dans un état de l'électrovanne dit de repos, soit la mise à l'air libre des dites premières cellules par mise en état de communication fermée avec la pompe et lesdites deuxièmes cellules et communication ouverte avec l'extérieur, en état de l'électrovanne dit d'activation,
- lesdites deuxièmes cellules reliées à au moins une deuxième électrovanne permettant soit la communication ouverte avec la pompe et lesdites premières cellules dans un état de l'électrovanne dit de repos, soit la mise à l'air libre des dites deuxièmes cellules par mise en état de communication fermée avec la pompe et lesdites premières cellules et communication ouverte avec l'extérieur, en état de l'électrovanne dit d'activation, et
- les arrêts de la pompe déclenchent les mises en états d'activation ou de repos des dites premières et deuxièmes électrovannes.
- said first cells are connected to at least one first solenoid valve allowing either the open communication with the pump and said second cells in a state of the so-called resting solenoid valve, or the venting of said first cells by readiness communication closed with the pump and said second cells and open communication with the outside, in the so-called activation solenoid valve state,
- said second cells connected to at least one second solenoid valve allowing either the open communication with the pump and said first cells in a state of the so-called resting solenoid valve, or the venting of said second cells by conditioning them closed communication with the pump and said first cells and open communication with the outside, in the so-called activation solenoid valve state, and
- the stops of the pump trigger activation or rest states of said first and second solenoid valves.
Plus particulièrement, les arrêts de la pompe déclenchent les mises en états suivantes :
- aux étapes a) et c), l'arrêt de la pompe commande la mise en état d'activation de ladite première électrovanne et respectivement dite deuxième électrovanne, et
- aux étapes b) et d), l'arrêt de la pompe commande la mise en état de repos de desdites deuxièmes et premières électrovannes.
- in steps a) and c), stopping the pump controls the activation of said first solenoid valve and said second solenoid valve respectively, and
- in steps b) and d), stopping the pump controls the rest state of said second and first solenoid valves.
En fait lesdites électrovannes sont des électrovannes 3 voies, de préférence des électrovannes 3/2 en ligneIn fact said solenoid valves are 3-way solenoid valves, preferably 3/2 solenoid valves in line
Ce mode de réalisation requiert la mise en oeuvre d'électrovanne à trois voies (dites électrovannes « électrovannes 3/2 »).This embodiment requires the implementation of three-way solenoid valve (called solenoid valves "3/2 solenoid valves").
Ces électrovannes à trois voies comprennent :
- un premier canal interne apte à coopérer avec un orifice ouvert d'alimentation et d'évacuation d'air d'une dite cellule,
- un deuxième canal interne apte à communiquer avec un tuyau d'alimentation de l'électrovanne et dite cellule en fluide, et
- un troisième canal interne débouchant à l'air libre, permettant l'évacuation du fluide de ladite cellule, ledit deuxième canal étant obturé.
- a first internal channel adapted to cooperate with an open port for supplying and discharging air from a said cell,
- a second internal channel adapted to communicate with a supply pipe of the solenoid valve and said cell in fluid, and
- a third internal channel opening to the air, allowing the evacuation of the fluid from said cell, said second channel being closed.
De préférence, lesdites électrovannes comprennent deux dits premier et second embouts disposés symétriquement par rapport à un corps principal définissant une surface externe de forme arrondie de préférence ledit corps principal étant de forme cylindrique, ledit corps principal étant de même axe longitudinal que lesdits premier et second embouts.Preferably, said solenoid valves comprise two said first and second endpieces arranged symmetrically with respect to a main body defining an outer surface of rounded shape, preferably said main body being of cylindrical shape, said main body being of the same longitudinal axis as said first and second tips.
De préférence encore, le diamètre externe dudit corps de forme cylindrique est sensiblement identique ou peu supérieur à celui dudit tuyau d'alimentation. Ainsi, l'électrovanne peut être disposée dans le prolongement du tuyau dans un encombrement optimal.More preferably, the outer diameter of said cylindrical body is substantially the same or slightly greater than that of said supply pipe. Thus, the solenoid valve can be arranged in the extension of the pipe in an optimal size.
Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, la pression de régulation correspond à une pression comprise dans une fourchette de pression dite plage de régulation de Prmax à Prmin. Ceci permet d'éviter une trop grande sensibilité qui pourrait déclencher des perturbations non souhaitables de cycles, notamment des variations de durée de cycles , pour un même patient car la pression de régulation peut varier en fonction de ses mouvements sur le matelas entre autres. Dans ce cas la pression de consigne est supérieure à Prmax.In a preferred embodiment, the control pressure corresponds to a pressure within a pressure range known as the control range Prmax to Prmin. This makes it possible to avoid excessive sensitivity which could trigger undesirable disturbances of cycles, in particular variations in cycle time, for the same patient, since the regulation pressure can vary according to his movements on the mattress, among others. In this case the set pressure is higher than Prmax.
Selon une caractéristique avantageuse du procédé selon l'invention :
- aux étapes b) et d), lors dudit transfert, lorsque l'on détecte la pression maximale de régulation (Prmax) dans lesdites deuxièmes et respectivement premières cellules alors que la pression minimale de régulation Prmin n'est pas atteinte dans lesdites lesdites premières et respectivement deuxièmes cellules, la mise en marche de la pompe est déclenchée pour le gonflage des dites premières et deuxièmes cellules, et
- aux étapes a) et c), l'arrêt de pompe est déclenchée par la détection d'une pression dans lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules comprise dans ladite plage de régulation, et le redémarrage de la pompe aux étapes a-2) et c-2) est déclenché par la détection d'une pression dans lesdites deuxièmes et respectivement premières cellules inférieure à ladite pression de consigne.
- in steps b) and d), during said transfer, when the maximum regulation pressure (Prmax) is detected in said second and respectively first cells while the minimum regulation pressure Prmin is not reached in said first and first cells, respectively second cells, the start of the pump is triggered for the inflation of said first and second cells, and
- in steps a) and c), the pump stop is triggered by detecting a pressure in said first and second cells within said control range, and restarting the pump in steps a-2) and c- 2) is triggered by the detection of a pressure in said second and respectively first cells less than said set pressure.
