GB2310501A - Apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction - Google Patents
Apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2310501A GB2310501A GB9703463A GB9703463A GB2310501A GB 2310501 A GB2310501 A GB 2310501A GB 9703463 A GB9703463 A GB 9703463A GB 9703463 A GB9703463 A GB 9703463A GB 2310501 A GB2310501 A GB 2310501A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- cell
- pressure
- support surface
- base
- contact
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000006557 surface reaction Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010011985 Decubitus ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000004210 Pressure Ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000009530 blood pressure measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000474 nursing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N3/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
- G01N3/40—Investigating hardness or rebound hardness
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N2033/0078—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00 testing material properties on manufactured objects
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
- G01N2203/003—Generation of the force
- G01N2203/0042—Pneumatic or hydraulic means
- G01N2203/0044—Pneumatic means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
- G01N2203/02—Details not specific for a particular testing method
- G01N2203/022—Environment of the test
- G01N2203/0244—Tests performed "in situ" or after "in situ" use
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
- G01N2203/02—Details not specific for a particular testing method
- G01N2203/06—Indicating or recording means; Sensing means
- G01N2203/0617—Electrical or magnetic indicating, recording or sensing means
- G01N2203/0623—Electrical or magnetic indicating, recording or sensing means using piezoelectric gauges
Abstract
Apparatus 1 for measuring body support reaction by simulating interface pressure between a human body and a resilient support surface 2, such as a mattress, comprises a hollow structure 3 of known weight, having a lower surface 3a which has the shape of a truncated sphere and which provides a base 15. A pressure responsive cell 10 is disposed on the truncated base 15 of the structure 3 whereby it may be brought into contact with the support surface 2 to provide a signal corresponding to the increased pressure experienced by the cell as a result of its contact with the surface. As described the pressure responsive cell 10 is an inflatable cell provided with a piezoelectric pressure sensor 19 which senses increased pneumatic pressure within the cell. The structure 3 is open-topped. The surface 3a bears a plurality of vertically spaced circumferential markings 4-6, and circumferentially spaced sockets 7, 8, 9 are provided at the level of the respective markings. In operation, three depth selector stop rods 35 are inserted in say, sockets 9, so as to extend radially outwards from the surface 3a of the structure 3, and the apparatus is pressed down and into the surface 2, as indicated by arrow 36, until the stop rods 35 are brought into light contact with that surface. The interface pressure is shown on an electronic display 27.
Description
APPARATUS FOR MEASURING BODY
SUPPORT SURFACE REACTION
This invention relates to apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction by simulating interface pressure between a body, such as a human body, and a support surface, such as a mattress.
The invention has particular application to the prevention and treatment of pressure sores, which is a major nursing problem.
Different support surfaces provide different levels of support and it is desirable to determine the likely interface pressure between a human body and a support surface, without having to use pressure sensors inserted between the human body and the support surface.
According to one aspect of the invention, apparatus for measuring body support reaction by simulating interface pressure between a body and said support surface comprises a structure for placing on said surface, a pressure responsive cell disposed on the base of the structure, whereby it is brought into contact with said surface, sensor means for sensing increased pressure experienced by the cell as a result of said contact and operable to emit a signal indicative of said pressure, and display means operable by said signal.
The pressure responsive cell comprise piezo-electric pressure transducer means.
Preferably the pressure responsive cell is an inflatable cell, and the apparatus comprises means for inflating the cell, and the sensor means is responsive to the pneumatic pressure within the cell.
According to another aspect of the present invention a method of measuring body support reaction by simulating interface pressure between a body and said support surface, comprises use of a structure having a pressure responsive cell disposed on the base of the structure and bringing the cell into downward contact with the support surface whereby the increased pressure experienced by the cell causes a signal to be emitted which is indicative of said increased pressure.
The aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a side view, partly in section, and
Figure 2 is a fragmentary side view, partly in section, which illustrates a modification.
Figure 1 shows apparatus 1 for measuring body support reaction by simulating interface pressure between a human body and a resilient support surface 2, comprising a mattress, which may be inflatable.
The apparatus 1 comprises a hollow structure 3 of known weight, having a bottom surface 3a which has the shape of a truncated sphere which provides a base 15. The structure 3 is open-topped. The surface 3a bears a plurality of vertically spaced circumferential markings 4, 5 and 6.
Circumferentially-spaced sockets 7, 8, 9 are formed around the markings.
An inflatable cell 10 is disposed on the truncated base 15 of the structure 3 whereby it may be brought into contact with the body surface 2. The cell 10 is securely attached to the base 15.
The cell 10 is inflated by a manually-operated squeeze bulb 16 connected to the interior of the cell by a conduit 17. A vent valve 18 is fitted in the conduit 17 so that the interior of the inflatable cell may be vented.
