WO2005011555A1 - Appareil de support gonflable - Google Patents

Appareil de support gonflable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005011555A1
WO2005011555A1 PCT/GB2004/003238 GB2004003238W WO2005011555A1 WO 2005011555 A1 WO2005011555 A1 WO 2005011555A1 GB 2004003238 W GB2004003238 W GB 2004003238W WO 2005011555 A1 WO2005011555 A1 WO 2005011555A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inflatable
support apparatus
sensor
occupant
inflatable support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/003238
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Lee Sandbach
John Burkitt
Stuart Mark Walkington
Original Assignee
Eleksen Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0317627A external-priority patent/GB0317627D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0317628A external-priority patent/GB0317628D0/en
Application filed by Eleksen Limited filed Critical Eleksen Limited
Publication of WO2005011555A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005011555A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
    • A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
    • A47C27/083—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type with pressure control, e.g. with pressure sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
    • A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
    • A47C27/082—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type with non-manual inflation, e.g. with electric pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
    • A47C27/10—Fluid mattresses or cushions with two or more independently-fillable chambers
    • 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
    • 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
    • A61G2203/32—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for force
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to inflatable support apparatus, in
  • inflatable support apparatus comprising a plurality of inflatable
  • An inflatable support apparatus is designed to uniformly distribute the
  • the inflatable support apparatus comprises a plurality of inflatable
  • Such inflatable support apparatus can be found in the form of mattresses and cushions, used to prevent discomfort or injury to an occupant.
  • an inflatable mattress or cushion may be used to prevent the development of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers, to prevent an occupant from resting on a potentially injurious object or to modify the resting position of an occupant.
  • the inflatable support apparatus is fully inflated prior to the user adopting a rest position on the support surface of the apparatus.
  • a third party places a guide, for example one finger on top of another, between inflatable chambers.
  • the apparatus is then deflated until the occupant contacts the top of the guide at which instance deflation is stopped and the occupant considered to be immersed in the apparatus to a satisfactory degree.
  • the occupant may experience distress from such intimate presence of another person during this process.
  • regular monitoring of the degree of immersion is required. This is also performed using an upstanding guide between the base of the cushion and the occupant, potentially subjecting the occupant to repeated disturbance.
  • inflatable support apparatus for supporting an occupant comprising: a plurality of inflatable chambers, and sensing means arranged to detect a critical occupant immersion condition, said sensing means comprising a sensor and a yielding force transmitting component; said sensor comprising a first conductive plane, a second conductive plane and separator means between said first and second conductive planes penetrable by at least one of said first and second conductive planes to allow said conductive planes to make contact during a mechanical interaction, said force transmitting component operatively coupled with said sensor to provide said sensor with modified mechanical interaction triggering.
  • inflatable support apparatus for supporting an occupant comprising: a plurality of inflatable chambers, and sensing means arranged to detect a critical occupant immersion condition, said sensing means comprising a textile sensor; said textile sensor comprising a first conductive textile layer, a second conductive textile layer, and insulating separator means between said first and second conductive textile layers, penetrable by at least one of said first and second conductive textile layers, to allow said conductive textile layers to make contact during a mechanical interaction.
  • inflatable support apparatus comprising a sensor located within an inflatable chamber.
  • an inflatable support apparatus comprising a sensor located externally 11555
  • inflatable support apparatus comprising sensing means configured to raise an alert in response to detecting a critical occupant immersion condition.
  • inflatable support apparatus comprising sensing means configured to initiate inflation/deflation of an inflatable chamber in response to detecting a critical occupant immersion condition.
  • Figure 1 shows a typical sitting position
  • Figures 2A, 2B and 2C each show an occupant sitting on an inflatable cushion
  • Figures 3A and 3B each show a section view through an inflatable chamber of an inflatable support apparatus including sensing means
  • Figures 4A and 4B each show a section view through an inflatable chamber of an inflatable support apparatus utilising sensing means comprising a sensor having modified mechanical interaction triggering
  • Figures 5A and 5B show an inflatable mattress and an internal view of an inflatable chamber of the mattress
  • Figure 6 shows a conductive strip lattice sensor
  • Figure 7 shows a conductive strip lattice sensor in use in combination with an inflatable support apparatus having extensible inflatable chambers
  • Figure 8 shows a force transmitting component in use in combination with the arrangement shown in Figure 7
  • Figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate a sensor and force transmitting component arrangement in use in combination with an inflatable support apparatus having extensible inflatable chambers
  • Figure 10 shows differently shaped force transmitting components
  • Figure 11 shows a combined sensor and force transmitting component
  • Figure 1 shows a person 101 sitting on a seat 102. Person 101 experiences pressure increases within the body due to the stiffness and hardness of the sitting surface 103 of the seat 102. Whilst adopting the
  • ischial tuberosities ("seat bones" under the pelvic bone), located in region 104, thus the greatest pressure experienced is localised in this area.
  • Figures 2A, 2B and 2C Figures 2A, 2B and 2C each show a schematic of person 101 using an inflatable support apparatus, in the form of an inflatable cushion 201, with seat 102.
  • Inflatable cushion 201 comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers, such as inflatable chamber 202, in a matrix arrangement.
  • Inflatable cushion 201 comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers, such as inflatable chamber 202, in a matrix arrangement.
  • Chamber wall element 204 provides a matrix of 11555
  • Flexible chamber wall element 204 and base element 203 are both fabricated from air impermeable material and are hermetically sealed together around the edges only. This arrangement provides an air impermeable matrix of interconnected inflatable chambers that each comprise a chamber pocket provided by chamber wall element 204 and a
  • the inflatable cushion 201 is provided with a single inflation/deflation tube (not shown) by means of which the inflatable cushion 201 can be inflated and/or deflated.
  • each inflatable chamber extends substantially perpendicularly to the base element 203.
  • the cushion 201 is inflated and the base element 203 is placed on a substantially horizontal support surface, the inflatable chambers extend substantially upwardly.
  • the inflatable chambers of cushion 201 are configured to provide an occupant support surface.
  • the occupant support surface supports the areas of the body that would otherwise be supported directly by the surface upon which the inflatable cushion 201 is placed.
  • Inflatable cushion 201 is suitable for use with a wheelchair.
  • an occupant adopts a rest position upon the cushion 201. In adopting the rest 11555
  • the inflatable chambers of cushion 201 are interconnected in an arrangement that allows gas molecules to flow from one chamber to another. This allows variable distribution of air molecules throughout the cushion 201.
  • the distribution of the molecules throughout the cushion varies according to the posture adopted by the occupant. Where there is no loss of air from the cushion 201, one or more chambers will inflate as another chamber deflates. With this arrangement, the occupant support surface of inflatable cushion
  • Inflatable cushion 201 simulates a fluid surface, although not continuous, acting to distribute the weight of the occupant as uniformly as achievable over the contact area.
  • the shape of the occupant support surface is dependent upon the extent of inflation of the cushion, and the weight and shape of the occupant.
  • Inflatable cushion 201 is intended to be used whilst inflated to an extent that corresponds to a satisfactory degree of immersion of an occupant within the cushion. At a satisfactory degree of immersion, the distribution of the weight of the occupant across the occupant support surface produces a distribution of pressure that provides a beneficial reduction in the pressures and peak pressure experienced by an occupant. Maximum benefit of the cushion 201 is conferred when the occupant is immersed at an optimum degree of occupant immersion, which provides 11555
  • the maximum occupant support surface area over which the weight of the occupant is distributed to produce the optimum reduction in the pressures and peak pressure experienced by the occupant.
  • the occupant should be immersed deeply enough to be provided with a large support surface area but no so deeply that there is a risk that weight is not being supported by air within the inflatable support apparatus.
  • the condition in which weight is not being supported by air within the inflatable support apparatus is referred to as "bottoming-out".
  • the optimum degree of immersion is thus found within a range of satisfactory degrees of immersion. The further the degree of occupant immersion moves outside of the range of satisfactory degrees of immersion, the more the corresponding occupant support surface simulates the surface upon which the inflatable cushion 201 is placed.
  • Figures 2A to 2C shows person 101 sitting on cushion 201 at increasing degrees of occupant immersion.
  • Figure 2A shows person 101 immersed in inflatable cushion 201 at an insufficient degree of occupant immersion.
  • the cushion 201 is nearly fully inflated, thus person 101 is sitting on near fully inflated inflatable chambers.
  • the inflatable chambers provide an occupant support surface that supports person 101 in an area under the ischial tuberosities only.
  • the minimum floatation gap between the base element 203 of the cushion and person 101 which is indicated by arrow 205, is approaching the general height of the cushion 201 when fully inflated. 11555
  • the inflatable cushion 201 confers
  • Figure 2B shows person 101 immersed in inflatable cushion 201 at a
  • Cushion 201 is less inflated than
  • the contours of the occupant support surface complement the body contours of person 101.
  • the inflatable chambers provide an occupant support surface that supports all areas of the body that would otherwise be in contact with the sitting surface 103 of the seat 102.
  • the depth of immersion is shown.
  • Figure 2C shows person 101 immersed in inflatable cushion 201 at a
  • At least one of the inflatable chambers is in the collapsed condition; the extent of deflation of the chamber is such that any support provided by the chamber is provided by compressed structural components of the chamber rather than by the combination of the physical structure of the chamber and the action of gas molecules within the chamber.
  • the inflatable support apparatus In this "bottoming-out” condition, the inflatable support apparatus is referred to as having "bottomed-out”. In this example, the cushion 201 is nearly fully deflated, thus person
  • the inflatable cushion 201 does not confer any benefit to person
  • the extent of inflation required to achieve the optimum degree of occupant immersion for a particular inflatable support apparatus will vary according to the size and shape of the occupant.
  • a monitoring procedure is to be performed regularly, to determine that a satisfactory degree of occupant immersion is maintained.
  • air may leak from the inflatable support apparatus due to a puncture of an inflation/deflation valve being left open, and the degree of immersion may develop from satisfactory to detrimental. This change may go unnoticed by the occupant, for example because the occupant is unconscious or has suffered permanent nerve damage. It is to be appreciated that there may be little visual difference between a satisfactory degree of immersion and a detrimental degree of immersion.
  • Figures 3A and 3B Figures 3A and 3B each show a section view through an inflatable chamber, having a similar structure to inflatable chamber 202 of inflatable support apparatus 201, of an inflatable support apparatus including sensing means.
  • the sensing means comprises a sensor comprising a first conductive plane, a second conductive plane and separator means between the first and second conductive planes penetrable by at least one of the conductive planes to allow the conductive planes to make contact during a mechanical interaction.
  • the sensor is housed in the shown
  • Figure 3A shows a section through an inflatable chamber 301
  • the chamber 301 houses a
  • Textile switch 304 comprises a first conductive textile
  • textile switch 304 is substantially as described in European patent application no. 01 200 781 ⁇ currently assigned to the same assignee as the present application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Textile sensor 304 is located upon the internal surface of base element 302 and is positioned such that an aperture, such as aperture 308, in insulating separating component 307 lies approximately centrally under the closed end of the chamber pocket of chamber wall element 303.
  • an aperture such as aperture 308
  • the first conductive textile layer 305 is brought into contact with the second conductive textile layer 306, through aperture 308, at which 011555
  • the sensor 304 is triggered.
  • the sensor 304 is arranged to
  • FIG. 3B shows a section through an inflatable chamber 310
  • the chamber 310 houses an insulating separator sheet 313
  • the separator sheet 313 is disposed
  • conductive rubber chamber wall element 312 will be brought into contact with the conductive rubber base element 311, at which instance the sensor 310 is triggered.
  • elements of the sensor utilised to detect collapse of chamber 310 are provided by elements of the chamber 310.
  • Both the base element 311 and the chamber wall element 312 may incorporate conductive elements therein or have conductive elements applied to the internal surface thereof.
  • the elements may be fabricated from conductive rubber or neoprene, or may have a carbon based conductive coating applied thereto or have a conductive textile laminated thereto. Triggering of a sensor may be affected if the sensor or inflatable support apparatus is supported by an uneven surface.
  • Figure 3B
  • FIG. 3 shows a base element 316 providing an even support surface for the
  • Figures 4A and 4B The sensors in the arrangements shown in Figure 3A and 3B each utilise mechanical interaction triggering.
  • Figure 4A shows an inflatable chamber 401, having a similar
  • inflatable chamber 401 and comprises a first conductive layer 403, a second conductive layer 404 and a separating layer 405 penetrable by at least the first conductive layer 403, to allow the conductive layers to make contact during a mechanical interaction.
  • inflatable chamber 401 is provided with air flow constriction elements, such as air flow constriction element 406.
  • the air flow constriction elements are configured to restrict air flow from an inflatable chamber when an occupant moves rapidly and to allow air to flow from the inflatable chamber when an occupant moves slowly. This feature functions to maintain the occupant in a particular supported posture.
  • a cushion having this feature is available under the trade name Enhancer (RTM) Cushion, available from The ROHO Group, United States.
  • Two constriction elements for inflatable chamber 401 are located
  • the air flow constriction elements have been utilised to provide the separator layer 405 of sensor 401. In the shown arrangement, the air flow constriction elements are spaced apart to provide an aperture to allow contact between the conductive layers 403, 404.
  • the sensing means further comprises a yielding force transmitting component 407.
  • the force transmitting component 407 is operatively
  • the force transmitting component 407 is located upon the outer surface of the first (upper)
  • the force transmitting component 407 extends
  • the yielding force transmitting component 407 is compressed, however, the structural integrity of the force transmitting component 407 is such that it also transmits force to the first conductive layer 403.
  • the force transmitting component 407 forces the first conductive layer 403 into contact with the second
  • the sensor 402 is triggered as the chamber 401
  • a sensor having mechanical interaction triggering is used with an inflatable support apparatus to detect when a negligible floatation gap between the base of the apparatus and the occupant occurs.
  • a sensor having modified mechanical interaction triggering is used with an inflatable support apparatus to detect an imminent negligible floatation gap between the base of the apparatus and the occupant occurs.
  • a force transmitting component can be used with a sensor to adjust the magnitude of the floatation gap at which triggering of a sensor will occur.
  • critical occupant immersion condition is used to refer to a condition relating to the degree of immersion of an occupant within an inflatable support apparatus that the detection of is of interest to the occupant and/or a third party.
  • critical occupant immersion condition is intended to include at least the following conditions: the
  • Inflatable chamber 401 is part of an inflatable support apparatus for
  • the force transmitting component is required to yield, to feel soft
  • the force transmitting component is required to be soft enough
  • the force transmitting component is to be arranged in a way that minimises the risk of the component causing any condition that the inflatable support apparatus is being used to prevent.
  • the force transmitting component is
  • Such a force transmitting component may be fabricated from medium density foam.
  • Figure 5A shows an inflatable support apparatus, in the form of a
  • mattress 501 comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical inflatable
  • each chamber is an air proof closed environment provided with a unique inflation/deflation tube, for example tube 503 leading into chamber 502.
  • a unique inflation/deflation tube for example tube 503 leading into chamber 502.
  • each inflatable chamber can be connected to one of three inflation tubes 504, 505, 506 leading to an air pump 507, to form three groups of
  • each group of chambers is either inflated, deflated or neither inflated or deflated.
  • the chambers connected to air tube 504 are slowly inflated, the chambers connected to air tube 505 are slowly deflated and the
  • FIG. 5B A view inside inflatable chamber 502 is shown in Figure 5B.
  • a sensing arrangement 508 comprising a sensor 509 and a force transmitting component 510.
  • Sensor 509 and force transmitting component 510 are both elongate in form and extend along the length of
  • the sensing means of inflatable mattress 501 is configured to detect a mechanical interaction and also to provide an indication of the position of a mechanical interaction.
  • the construction and operation of sensor 508 is substantially as described in European application no. 01 200 781.1 , providing X and Y data (relating to the position of a mechanical interaction) and further providing Z data (relating to the extent of a mechanical interaction).
  • the Z data can be used to detect a critical occupant immersion condition and the X and/or Y data used to detect where that condition was detected.
  • the Z data can be used in pressure profiling and to detect peak pressure.
  • the Z data can be used to identify in which chamber a critical occupant immersion condition is detected and the X and/or Y data used to detect at what point along the chamber this condition was detected.
  • a critical occupant immersion condition may relate to an occupant's position or manner of movement.
  • the arrangement can be used to detect the centre of gravity of an occupant and can be used in profiling the pressure across the apparatus. Both of these may be used in posture correction or movement monitoring. For example a detected lack of movement over a period of time may indicate a requirement for the occupant to be turned or repositioned by a third party; for example a nurse, to reduce the risk of the occupant developing a pressure ulcer.
  • a function of an inflatable support apparatus having sensing means is to detect a change in pressure experienced by the occupant, in particular a sudden localised increase in pressure. This condition may occur for example when an occupant is moving from a reclined position to a sitting position. However, in practice, it is found that most transient occurrences of a detrimental occupant immersion condition pose no risk to the occupant. Thus, the data processing means arranged to process data derived from a sensor used with an inflatable support apparatus can be adjusted to ignore momentary triggering of the sensor.
  • An inflatable support apparatus may be provided with externally located sensing means arranged to detect a critical occupant immersion condition.
  • an inflatable support apparatus may be provided with retrofit sensing means.
  • the external surface of a member from which inflatable chambers of an inflatable support apparatus extend for example the external surface of substantially planar member of chamber wall element 204 of cushion 201, may be provided with a sensor.
  • the sensor may provide a single active sensing region or a plurality of active and inactive sensing regions.
  • Figure 6 shows a conductive strip lattice sensor 601 , providing a plurality of active sensing regions, for example active sensing region 602.
  • Conductive strip lattice sensor 601 comprises a plurality of
  • Conductive strip lattice sensor 601 defines aperture regions, such as
  • region 606 bound by conductive strips, to accommodate an inflatable chamber, for example inflatable chamber 202 of inflatable cushion 201.
  • Figure 7 A condition giving rise to a problem experienced using an external sensing layer with a type of inflatable support having a plurality of inflatable chambers is illustrated in Figure 7.
  • Inflatable support apparatus 701 is similar in structure to inflatable cushion 201 , having a plurality of interconnected inflatable chambers.
  • External sensing layer 702 comprises a conductive strip lattice sensor, such
  • Sensing layer 702 is shown fitted around the inflatable chambers of
  • the chamber wall element 706 of inflatable support apparatus 701 is fabricated from an extensible material, such as rubber. Under a component of force acting downwards on the inflatable chambers, indicated by arrow
  • each inflatable chamber balloons outwards until contact is made with one or more neighbouring inflatable chambers.
  • Figure 7 shows how
  • Figure 8 shows the arrangement shown in Figure 7 with the addition of tubular yielding force transmitting components, such as force transmitting component 801.
  • Each tubular force transmitting component is operatively coupled with an active sensing region, for example force transmitting component 801 is laid upon active sensing region 703.
  • the tubular yielding force transmitting components may be fabricated from silicone tube.
  • the tubular yielding force transmitting components function to provide active sensing regions of the sensing layer 702 with modified mechanical interaction triggering.
  • the tubular yielding force transmitting components are arranged in substantially parallel lines between rows of inflatable chambers. As neighbouring inflatable chambers 704, 705 balloon towards each other, they balloon around force transmitting component 801.
  • the load on the force transmitting component 801 applied by an inflatable chamber is distributed uniformly to the extent that triggering of sensing region 703 is prevented.
  • the uniform load distribution experienced by the force transmitting component 801 is overcome and the force transmitting component 801 yields to trigger
  • tubular force transmitting components are configured to distribute any load applied by the inflatable chambers to prevent triggering and to transmit occupant load applied to trigger the sensing means of the inflatable support apparatus. It is found that in seat cushion applications, tubular force transmitting components having a diameter in the range 3-10mm provide satisfactory functionality.
  • Figures 9A, 9B and 9C Figure 9A shows a section through an inflatable support apparatus
  • External sensing layer 902 comprises a sensor 903, in this example having active and inactive regions, and a force transmitting component 904 operatively coupled with the sensor 903.
  • the sensor 903 and force transmitting component 904 both take an elongate form and are positioned to extend between inflatable chambers.
  • Force transmitting component 904 is profiled along its length to provide block portions, such as block portion 905, and bridging portions, such as bridging portion 906.
  • the block portions are shaped substantially like a cube and the bridging portions are shaped substantially as an arch extending between block portions.
  • Figure 9B is an overhead view of a portion of inflatable support apparatus 901 , illustrating the location of force transmitting component 904 and the location of bridging and block portions relative to inflatable chambers.
  • the strip force transmitting component 904 is located between two parallel rows of regularly spaced apart inflatable chambers, with the chambers in alignment. Moving along the force transmitting component
  • bridging portions are located over regions where two inflatable
  • Figure 9C is an overhead view of a portion of inflatable support apparatus 901 showing inflatable chambers 907, 908, 909 and 910.
  • Bridging portion 906 is located substantially centrally between inflatable chambers 907 and 909. In use, all four inflatable chambers 907, 908, 909, 910 may balloon to make contact to the effect that the chambers are supporting each other in a substantially square formation, as shown in Figure 9C, over block portion 905. It is to be appreciated that the bridging portions yield more readily than the block portions under the same component of downward force. The bridging portions are located where the pressure experienced by the force transmitting component 904 is greater and the block portions where the pressure experienced by the force transmitting component 904 is lower.
  • the force transmitting component 904 supports ballooned inflatable chambers away from active regions of the sensor 903 but facilitates
  • Figure 10 Occupants of different weights and shapes may use an inflatable support apparatus. Since sensors having mechanical interaction triggering have an associated range of pressures that will cause mechanical interaction triggering, a sensor used with an inflatable support apparatus may respond differently with different occupants. Different shapes of force transmitting component may be utilised to modify the mechanical interaction triggering of the sensor. For example, a different shape of force transmitting component may be selected to adjust the exhibited sensitivity of a sensor.
  • Figure 10 shows different force transmitting components, each having a substantially uniform cross sectional shape The cross sectional shape of force transmitting component 1001 is substantially shaped like a semicircle adjoined to a rectangle, the semicircle extending from the centre along a length edge of the rectangle.
  • the component 1001 is configured to be used with the semicircle pointing towards a sensor; the semicircle acts as a force concentrating nodule. In use, the force concentrating nodule provides a local increased pressure adjacent an active region of a sensor.
  • the cross sectional shape of force transmitting component 1002 is
  • the component 1002 is configured to be used with the point of the "V” shape pointing away from a sensor, to provide a local decreased pressure adjacent an active region of a sensor.
  • the cross sectional shape of force transmitting component 1003 is substantially shaped like a "U” shape having a semicircle shape within the "U” pointing outwardly, with the ends of the "U” shape joined with the ends of the semicircle.
  • the component 1003 is configured to be used with the semicircle pointing towards a sensor; the semicircle acts as a force concentrating nodule.
  • Figure 11 shows a combined sensor and force transmitting component 1101 , for use in an external sensing layer application.
  • the component 1101 has a collapsible dome outer structure 1102. Inside the dome is a base layer of high density foam 1103 and a sensor 1104 supported by the base layer 1102.
  • the base layer 1102 functions to provide an even support surface for the sensor 1103.
  • the overhead internal curved section is filled with low density foam 1105.
  • the arch formation of the combined sensor and force transmitting component 1101 is configured to distribute load applied by an inflatable chamber into a uniform load pattern to prevent triggering and is configured to collapse under a downward load to trigger the sensor 1104.
  • Sensor 1103 may be a membrane sensor, such as a flexi-circuit switch.
  • a membrane sensor having a suitable construction is described in United Kingdom Patent No. 2 365 132 B.
  • Figure 12 shows two inflatable chambers 1201, 1202 fabricated from inextensible material, such as polyurethane or polyurethane coated textile, between which is located an external sensor arrangement 1203.
  • Inflatable chamber 1201 is shown inflated. Under an occupant load,
  • the inflatable chamber 1201 is unable to balloon outwardly, but instead the side walls crumple as the chamber collapses downwards. In addition, the chamber is able fall to one side, as indicated by arrow 1204.
  • Inflatable chamber 1202 is shown only partially inflated. In this condition, under an occupant load, the side walls of the chamber 1202 adopt a concertinaed profile. Thus, inextensible inflatable chambers display a different mode of collapse than extensible inflatable chambers. It is to be appreciated that the location of a sensor arrangement may vary according to the construction and arrangement of inflatable chambers to ensure effective operation.
  • Sensor arrangement 1203 comprises a base support member 1205 that provides an even support surface for a sensor 1206 placed thereon and a force transmitting component 1207 placed on the sensor. By varying the height of the base support member 1205 and/or the force transmitting
  • the mechanical interaction triggering of the sensor can be modified, for example to trigger whilst a chamber is deflating towards the collapsed condition rather than when the collapsed condition occurs.
  • Figure 13 shows the arrangement shown in Figure 12, with the
  • the sensor of the two sensor arrangements 1203, 1301 thus trigger under different occupant immersion conditions. With this arrangement, if fully inflated chambers begin to deflate under an occupant load, the sensor of the second sensor arrangement 1301 will be triggered before that of sensor arrangement
  • the two sensor arrangements 1203, 1301 may be used in operation where only one or both of the sensors of both arrangements 1203, 1301 are active at a particular moment.
  • the sensor arrangements 1203, 1301 may be used to provide a dual sensing function or two alternative sensing function.
  • a dual sensing function may be provided by operatively coupling a first force transmitting component and a second force transmitting component to a common sensor. The dual sensing function can be used in an initial procedure to determine that a satisfactory degree of occupant immersion is achieved when a cushion is first used.
  • the sensor arrangements 1203, 1301 may be arranged such that triggering of the second sensor arrangement 1301 indicates that the degree of occupant immersion has entered into a range of satisfactory degrees of occupant immersion, and triggering of the other sensor arrangement 1203 indicates that the degree of occupant immersion has developed into a detrimental degree of occupant immersion.
  • the sensor arrangements 1203, 1301 can be used to ensure that an occupant is immersed in an inflatable apparatus at a satisfactory degree of occupant immersion, without the requirement for a guide to be used by a third party beneath the occupant.
  • a dual sensing functionality may also be used in a monitoring procedure, to determine that a satisfactory degree of occupant immersion is maintained.
  • one sensor may be arranged to trigger under a critical occupant immersion condition corresponding to an occupant being in a reclined position, and the other sensor may be arranged to trigger under a critical occupant immersion condition corresponding to the occupant being in a sitting position.
  • the two sensor arrangements 1203, 1301 may each be arranged to trigger to detect different critical occupant immersion conditions.
  • one sensor may be arranged to detect an unsatisfactory occupant immersion condition corresponding to an average child using the inflatable support apparatus, and the other sensor may be arranged to detect an
  • Figure 14 shows a schematic of an inflatable support apparatus
  • Inflatable support apparatus 1401 comprises four groups of inflatable
  • Each group of chambers 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, is
  • tube 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409 is connected to one port of a multiport valve
  • the valve 1410 provides a switch between a first condition in which the
  • variable distribution of air between the groups of chambers and a second condition in which the groups of chambers 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405 are isolated from each other to prevent air flowing from one group of chambers to another.
  • Such an inflatable support apparatus may be used to ensure or correct an asymmetrical occupant posture.
  • the valve 1410 is in
  • the first condition and all of the groups of chambers 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405 are initially in the inflated condition.
  • the occupant to be immersed in the inflatable support apparatus 1401 is then located upon the groups of
  • each group of chambers 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405 may be inflated/deflated independently of the others.
  • Inflatable support apparatus 1401 may be fitted with sensing means.
  • the sensing means enables an alternative method of determining a satisfactory degree of immersion of an occupant.
  • the sensing means is arranged to a detrimental occupant immersion condition. Initially, the inflatable support apparatus is fully inflated prior to the user adopting a rest position on the support surface of the apparatus. Once the occupant is positioned, the inflatable chambers are allowed to deflate until the sensor is triggered. Thereafter, a predetermined volume of air is pumped into the apparatus to render the degree of immersion into a satisfactory degree of immersion. Alternatively, the inflatable support apparatus may be deflated prior to the user adopting a rest position and the sensor used to prompt a predetermined degree of inflation.
  • the sensing means can be used to determine whether a satisfactory occupant immersion condition is achieved in each quadrant of the apparatus 1401.
  • the sensing means may have mechanical interaction triggering that is modified differently for each quadrant.
  • Internal or external sensing means may be provided.
  • An active sensing region common to a plurality of inflatable chambers may be provided and/or one or more sensing regions unique to each group of chambers 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405.
  • a sensor having a continuous sensing region may be provided. Apertures may be defined in such a continuous area sensor to accommodate inflatable chambers.
  • an inflatable support apparatus may be provided with sensing means arranged to detect a critical occupant immersion condition. The detection of such a critical condition can be used to prompt remedial action.
  • an alert mode for example, on detection of a critical condition, an alert may be raised to prompt the occupant and/or a third party to perform a remedial act in response. Such an alert may be an audio and/or visual alert.
  • a remedial action mode for example, on detection of a critical condition, a signal may be sent to a controller unit to initiate inflation or deflation of one or more inflatable chambers.
  • An inflatable chamber may be inflated by means of an air pump or gas canister.
  • Figure 15 shows a convalescing person 1501 on a hospital bed
  • the hospital bed 1502 is provided with an inflatable support apparatus having a plurality of inflatable chambers interconnected into independent groups. Each group corresponds to a region of the support surface of the bed 1502, for example region 1503.
  • the inflatable support apparatus comprises sensing means arranged to detect a critical occupant immersion condition.
  • the sensing means is configured to send signals to a monitor 1504. In response to detecting a critical occupant immersion condition, the sensing means sends an alert signal to the monitor 1504 to the effect that a visual audio alarm is executed.
  • the sensing means is configured to send signals to an air pump 1505. In response to detecting a critical occupant immersion condition, the sensing means sends a react signal to the air pump 1505 to the effect that an inflation or deflation operation is executed.
  • sensing means in one mode of operation, in the event that the sensing means detects collapse of an inflatable chamber within the group of chambers corresponding to region 1503, an visual audio alert is raised to draw the attention of a hospital carer.
  • inflation of the group of chambers is automatically initiated and continued until the sensing means no longer detects the critical occupant immersion condition.
  • sensing means as described in combination with an inflatable support apparatus enables a correct degree of occupant immersion to be determined in a way that is not intrusive to the occupant.
  • the sensing means can be effectively utilised in the detection of deflating inflatable chambers, and thus is usable in the prevention of skin breakdown.
  • Portable inflatable support apparatus are known.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de support gonflable destiné à supporter une personne. Cet appareil comprend une pluralité de chambres gonflables, ainsi que des moyens de détection qui servent à détecter un état d'enfoncement critique de ladite personne. Ces moyens de détection comprennent un capteur et un composant de transmission de force élastique. Ce capteur comprend un premier plan conducteur, un second plan conducteur et des moyens de séparation qui sont placés entre le premier et le second plan conducteur et peuvent être pénétrés par au moins le premier ou le second plan conducteur pour permettre à ces derniers de faire le contact pendant une interaction mécanique. Le composant de transmission de force est couplé fonctionnellement avec le capteur de façon que celui-ci soit déclenché par une interaction mécanique modifiée. L'invention concerne également un appareil de support gonflable servant à supporter une personne, qui comprend une pluralité de chambres gonflables et des moyens de détection, ces moyens de détection comprenant un capteur textile.
PCT/GB2004/003238 2003-07-28 2004-07-28 Appareil de support gonflable WO2005011555A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0317627A GB0317627D0 (en) 2003-07-28 2003-07-28 Sensor
GB0317628A GB0317628D0 (en) 2003-07-28 2003-07-28 Sensor
GB0317627.8 2003-07-28
GB0317628.6 2003-07-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005011555A1 true WO2005011555A1 (fr) 2005-02-10

Family

ID=34117644

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/003238 WO2005011555A1 (fr) 2003-07-28 2004-07-28 Appareil de support gonflable

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2005011555A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006057860A1 (de) * 2006-12-08 2008-06-19 Helmut Mauer Schlauchummantelung
CN102429495A (zh) * 2010-09-13 2012-05-02 横滨橡胶株式会社 气泡坐垫
EP3099201A4 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2017-10-04 Roho, Inc. Capteur d'immersion de coussin

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2320347A (en) * 1996-12-04 1998-06-17 Hodgkinson & Corby Limited Inflatable cellular support cushion or mattress detector
US5815864A (en) * 1996-04-02 1998-10-06 Sytron Corporation Microprocessor controller and method of initializing and controlling low air loss floatation mattress
EP1052485A2 (fr) * 1999-05-12 2000-11-15 Brunel University Ensemble conducteur textile
US6154907A (en) * 1997-07-21 2000-12-05 Poly System Injection Pneumatic cushion having individually deformable cells

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5815864A (en) * 1996-04-02 1998-10-06 Sytron Corporation Microprocessor controller and method of initializing and controlling low air loss floatation mattress
GB2320347A (en) * 1996-12-04 1998-06-17 Hodgkinson & Corby Limited Inflatable cellular support cushion or mattress detector
US6154907A (en) * 1997-07-21 2000-12-05 Poly System Injection Pneumatic cushion having individually deformable cells
EP1052485A2 (fr) * 1999-05-12 2000-11-15 Brunel University Ensemble conducteur textile

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006057860A1 (de) * 2006-12-08 2008-06-19 Helmut Mauer Schlauchummantelung
DE102006057860B4 (de) * 2006-12-08 2012-06-28 Helmut Mauer Schlauchummantelung
CN102429495A (zh) * 2010-09-13 2012-05-02 横滨橡胶株式会社 气泡坐垫
EP2428195A3 (fr) * 2010-09-13 2013-01-02 The Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited Coussin d'air cellulaire
US8950768B2 (en) 2010-09-13 2015-02-10 The Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited Air cellular cushion
CN102429495B (zh) * 2010-09-13 2015-07-01 横滨橡胶株式会社 气泡坐垫
EP3099201A4 (fr) * 2014-01-29 2017-10-04 Roho, Inc. Capteur d'immersion de coussin

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