On comprend en effet que dans certains cas,aux étapes b) et d), le débit du fluide transféré entre les deux séries de cellules est insuffisant pour permettre d'atteindre la valeur minimale de la plage de pression de régulation dans lesdites cellules et/ou maintenir la pression dans lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules connectées entre elles dans ladite plage de régulation, du fait que, compte tenu de la pression exercée par le corps du patient sur les cellules en dégonflage, les cellules qui se dégonflent se dégonflent plus vite que ne se gonflent celles qui sont en cours de regonflage. Le démarrage de la pompe ralentit le dégonflage des cellules en cours de dégonflage et permet aux cellules en cours de regonflage d'atteindre la pression de régulation.It will be understood that in some cases, in steps b) and d), the flow rate of the fluid transferred between the two series of cells is insufficient to allow the minimum value of the regulation pressure range to be reached in said cells and or maintain the pressure in said first and second cells connected to each other in said regulation range, because, in view of the pressure exerted by the patient's body on the deflated cells, the deflating cells deflate faster than those that are being reinflated are not inflated. Starting the pump slows the deflation of the cells being deflated and allows the cells being re-inflated to reach the control pressure.
Avantageusement encore, ledit matelas comprend au moins une zone dans laquelle lesdites deux séries de cellules comprennent un même nombre de cellules dans chaque série, avec une cellule de chacune des deux dites séries de cellules en alternance dans la direction longitudinale du dispositif de type matelas dans ladite zone. Autrement dit, une cellule de chacune des deux dites séries de cellules est adjacente à une cellule de l'autre série de cellules, c'est-à-dire précédée et/ou suivie par une cellule de l'autre série de cellules.Advantageously, said mattress comprises at least one zone in which said two series of cells comprise the same number of cells in each series, with one cell of each of said two series of cells alternately in the longitudinal direction of the mattress-type device in said area. In other words, one cell of each of said two sets of cells is adjacent to one cell of the other set of cells, i.e., preceded and / or followed by one cell of the other set of cells.
On comprend donc qu'au cours de chaque cycle de dégonflage et de regonflage, on dégonfle et on regonfle respectivement une cellule sur deux du dispositif de support alternativement.It is therefore understood that during each cycle of deflation and reinflation, deflates and deflates respectively one cell on two of the support device alternately.
Avantageusement encore, le matelas comprend au moins une troisième série de cellules, dite troisièmes cellules en communication avec ladite pompe et lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules, de préférence lesdites troisièmes cellules communiquant hydrauliquement entre elles en continue, et lesdites troisièmes cellules sont intercalées hydrauliquement entre la pompe et lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules, de sorte que la pression dans lesdites troisièmes cellules varie entre la pression de régulation et la pression de consigne lors des étapes a) à d).Advantageously, the mattress comprises at least a third series of cells, called third cells in communication with said pump and said first and second cells, of preferably said third cells communicating hydraulically with each other continuously, and said third cells are interposed hydraulically between the pump and said first and second cells, so that the pressure in said third cells varies between the control pressure and the set pressure during the steps a) to d).
Plus particulièrement, lesdites troisièmes cellules sont intercalées en amont des dites première et deuxième électrovannes.More particularly, said third cells are interposed upstream of said first and second solenoid valves.
Selon l'invention, on peut mettre en oeuvre une pompe de relativement plus faible débit et donc moins coûteuse par rapport aux pompes commandées par une horloge selon la technique antérieure car on calibrait les pompes en fonction du temps de mise en service , c'est-à-dire du temps de gonflage initial du matelas alors que selon l'invention on calibre la pompe uniquement en fonction du volume des cellules de chaque dite première et deuxième série à regonfler de P=0 à Pc, lequel est inférieure à la moitié du volume total.According to the invention, it is possible to implement a pump of relatively lower flow rate and therefore less expensive compared to pumps controlled by a clock according to the prior art because the pumps were calibrated as a function of the commissioning time; the initial inflation time of the mattress, whereas according to the invention the pump is calibrated solely according to the volume of the cells of each said first and second series to be inflated from P = 0 to Pc, which is less than half of the total volume.
Plus particulièrement, on choisit le débit de la pompe en fonction du volume des dites première et deuxièmes cellules pour obtenir un temps de cycles de 5 à 20 minutes pour des patients de 50 à 120 Kg.More particularly, the flow rate of the pump is chosen according to the volume of said first and second cells to obtain a cycle time of 5 to 20 minutes for patients of 50 to 120 kg.
La mise en oeuvre de ces troisième cellules permet de constituer une réserve de fluide qui vient compléter le volume de fluide transférer aux étapes b) et d), ce qui permet de mettre en oeuvre une pompe de plus petit débit.The implementation of these third cells makes it possible to constitute a reserve of fluid which completes the volume of fluid to be transferred to steps b) and d), which makes it possible to implement a pump of smaller flow rate.
Avantageusement, le nombre des dites premières et deuxièmes cellules est inférieur à la moitié du nombre total de cellules dans le matelas, de préférence entre 1/3 et 1/2 du nombre total de cellules.Advantageously, the number of said first and second cells is less than half the total number of cells in the mattress, preferably between 1/3 and 1/2 of the total number of cells.
De préférence, ladite zone des premières et deuxièmes cellules couvre la zone du sacrum, et le matelas comprend des troisièmes cellules au niveau de la zone de pieds et de la zone de la tête. Plus particulièrement encore lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules sont au nombre de 4 chacune, 8 au total, dans ladite zone, et le matelas comprend 20 cellules dont 3 en zone de pieds, et 7 en zone de tête.Preferably, said area of the first and second cells covers the sacrum area, and the mattress comprises third cells at the foot area and the head area. More particularly still, said first and second cells are number of 4 each, 8 in total, in said zone, and the mattress comprises 20 cells, 3 in foot zone, and 7 in the head zone.
La présente invention propose également pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé ci-dessus présenté un dispositif de gonflage d'un dispositif de support d'un patient à supporter, notamment d'un matelas ou d'un coussin pour supporter le corps d'un patient, comportant des cellules gonflables d'un fluide, en particulier d'air, le dispositif de gonflage comportant :
- desdits moyens de gonflage,
- des tuyaux de communication hydraulique reliant lesdits moyens de gonflage aux dites cellules gonflables,
- un dit capteur de morphologie apte à mesurer la contrainte exrecée par un dit patient sur lesdites cellules gonflables du dispositif de support, et déterminer ladite valeur de pression de référence, ledit capteur étant connecté aux dits moyens de commande des moyens de gonflage, et
- des moyens de mesure de la pression à l'intérieur desdites cellules gonflables, et
- des moyens de commande desdits moyens de gonflage,
- said inflation means,
- hydraulic communication pipes connecting said inflating means to said inflatable cells,
- a said morphology sensor capable of measuring the stress excreted by a said patient on the said inflatable cells of the support device, and determining the said reference pressure value, the said sensor being connected to the said control means of the inflation means, and
- means for measuring the pressure inside said inflatable cells, and
- means for controlling said inflation means,
De préférence, le dispositif selon l'invention comporte un capteur de morphologie apte à mesurer la pression appliquée par un dit patient sur lesdites cellules gonflables du dispositif de support, et déterminer ladite valeur de pression de régulation et dite valeur de pression de consigne, ledit capteur étant connecté aux dits moyens de commande des moyens de gonflage.Preferably, the device according to the invention comprises a morphology sensor able to measure the pressure applied by a said patient to said inflatable cells of the support device, and to determine said regulation pressure value and said setpoint pressure value, said sensor being connected to said control means of the inflation means.
De préférence le capteur de morphologie permet de déterminer et quantifier la pression d'interface exercée par le patient sur les cellules résultant de la masse de l'élément à supporter par les cellules d'un dispositif de support, laquelle provoque un déplacement de fluide et un enfoncement de l'élément à supporter dans les cellules provoquant une augmentation de la pression de fluide dans les cellules. Des dispositifs capteurs de morphologie sont connus de l'homme du métier comme mentionné ci-dessus, mais de préférence, ledit capteur de morphologie comporte au moins une cellule résistive de détection de force.Preferably, the morphology sensor makes it possible to determine and quantify the interface pressure exerted by the patient on the cells resulting from the mass of the element to be supported by the cells of a support device, which causes a displacement of fluid and a depression of the element to be supported in the cells causing an increase in the fluid pressure in the cells. Sensor devices for morphology are known to those skilled in the art as mentioned above, but preferably, said morphology sensor comprises at least one resistive force sensing cell.
Les moyens de mesure de pression à l'intérieur des cellules peuvent être par exemple des capteurs piezo électriques.The means for measuring the pressure inside the cells may be, for example, piezoelectric sensors.
Plus particulièrement, le dispositif selon l'invention comprend :
- desdites première et deuxième électrovannes reliées à des dites premières et respectivement deuxièmes cellules et dits moyens de gonflage, lesdites électrovannes étant aptes à permettre soit la communication ouverte avec la pompe et lesdites deuxièmes et respectivement premières cellules dans un état de l'électrovanne dit de repos, soit la mise à l'air libre des dites premières et respectivement deuxièmes cellules par mise en état de communication fermée avec la pompe et lesdites deuxièmes et respectivement premières cellules et communication ouverte avec l'extérieur, en état de l'électrovanne dit d'activation, et
- des moyens de détection d'arrêt de pompe connecté à un séquenceur apte à déclencher des commandes successives d'états d'activation ou de repos desdites électrovannes et apte à faire le choix des dites pressions de référence selon une séquence déterminée.
- said first and second solenoid valves connected to said first and second cells respectively and said inflating means, said solenoid valves being able to allow either open communication with the pump and said second and respectively first cells in a state of the so-called solenoid valve , ie the venting of said first and second cells by placing in closed communication state with the pump and said second and respectively first cells and open communication with the outside, in the state of the so-called solenoid valve. activation, and
- pump stop detection means connected to a sequencer capable of triggering successive commands of activation or rest states of said solenoid valves and able to make the choice of said reference pressures in a specific sequence.
Selon une autre caractéristique du dispositif de gonflage de l'invention lesdits moyens de gonflage comportent une pompe basse tension alimentée sous une tension de 12 volts alternatif.According to another characteristic of the inflation device of the invention, said inflation means comprise a low voltage pump powered at a voltage of 12 volts AC.
Préférentiellement, le dispositif de gonflage de l'invention comporte également une alimentation 12 volts continu comportant un pont de transistors, ceci afin de générer la tension alternative desdits moyens de gonflage. Par ailleurs le dispositif de gonflage comporte également un capteur de morphologie, apte à mesurer la contrainte appliquée par un dit élément à supporter sur lesdites cellules gonflables du dispositif de support et un capteur de pression apte à mesurer la pression à l'intérieur desdites cellules gonflables.Preferably, the inflation device of the invention also comprises a 12-volt DC supply comprising a bridge of transistors, in order to generate the AC voltage of said inflation means. Furthermore, the inflation device also comprises a morphology sensor, able to measure the stress applied by a said element to be supported on the said inflatable cells of the support device and a pressure sensor able to measure the pressure inside the inflatable cells. .
Toujours selon l'invention, l'alimentation du dispositif de gonflage de l'invention comporte enfin une batterie d'alimentation apte à entretenir le fonctionnement du dispositif de gonflage en cas de coupure de l'alimentation secteur.Still according to the invention, the power supply of the inflation device of the invention finally comprises a power supply battery able to maintain the operation of the inflation device in the event of a power failure.
D'autres caractéristiques avantageuses du procédé et du dispositif de gonflage de la présente invention ressortiront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre réalisée à titre illustratif et non limitatif de la portée de l'invention en référence aux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :
- les
figures 1A et1B représentent un dispositif de support à cellules gonflable incorporant un dispositif de gonflage alterné pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de gonflage alterné de l'invention ; - la
figure 2 représente schématiquement la structure électrique d'un dispositif de gonflage alterné conforme à la présente invention, - la
figure 3 représente des courbes de variations de pressions dans un dispositif de support gonflable fonctionnant suivant le procédé de gonflage alterné de l'invention, - la
figure 4 représente des courbes de variations de pressions dans un dispositif de support gonflable fonctionnant suivant le procédé de l'invention, pour un individu de 125 kg et une inclinaison nulle du dispositif de support, - la
figure 5 représente des courbes de variations de pressions dans un dispositif de support gonflable fonctionnant suivant le procédé de l'invention, pour un individu de 125 kg et une inclinaison de 60° entre deux zones du dispositif de support. - la
figure 6 représente des courbes de variations de pressions dans un dispositif de support gonflable fonctionnant suivant le procédé de l'invention, pour un individu de 45 kg et une inclinaison de 60° entre deux zones du dispositif de support, - la
figure 7 représente des courbes de variations de pressions dans un dispositif de support gonflable fonctionnant suivant le procédé de l'invention, pour un individu de 45 kg et une inclinaison nulle du dispositif de support.
- the
Figures 1A and1B represent an inflatable cell support device incorporating an alternate inflation device for carrying out the alternate inflation method of the invention; - the
figure 2 schematically represents the electrical structure of an alternating inflation device according to the present invention, - the
figure 3 represents pressure variation curves in an inflatable support device operating according to the alternate inflation method of the invention, - the
figure 4 represents pressure variation curves in an inflatable support device operating according to the method of the invention, for an individual of 125 kg and a zero inclination of the support device, - the
figure 5 represents pressure variation curves in an inflatable support device operating according to the method of the invention, for a 125 kg individual and a 60 ° inclination between two areas of the support device. - the
figure 6 represents curves of pressure variations in an inflatable support device operating according to the method of the invention, for a 45 kg individual and a 60 ° inclination between two zones of the support device, - the
figure 7 represents pressure variation curves in an inflatable support device operating according to the method of the invention, for an individual of 45 kg and a zero inclination of the support device.
Dans les courbes de s
Sur les
Le matelas thérapeutique 11 est constitué de 19 cellules gonflables, lesdites cellules 12 étant disposées transversalement à la direction longitudinale du matelas. Chaque cellule est constituée de deux compartiments, respectivement un compartiment supérieur et un compartiment inférieur, lesdits compartiments supérieur et inférieur, en forme de boudin, communiquant entre eux à leurs extrémités.The
Le matelas 11 représenté sur les
- une zone de pied 11P, constituée des 3 premières cellules (cellules n°1 à 3),
Une zone médiane 11C,comportant 8 cellules (cellules n°4 à 11), et- une zone de tête 11T,
comportant également 8 cellules (cellules n°12 à 19).
- a
foot zone 11P consisting of the first 3 cells (cells 1 to 3), - A
median zone 11C, comprising 8 cells (cells 4 to 11), and - a
head zone 11T, also comprising 8 cells (cells No. 12 to 19).
La zone centrale 11C correspond à une zone gonflée selon un procédé de gonflage alterné de la présente invention.The
La zone centrale 11C comporte une première série de cellules, appelées premières cellules 12C1 (cellules n°5, 7, 9 et 11), et une deuxième série de cellules, dites deuxièmes cellules 12C2 (cellules n°4, 6, 8 et 10).The
Les cellules de chacune desdites première et deuxième séries 12C1 et 12C2, sont montées en série, c'est-à-dire en ligne, les deux séries étant montées en parallèle, alimentées par le même dispositif de gonflage 1.The cells of each of said first and second series 12C1 and 12C2, are connected in series, that is to say in line, the two series being connected in parallel, fed by the
Plus précisément, les cellules 12 du matelas 11 comportent, chacune, un orifice d'entrée et un orifice de sortie (non représentés). L'orifice d'entrée ou alimentation est situé à une extrémité du compartiment supérieur, dans la direction transversale du matelas, l'orifice de sortie ou évacuation étant situé à l'extrémité du même côté du compartiment inférieur, dans la direction transversale du matelas (ou direction longitudinale de la cellule). Deux cellules adjacentes ont leurs orifices disposés à des extrémités opposées dans la direction transversale du matelas et appartiennent à une série différente de cellules.More specifically, the
Ainsi, sur la
Symétriquement, sur la
- d'une part, la deuxième électrovanne 142, à partir de laquelle la cellule n°4 du matelas, représentant la première cellule de ladite deuxième série de cellules 12C2, est alimentée, les autres cellules de la deuxième série de cellules 12C2, à savoir les cellules n°6, 8 et 10, étant alimentées en série, c'est-à-dire communiquant en série entre elles symétriquement et parallèle à ladite première série de cellules 12C1, et
- d'autre part,
un tuyau 13 alimente l'extrémité du compartiment supérieur du premier compartiment n°12 de la zone de pied, l'extrémité du même coté du compartiment inférieur de la deuxième cellule suivante de la zone de tête, à savoir la cellule n°14 à partir du pied du lit, étant alimentée à partir de l'extrémité du même coté du compartiment inférieur de la cellule n°12 et, ainsi de suite, en série sur la cellule n°16 puis l'avant-dernière cellule n°18 de la zone de tête 11T.
- on the one hand, the second solenoid valve 14 2 , from which the cell No. 4 of the mattress, representing the first cell of said second series of cells 12C2, is powered, the other cells of the second series of cells 12C2, namely
6, 8 and 10, being fed in series, that is to say, communicating in series between them symmetrically and parallel to said first series of cells 12C1, andcells - on the other hand, a
pipe 13 feeds the end of the upper compartment of thefirst compartment 12 of the foot zone, the end of the same side of the lower compartment of the second following cell of the head zone, namely the cell No. 14 from the foot of the bed, being fed from the end of the same side of the lower compartment of the cell No. 12 and, so on, in series on the cell No. 16 and the front- last cell No. 18 of thehead zone 11T.
On voit ainsi que les cellules de la zone de tête 11T et de la zone de pied 11P constituent des troisièmes cellules, qui sont situées en amont des première et deuxième électrovannes 141 et 142.It can thus be seen that the cells of the
Les électrovannes 141 et 142 ont été représentées disposées en ligne entre les tuyaux 13 et les orifices des premières cellules desdites première série 12C1 et deuxième série de cellules 12C2. Toutefois, elles pourraient être disposées dans un boîtier spécifique.The solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 have been shown disposed in line between the
Lesdites première et deuxième électrovannes 141 et 142 sont des électrovannes 3 voies, du type 3/2, tel que décrit précédemment. Sur les électrovannes 141 et 142, on a représenté les orifices latéraux de mise à l'air libre 14a. Leur changement de mise en état, entre leurs dit état d'activation et dit état de repos, est commandé par les transistors 61 et, respectivement, 62 du séquenceur 6 décrit ci-après.Said first and second solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 are 3-way solenoid valves of the 3/2 type, as previously described. On the solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 , there is shown the lateral vents of venting 14a. Their change of readiness between their said activation state and said resting state is controlled by the transistors 1 and 6, respectively, the
Lorsqu'une électrovanne est en état d'activation, seul l'orifice latéral de mise à l'air libre est ouvert. Lorsqu'une électrovanne est en état dit de repos, l'orifice latéral de mise à l'air libre est fermé et les deux autres orifices sont ouverts, communiquant, respectivement, avec la pompe et la première cellule de la série de cellules concernées par ladite électrovanne.When a solenoid valve is in the activated state, only the lateral vent port is open. When a solenoid valve is in the so-called rest state, the lateral orifice for venting is closed and the two other orifices are open, communicating, respectively, with the pump and the first cell of the series of cells concerned by said solenoid valve.
Plus particulièrement, lesdites électrovannes comprennent un corps principal comprenant une cavité interne cylindrique dans laquelle débouchent les deux dits premier et deuxième canaux internes, ladite cavité interne renfermant un noyau magnétique longitudinal apte à être déplacé dans ladite direction longitudinale axiale de ladite électrovanne, ledit noyau magnétique se déplaçant à l'intérieur d'une bobine d'induction s'étendant axialement, ledit noyau pouvant se déplacer entre, d'une part, une position d'ouverture dans laquelle le noyau est dégagé des extrémités desdits premier et deuxième canaux internes débouchant dans ladite cavité interne de manière à laisser passer le fluide à travers ladite électrovanne entre les extrémités de ces deux dits premier et second embouts et, d'autre part, une position de fermeture dans laquelle ledit noyau obstrue l'extrémité débouchant dans ladite cavité interne de l'un des deux dits premier et deuxième canaux internes de l'électrovanne de manière à empêcher la circulation du fluide à travers ladite électrovanne entre les extrémités de ces deux dits premier et second embouts.More particularly, said solenoid valves comprise a main body comprising a cylindrical internal cavity into which both said first and second internal channels open, said internal cavity enclosing a longitudinal magnetic core capable of being displaced in said axial longitudinal direction of said solenoid valve, said magnetic core moving within an axially extending induction coil, said core being movable between, on the one hand, an open position in which the core is disengaged from the ends of said first and second inner channels opening in said internal cavity so as to allow the fluid to pass through said solenoid valve between the ends of said two said first and second ends and, on the other hand, a closed position wherein said core obstructs the end opening into said internal cavity of one of said two said first and second internal channels of the solenoid valve so as to prevent the flow of fluid through said solenoid valve between the ends of said two first and second end.
Ce type d'électrovanne est appelé « électrovanne compacte en ligne » car les différents éléments constitutifs sont disposés selon un même axe que l'axe longitudinal de l'électrovanne.This type of solenoid valve is called "compact in-line solenoid valve" because the various components are arranged along the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the solenoid valve.
D'autre part, le passage du fluide à travers l'électrovanne entre ses premier et second embouts se fait toujours axialement selon le même axe longitudinal que celui de l'électrovanne, contrairement aux électrovannes 3 voies classiques dans laquelle l'axe du noyau et le déplacement du noyau sont en général perpendiculaires à un conduit de passage du fluide à l'intérieur de l'électrovanne.On the other hand, the passage of the fluid through the solenoid valve between its first and second ends is always axially along the same longitudinal axis as that of the solenoid valve, unlike the conventional 3-way solenoid valves in which the axis of the core and the displacement of the core are generally perpendicular to a conduit for the passage of fluid inside the solenoid valve.
Des électrovannes « compacte en ligne » de ce type sont décrites dans la demande de brevet en France
Cette organisation des différentes cellules 12 du matelas, en deux séries de cellules 12C1 et 12C2, montées en parallèle mais disposées de telle sorte que les cellules desdites première série 12C1 et deuxième série 12C2 se succèdent en alternance, et avec les deux séries pilotées par une électrovanne différente, permet de faciliter la mise en oeuvre du procédé de gonflage alterné selon l'invention, avec un encombrement minimal autour du matelas du réseau de tuyaux et autres moyens de communication hydraulique entre les cellules.This organization of the
Sur la
Avant t0, lesdites premières cellules 12C1 sont en phase de regonflage, ladite première électrovanne 141 étant en dit état de repos, permettant l'alimentation desdites cellules 12C1 par l'intermédiaire du tuyau 13 à partir du dispositif de gonflage 1. Simultanément, au regonflage des premières cellules 12C1, les deuxièmes cellules 12C2 sont en phase de dégonflage et, tel que représenté sur la
A t0, la pression détectée à l'intérieur des premières cellules 12C1 atteint la pression de consigne Pc déterminée comme étant supérieure d'environ 20% à la limite supérieure PRmax de la plage de régulation. Cette détection d'une pression Pc dans lesdites cellules 12C1 provoque l'arrêt de la pompe. Et, l'arrêt de la pompe déclenche la phase suivante (phase P.1) dans laquelle la deuxième électrovanne 142 est mise en état de repos. Ainsi, à partir de t0, dans la phase P.1, les deux première et deuxième électrovannes 141 et 142 sont en état de repos, la pompe est arrêtée. Et, la phase P.1 est une phase d'équilibrage par transfert d'air desdites premières cellules 12C1 vers les deuxièmes cellules 12C2 au cours de laquelle la pression dans les cellules 12C1 diminue et la pression dans les cellules 12C2 augmente par simple transfert d'air sous l'effet de l'appui du patient.At t0, the pressure detected inside the first cells 12C1 reaches the set pressure Pc determined to be approximately 20% higher than the upper limit PRmax of the regulation range. This detection of a pressure Pc in said cells 12C1 causes the pump to stop. And, stopping the pump triggers the next phase (phase P.1) in which the second solenoid valve 14 2 is put in a state of rest. Thus, from t0, in phase P.1, the two first and second solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 are in a state of rest, the pump is stopped. And, phase P.1 is a phase of air transfer balancing of said first 12C1 cells to the second 12C2 cells during which the pressure in 12C1 cells decreases and the pressure in 12C2 cells increases by simple transfer of air under the effect of the support of the patient.
A t1, les moyens de mesure de pression 3 dans les cellules mesurent une pression dans les premières cellules 12C1 égale à la limite supérieure PRmax de la plage de régulation, alors que, simultanément, la pression dans les deuxièmes cellules 12C2 est inférieure à la limite inférieure PRmin de la plage de régulation. Ces conditions de pressions dans lesdites premières et deuxièmes cellules 12C1 et 12C2 déclenchent le redémarrage de la pompe sans qu'il y ait de changement de position des première et deuxième électrovannes 141 et 142.At t1, the pressure measuring means 3 in the cells measure a pressure in the first cells 12C1 equal to the upper limit PRmax of the regulation range, while, simultaneously, the pressure in the second cells 12C2 is below the limit. lower PRmin of the control range. These pressure conditions in said first and second cells 12C1 and 12C2 trigger the restart of the pump without there being a change of position of the first and second solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 .
A t2, la pression dans lesdites secondes cellules 12C2 atteint la limite inférieure PRmin et les premières et deuxièmes cellules 12C1 et 12C2 sont maintenues à une pression comprise dans la plage de régulation, ce qui déclenche un nouvel arrêt de la pompe et envoie un signal au séquenceur 6 de déclencher la phase suivante (phase P.2), dans laquelle la première électrovanne 141 est activée pour mise à l'air libre des cellules 12C1, permettant le dégonflage des premières cellules 12c1, tandis que la deuxième électrovanne 142 reste en état de repos. L'activation de la première électrovanne 141 s'accompagne d'un renvoi 63 d'information vers le comparateur des moyens de commande 4, lui donnant ordre de prendre la pression de consigne comme pression de référence pour le gonflage des cellules 12C2. Ceci déclenche le redémarrage et le fonctionnement de la pompe pour le regonflage desdites deuxièmes cellules tant que la pression détectée dans les cellules n'atteint pas la pression de consigne.At t2, the pressure in said second cells 12C2 reaches the lower limit PRmin and the first and second cells 12C1 and 12C2 are maintained at a pressure within the range of regulation, which triggers a new stoppage of the pump and sends a signal to the
A t3, la pression de consigne PC est atteinte dans lesdites deuxièmes cellules, ce qui déclenche l'arrêt de la pompe. Ce nouvel arrêt de la pompe déclenche la phase suivante (phase P.3), avec mise en état d'activation de la deuxième électrovanne 142 et dégonflage des deuxièmes cellules 12C2, et donc mise à l'air libre des deuxièmes cellules. L'activation de la deuxième électrovanne 142 s'accompagne d'un renvoi d'informations vers le comparateur des moyens de commande 4, qui comparera les pressions mesurées dans les cellules avec la plage de pression de régulation.At t3, the setpoint pressure PC is reached in said second cells, which triggers the stopping of the pump. This new stop of the pump triggers the next phase (phase P.3), with activation of the activation of the second solenoid valve 14 2 and deflation of the second cells 12C2, and thus venting of the second cells. The activation of the second solenoid valve 14 2 is accompanied by an information return to the comparator of the control means 4, which will compare the measured pressures in the cells with the regulation pressure range.
A t4, la détection de la pression maximale de régulation PRmax dans lesdites deuxièmes cellules 12C2, alors que la pression dans les premières cellules 12C1 est inférieure à PRmin, c'est-à-dire en dehors de la plage de régulation, déclenche la mise en marche de la pompe, sans changement d'état desdites première et deuxième électrovannes 141 et 142. Ceci provoque un ralentissement du dégonflage des deuxièmes cellules 12C2 et permet aux premières cellules 12C1 d'atteindre la plage de régulation à t5.At t4, the detection of the maximum control pressure PRmax in said second cells 12C2, while the pressure in the first cells 12C1 is less than PRmin, that is to say outside the regulation range, triggers the setting in operation of the pump, without change of state of said first and second solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 . This causes a slowing down of the deflation of the second 12C2 cells and allows the first 12C1 cells to reach the regulation range at t5.
A t5, lorsque la pression est à l'intérieur de la plage de régulation dans les deux premières et deuxièmes cellules 12C1 et 12C2, cela commande l'arrêt de la pompe. L'arrêt de la pompe commande l'activation d'une nouvelle phase du cycle (phase P.4) avec nouvelle activation de la deuxième électrovanne 142 mise à l'air libre des deuxièmes cellules 12C2. La nouvelle activation de la deuxième électrovanne 142 envoie un signal aux moyens de commande de la pompe de changer de pression de référence en comparant maintenant la pression dans les premières cellules avec la pression de consigne. Ceci provoque le redémarrage de la pompe pour effectuer le regonflage desdites premières cellules, jusqu'à ce que la pression de consigne soit atteinte dans lesdites premières cellules.At t5, when the pressure is within the control range in the first and second cells 12C1 and 12C2, this controls the stopping of the pump. Stopping the pump the activation of a new phase of the cycle (phase P.4) with new activation of the second solenoid valve 14 2 venting of the second 12C2 cells. The new activation of the second solenoid valve 14 2 sends a signal to the control means of the pump to change the reference pressure by now comparing the pressure in the first cells with the set pressure. This causes the restart of the pump to perform reinflation of said first cells, until the set pressure is reached in said first cells.
A t6, lorsque la pression de consigne est atteinte dans lesdites premières cellules, la détection de la pression de consigne dans lesdites premières cellules commande l'arrêt de la pompe et une nouvelle phase du cycle par mise en repos de ladite deuxième électrovanne 142, les deux électrovannes 141 et 142 étant au repos, ce qui permet de démarrer, comme au temps t0, une nouvelle phase d'équilibrage par transfert d'air des premières cellules 12C1 vers les deuxièmes cellules 12C2.At t6, when the set pressure is reached in said first cells, the detection of the set pressure in said first cells controls the stopping of the pump and a new phase of the cycle by resting said second solenoid valve 14 2 , the two solenoid valves 14 1 and 14 2 being at rest, which makes it possible to start, as at time t0, a new air transfer balancing phase from the first 12C1 cells to the second 12C2 cells.
A t0, t3 et t6, la mise en repos desdites deuxièmes électrovannes 142 à t0 et t6 et mise en repos desdites premières électrovannes 141 à t3 envoient un signal aux moyens de commande 4 de la pompe de comparer la pression à l'intérieur des cellules avec la pression de régulation, en l'occurrence une plage de valeurs PRmax-PRmin, comme fourchette de pression de référence. C'est pourquoi, lorsque le comparateur des moyens de commande 4 constate que les premières cellules à t1 et t2, et deuxièmes cellules à t4 et t5, sont dans la plage de régulation, alors que les deuxièmes cellules et premières cellules ne sont pas dans la plage de régulation à t1 et, respectivement, t4, il commande le redémarrage de la pompe à t1 et t4, et il commande l'arrêt de la pompe à t2 et t5 pour les raisons inverses, à savoir que les deuxièmes cellules 12C2 et premières cellules 12C1 sont dans la plage de régulation à t2 et, respectivement, t5.At t0, t3 and t6, the quiescence of said second solenoid valves 14 2 at t0 and t6 and quiescent of said first solenoid valves 14 1 to t3 send a signal to the control means 4 of the pump to compare the pressure inside. cells with the control pressure, in this case a PRmax-PRmin range, as the reference pressure range. This is why, when the comparator of the control means 4 finds that the first cells at t1 and t2, and second cells at t4 and t5, are in the regulation range, whereas the second cells and first cells are not in the control range. the control range at t1 and, respectively, t4, it controls the restart of the pump at t1 and t4, and it controls the stopping of the pump at t2 and t5 for the opposite reasons, namely that the second cells 12C2 and first 12C1 cells are in the regulation range at t2 and, respectively, t5.
Dans l'exemple représenté à la
Le dispositif de gonflage 1 est de façon préférée logé dans une zone de pied ou compartiment fermé 15 intégré, notamment couvert de mousse, intégré d'un dispositif de support 11 comme un matelas thérapeutique à cellules gonflables 12 tel que représenté à la
Le dispositif de gonflage 1 (
Par référence à nouveau à la
Conformément à l'invention, le dispositif de gonflage 1 comporte des moyens de détection 5 connectés aux moyens de gonflage 2 pour détecter un arrêt des moyens de gonflage 2. Ces moyens de détection 5 comportent essentiellement une simple porte logique inverseuse convertissant l'information d'arrêt des moyens de gonflage 2 en signal pour un séquenceur 6 de cycle alterné des changements d'état des électrovannes et changement des pressions de référence de l'élément comparateur des moyens de commande 4 de regonflage et dégonflage alternés des cellules gonflables du dispositif de support et aptes à piloter ces derniers.According to the invention, the
Le séquenceur 6 pilote les quatre phases du cycle alterné décrites ci-dessus sous la commande des moyens de détection de l'arrêt gonflage 5.The
A t0, phase n°1 (P.1) : le transistor 62 envoie un signal qui provoque la mise en état de repos de l'électrovanne 142, et renvoie de signal 63 vers le comparateur 4 pour prendre comme référence de mise en marche de la pompe, la pression de régulation.At t0, phase # 1 (P.1): the
A t2, phase n°2 (P.2) : le transistor 61 envoie un signal qui provoque la mise en état d'activation de l'électrovanne 141, et renvoie de signal 63 vers le comparateur 4 pour prendre comme référence de mise en marche de la pompe la pression de consigne.At t2, phase 2 (P.2): the
A t3, phase n°3 (P.3) : le transistor 62 envoie un signal qui provoque la mise en état de repos de l'électrovanne 141, et renvoie de signal 63 vers le comparateur 4 pour prendre comme référence de mise en marche de la pompe la pression de régulation.At t3, phase 3 (P.3): the
A t5, phase n°4 (P.4) : le transistor 61 envoie un signal qui provoque la mise en état d'activation de l'électrovanne 142, et renvoie de signal 63 vers le comparateur 4 pour prendre comme référence de mise en marche de la pompe la pression de consigne.At t5, phase # 4 (P.4): the
Ledit séquenceur est connecté au circuit de commande des deux électrovannes de vidange et remplissage des deux séries de cellules et aux moyens de commande du système de gonflage 4 pour faire commuter la régulation de la pression dite de régulation durant les première et troisième phases à la pression dite de consigne durant les deuxième et quatrième phases.Said sequencer is connected to the control circuit of the two solenoid valves for emptying and filling the two series of cells and the control means of the
Conformément à une caractéristique particulièrement avantageuse de la présente invention, les moyens de gonflage du dispositif de l'invention comportent une pompe basse tension 2 alimentée sous une tension de 12 volts alternatif, générée à partie d'une alimentation 12 volts continu.According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the inflation means of the device of the invention comprise a
De façon complémentaire, l'alimentation 7 peut également comprendre une batterie d'alimentation 10 apte à entretenir le fonctionnement du dispositif de gonflage en cas de coupure de l'alimentation secteur. Une telle batterie 10 peut s'avérer notamment utile lors des phases de transport d'un patient alité sur un dispositif de support à cellules gonflables, phases durant lesquelles l'alimentation du dispositif électronique de gonflage 1 doit être débranchée du secteur électrique, afin de d'entretenir pendant la durée du transport le procédé de gonflage alterné des cellules 12 du dispositif de support 11. Une telle batterie d'alimentation peut en particulier être de type Lithium-ion afin de présenter un encombrement réduit tout en présentant une capacité de stockage suffisante pour assurer une alimentation autonome au dispositif de gonflage de l'invention pendant une durée d'au moins deux heures.Complementarily, the
Pour fournir une tension d'alimentation alternative au dispositif de gonflage à partir d'une tension continue, le dispositif de l'invention comporte une alimentation 7 comportant un pont en « H » de transistors 8. Ce pont de transistors est commandé par un oscillateur à fréquence ajustable. C'est la fréquence de l'oscillateur 16 qui fixe la fréquence de la tension alternative du système de gonflage. Ce mode d'alimentation est avantageux car il permet d'optimiser le point de fonctionnement du système de gonflage et son rendement. La performance du système de gonflage est ainsi améliorée de 10% à 20% avec une consommation d'énergie électrique réduite.To provide an AC supply voltage to the inflator from a DC voltage, the device of the invention comprises a
Le dispositif de gonflage de la présente invention comporte enfin de préférence, dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, un capteur de morphologie 9 placé sous le matelas 11, apte à mesurer les contraintes appliquée par le corps d'un patient alité sur les cellules gonflables 12 du dispositif de support 11, ledit capteur de morphologie 9 comportant dans un mode de réalisation préféré de celui-ci au moins une cellule résistive de détection de force, notamment tel que décrit dans les demandes
Ces cellules, plus connues sous leur dénomination anglaise "Force Sensing Resistors" ou FSR (marque déposée) présentent une structure extrêmement simple et un prix particulièrement faible en comparaison d'autres composants électroniques ce qui confère au capteur de pression un prix de revient extrêmement réduit.These cells, better known by their English name "Force Sensing Resistors" or FSR (registered trademark) have an extremely simple structure and a particularly low price in comparison with other electronic components, which gives the pressure sensor an extremely low cost price. .
Par ailleurs, les cellules résistives de détection de force, qui sont des composants électroniques dont l'impédance décroît d'autant plus que l'intensité d'une force appliquée perpendiculairement sur leur surface augmente, sont peu sensibles aux bruits et aux vibrations ce qui facilite la réalisation et l'exploitation des mesures. Leur large plage d'impédance permet également l'emploi d'une électronique d'interface et d'exploitation simplifiée comme l'est celle du dispositif de gonflage 1 de l'invention.Moreover, the resistive force-sensing cells, which are electronic components whose impedance decreases the more the intensity of a force applied perpendicularly to their surface increases, are not very sensitive to noise and vibrations which facilitates the realization and the exploitation of the measures. Their wide range of impedance also allows the use of interface electronics and simplified operation as is that of the
Le procédé de gonflage alterné de l'invention n'est appliqué qu'à certaines cellules gonflables 12 dudit matelas 11 dans une zone de support particulière de celui-ci, et en particulier uniquement aux cellules gonflables 12C de la zone de support centrale 11C du matelas 11 qui servent à supporter la zone sacrée d'un individu allongé ou assis sur le matelas 11, les cellules gonflables dans la zone de support du buste d'un patient 11T et celles de la zone de support des pieds 11P étant maintenues constamment entre la pression de régulation Pr et la pression de consigne compte tenu de leur montage en amont des électrovannes 141 et 142.The alternate inflation method of the invention is applied only to certain
Il convient de noter que la durée de gonflage et de dégonflage des cellules 12C1, 12C2 varie en fonction du patient. Elle est fonction de la morphologie du patient car elle dépend le temps de gonflage pour arriver à la pression de régulation nécessaire à bien le porter dans le matelas 11 et du volume d'air que prend le corps en immersion dans les cellules gonflables 12C1, 12C2 de la zone de support centrale 11C du matelas.It should be noted that the inflation and deflation time of 12C1, 12C2 cells varies depending on the patient. It is a function of the patient's morphology because it depends on the inflation time to arrive at the regulation pressure needed to properly wear it in the
Cette variation des durées des phases de gonflage et de dégonflage au cours du procédé de gonflage alterné de l'invention est par exemple mise en évidence par les courbes présentées aux
Il convient également de noter qu'une éventuelle inclinaison d'une partie du matelas 11 a également une influence sur la durée d'un cycle complet de gonflage et de dégonflage des cellules 12C1, 12C2. Une telle inclinaison intervient notamment de façon fréquente lorsque un matelas thérapeutique tel que le matelas 11 de la
Les
Comme il ressort donc des courbes présentées aux
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FR0758412A FR2922439B1 (en) | 2007-10-18 | 2007-10-18 | METHOD FOR ALTERNATE INFLATION OF AN INFLATABLE CELL SUPPORT DEVICE AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING IT |
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EP2050425A1 true EP2050425A1 (en) | 2009-04-22 |
EP2050425B1 EP2050425B1 (en) | 2014-12-24 |
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EP08166638.0A Expired - Fee Related EP2050425B1 (en) | 2007-10-18 | 2008-10-15 | Alternative inflation method of a support device with inflatable cells and device for implementing the method |
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US (1) | US8104126B2 (en) |
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US10660810B1 (en) | 2015-05-17 | 2020-05-26 | Thinair Surfaces Llc | Support apparatus and method with shear relief |
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CA2428225C (en) | 2000-11-07 | 2012-03-06 | Tempur World, Inc. | Therapeutic mattress assembly |
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WO2018146458A1 (en) * | 2017-02-07 | 2018-08-16 | Direct Healthcare Services Limited | Mattress system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2922439B1 (en) | 2010-12-10 |
US20090100604A1 (en) | 2009-04-23 |
FR2922439A1 (en) | 2009-04-24 |
US8104126B2 (en) | 2012-01-31 |
EP2050425B1 (en) | 2014-12-24 |
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