A pressure sensor 19 senses increased pressure experienced by and within the inflatable cell 10 as a result of its contact with the support surface 2.
The sensor 19 is operable to emit an electronic signal, along signal line 20 to an electronic circuit 25 mounted on a board 26. The circuit 25 incorporates an upwardly-facing liquid crystal display 27. The display 27 is operable to give pressure readings in millimetres. The circuit 25 is powered by a battery 28 connected to the circuit by a switch 29.
In operation, three depth selector rods 35 are inserted in say, sockets 9, so that these elongate members extend radially outwards from the surface 3a of the structure 3. The rods 35 comprise exterior stop means.
The apparatus 1 is positioned so that the weight of the apparatus is not applied to the inflatable cell 10.
Next the switch 29 is closed and valve 18 is opened, so as to ensure that air is not trapped in the cell 10. This will cause the display 27 to give a minus reading.
The valve 18 is then closed and the bulb 16 squeezed until the display 27 gives a reading between 01.0 and 01.5 mm.
The apparatus 1 is now calibrated to commence simulated interface pressure measurements by carefully pressing the apparatus down and into the surface 2, as indicated by arrow 36, until the stop rods 35 are brought into light contact with that surface. The acquired interface pressure will now be shown on the display 27.
The positions of the rods 35 may be varied, to suit requirements.
Figure 2 illustrates a modification wherein the inflatable cell 10 is replaced by a pressure-responsive cell in the form of a resilient pad 40 incorporating piezo-electric means comprising a pressure-sensitive transducer 41. The piezo-electric transducer 41 is electronically connected to the circuit 25 of
Figure 1 by the sensor 19 and signal line 20, so as to operate the display 27 of that Figure.
Claims (14)
1. Apparatus for measuring body support reaction by simulating interface pressure between a body and said support surface comprises a structure for placing on said surface, a pressure responsive cell disposed on the base of the structure, whereby it is brought into contact with said surface, sensor means for sensing increased pressure experienced by the cell as a result of said contact and operable to emit a signal indicative of said pressure, and display means operable by said signal.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure responsive cell comprises piezo-electric pressure transducer means.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure responsive cell comprises an inflatable cell, the sensor means being responsive to pneumatic pressure within the cell.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, provided with means for inflating the cell.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure has a bottom surface having the shape of a truncated sphere, which provides the base of the structure.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the structure is hollow, and is open-topped.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, having stop means for limiting downward movement of the structure relative to the support surface.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said stop means comprise elongate members insertable into the structure so as to extend radially therefrom.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, provided with valve means for venting the interior of the inflatable cell.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the piezo-electric transducer means are incorporated in a pad disposed on the base of the structure.
11. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
12. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, modified substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2 of said drawings.
13. A method of measuring body support reaction by simulating interface pressure between a body and said support surface, comprising use of a structure having a pressure responsive cell disposed on the base of the structure and bringing the cell into downward contact with the support surface whereby the increased pressure experienced by the cell causes a signal to be emitted which is indicative of said increased pressure.
14. The method claimed in claim 13, wherein the structure used is of the form claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB9603738.7A GB9603738D0 (en) | 1996-02-22 | 1996-02-22 | Apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9703463D0 GB9703463D0 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
| GB2310501A true GB2310501A (en) | 1997-08-27 |
Family
ID=10789202
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB9603738.7A Pending GB9603738D0 (en) | 1996-02-22 | 1996-02-22 | Apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction |
| GB9703463A Withdrawn GB2310501A (en) | 1996-02-22 | 1997-02-19 | Apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB9603738.7A Pending GB9603738D0 (en) | 1996-02-22 | 1996-02-22 | Apparatus for measuring body support surface reaction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB9603738D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107449576A (en) * | 2017-09-19 | 2017-12-08 | 江苏沃荷乳胶科技有限公司 | A kind of device for being used to test latex bed mattress elasticity |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB986093A (en) * | 1964-01-23 | 1965-03-17 | Ford Motor Co | Seats and devices for use in their development |
| WO1995010762A1 (en) * | 1993-10-11 | 1995-04-20 | John Tracey Scales | Assessment of patient support systems |
-
1996
- 1996-02-22 GB GBGB9603738.7A patent/GB9603738D0/en active Pending
-
1997
- 1997-02-19 GB GB9703463A patent/GB2310501A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB986093A (en) * | 1964-01-23 | 1965-03-17 | Ford Motor Co | Seats and devices for use in their development |
| WO1995010762A1 (en) * | 1993-10-11 | 1995-04-20 | John Tracey Scales | Assessment of patient support systems |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107449576A (en) * | 2017-09-19 | 2017-12-08 | 江苏沃荷乳胶科技有限公司 | A kind of device for being used to test latex bed mattress elasticity |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9603738D0 (en) | 1996-04-24 |
| GB9703463D0 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |