PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE PLATFORM SYSTEM
The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system including a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable platform system.
The present application is based upon and hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,496, filed Jul. 25, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany different patient support systems and sleep platforms have been designed that utilize individual or group bladder control to support the sleeper. The health benefits and sleep benefits of reducing pressure points on the sleeper are well documented. To this end, the sleep platforms attempt to measure the force on a bladder, or a group of bladders, and reduce the pressure in the corresponding bladder(s) to effect pressure reductions in areas where high sleeper interface forces are detected.
Skinner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,478 describe a patient support having real time pressure control. Each bladder in this support is subtended by a force sensor that is able to sense a force that is transmitted through the inflatable bladder. The apparatus uses the force sensors to determine position and movement of a person lying on the bladders so that the bladder air pressure can be adjusted to match the person's position and movement. The apparatus controls individual bladder sections with individual pneumatic valves
Bobey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,698,765 describe a patient support having a plurality of vertical, inflatable bladders. The support system has an interior region that is defined by a top portion and bottom portion of a cover that define an interior region. Within the interior region can shaped bladders and force sensors are provided. The force sensors configured to measure pressure applied to one or more of the bladders. A separate sensor sheet is required to be external to the base and internal to the interior region that subtends the bladder region. Pressure transducers may be coupled to an individual bladder to measure the internal pressure of fluid within the bladder.
Gusakov, U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,501 describes an active mechanical patient support system that includes a plurality of actuator members that are controlled via a central processor. Associated with each actuator is a separate displacement transducer for determining the extension of the actuator. In addition, each actuator has a separate force sensor for determining the force on that actuator. A control means is provided to control the displacement of each actuator connected or integral to each actuator. In addition to individual force sensors associated with each individual actuator, a separate displacement transducer is utilized to determine the exact extension of each actuator member. This displacement transducer is required since the actuator is of a style that approximates a cylinder actuator. When loaded with a constant mass a cylinder actuator will maintain a constant subtended force measurement regardless of variations in the cylinder extension. Therefore, in order to determine the cylinder height, a displacement transducer is required.
Kramer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,735 describe a cellular person support surface. The support surface is composed of a plurality of inflatable cells, each of which has an associated pressure sensor corresponding to one of the plurality of inflatable cells. At the same time, each inflatable cell has one associated driver corresponding to one of the plurality of inflatable cells that is capable of inflating and deflating the associated cell. The patent requires an individual pressure sensor, as well as an individual inflation and deflation driver for each cell, or group of cells, that is being controlled. In the case of this patent, the sensors and drivers are located within the internal walls of the associated cell.
All of the existing patient support systems and sleep platforms suffer from the high cost and complexity associated with requiring individual control means, displacement transducers, and force sensors for each actuator. To mitigate this cost and complexity, some of these existing patient support systems and sleep platforms propose distributing both the control means and sensing means over multiple bladders or actuators. This requires that the multiple bladders or actuators be fluid coupled to one another and have one fluid stream interconnected between the multiple bladders. This results in a decreased ability to control and sense small areas of the sleep surface. The effect is an increased granularity in both sense and control of the sleep surface. Furthermore, the control means for controlling each actuators displacement is both expensive and complex. The primary function of the subtended force sensors is to determine sleeper location and position, as well as absolute sleeper weight.
In all of the existing patient support systems and sleep platforms, a pressure sensor that subtends an actuator or bladder, or group of actuators or bladders, continues to read a constant force as long as the sleeper maintains his or her position. Some existing patient support systems and sleep platforms attempt to reduce the actuator pressure when a determination has been made, via the subtended force sensors, that the associated actuator or bladder is being subjected to forces above some established threshold force. By reducing fluid volume in the corresponding bladder, the height of that same bladder is also reduced. Once the fluid volume is reduced so that the corresponding height of the bladder is reduced to a level equal or below the surrounding bladders, the load on the bladder is partially or fully transferred to the surrounding bladders. This results in a pressure reduction on the sleeper from the above threshold bladder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system and methods for adjusting the interface pressure between the support surface and an individual on the surface.
The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system. The platform system includes a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable platform system. In some instances, the connection plate and the distribution plate of an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus may be the same plate so that the distribution plate serves also as a connection plate. In such instances, there may be no separate connection plate such as a gasket plate in the pressure adjustable platform system. The pressure adjustable platform system may be a mattress, a chair or a seated support system. The pressure adjustable platform system may further have a cover, one or more layers of padding such as foam padding, or a bladder top plate. The bladders may be encased in a mesh on the bottom portion or bellowed on the bottom portion. The base plate may have recessed slots that correspond to the individual bladder positions, and the base plate may contain a fill port for one or more bladders. Fluid channels, tubes or conduits may convey fluids between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders.
In some instances, the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders. Also, one or more bladders may be attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane. The sidewall of the bladders may adjoin or touch the sidewall of adjacent bladders. In many instances, a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The plurality of bladders may be operably linked to a central processing unit for controlling filling thereof, and the central processing unit may be capable of detecting or monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform system. In many instances, the pressure adjustable platform system according is capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
In the present pressure adjustable platform system, each bladder is individually sensed, regulated, and controlled via a central processing unit. Besides the known benefits of reducing pressure points on a sleeper that can result in improved sleep and health benefits, the platform system can be configured to sense and store sleep data that can be used for future pressure sleep profiles that improve the sleeper's quality of sleep.
It is an object of the invention to incorporate the plumbing for each bladder into the body of the sleep system to minimize the need to plumb the system with individual tubes running to each individual bladder, and therefore reduce the complexity and associated cost of the plumbing while simultaneously increasing the reliability of the associated plumbing system.
An additional object of the invention is to reduce the complexity of the fluid distribution and sensing network between the sleep support and a single apparatus that incorporates both the multi-port fluid sensing, as well as the multi-port fluid distributing functions, an example of which is Codos, “Fluid Sensing and Distributing Apparatus” (FSDA), U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, herein incorporated by reference. In some instances, the FSDA valve body is fastened directly into the sleep support base plate to eliminate any tubing interconnections between the sleep support and associated apparatus. This objective is achieved by matching the FSDA apparatus flat distribution plate on which the inlet and output ports are located to a matching port plate on the sleep support. Fluid connections are achieved by mating these two parts and using any one of known means for ensuring a leak-proof connection. In some instances, the distribution plate of the FSDA can be directly built into the sleep support base plate thereby serving effectively as a connection plate and thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the combined sleep support and associated apparatus. A further object of the invention is to affect or control a larger number of bladders that are proportional to larger sleep areas, without significantly increasing the fluid distribution and fluid sensing complexity and associated costs. By incorporating the fluid channels into the sleep support base plate, additional bladders are accompanied by additional corresponding fluid channels into the base plate without adding any additional fluid distribution components.
It is another object of the invention to reduce the number of components associated with sensing the pressure and displacement for each individual bladder. The requirement that pressure sensors subtend individual bladders or groups of bladders, or the need to provide a measuring sensor for each individual bladder increases the complexity and cost of a sleep system. The added complexity associated with the need for multiple pressure sensors and/or displacement transducers has the added effect of reducing the reliability of the sleep system. By providing a sensor that can be multiplexed to all of the sleep system bladders through an apparatus such as an FSDA apparatus, it is not necessary to provide a large number of sensors that subtend the bladders of the sleep support. An individual sensor may be multiplexed to read, for instance, about 25, 50, 100, 150 or so individual bladders. As a result, in some instances, three sensors may be used for sensing about 150 individual bladders on a sleep support. Bladders communicate with the multiplexed sensor through integrated fluid pathways.
It is another object of the invention to reduce the number of components required for inflating and deflating associated bladders. Providing an individual driver or actuator for each bladder or gang of bladders increases the complexity, cost, noise, size, and response time of a sleep system. The added complexity associated with the need for multiple actuators or drivers has the added effect of reducing the reliability of a sleep system. By utilizing an actuator that can be multiplexed to all of the sleep system bladders through an apparatus such as an FSDA apparatus, the need for a large number of actuators that communicate with each bladder for this invention is eliminated. An individual solenoid control valve may be multiplexed to fill and deflate approximately 25, 50, 100, or 150 or so individual bladders. As a result, three solenoid control valves that are used in conjunction with an FSDA apparatus are used for controlling for instance, about 150 individual bladders on the sleep support.
It is an additional object of the current invention to eliminate wiring between the bladders and the force sensors. At the same time, the wiring for the actuators needed to increase and decrease pressure to the individual bladders is also eliminated. Instead of wiring, bladders communicate with the multiplexed actuators and sensors through the integrated fluid pathways. A single fluid channel connects each bladder to the external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and is the only conduit needed for sensing pressure in the bladder, providing fluid and exhausting fluid to the bladder.
It is another object of the invention to create a bladder that combines the characteristics of an extendable cylinder with the characteristics of an expandable bladder. An extendable and retractable cylinder maintains a constant internal pressure value regardless of its amount of extension for a given loaded mass. When subjected to a constant external load, an extendable and retractable cylinder transmits a force through a fluid channel connected to the cylinder that is proportional to the applied load. Reducing air in the cylinder only reduces the height of the cylinder without reducing the internal pressure. By contrast, when an expandable bladder is subjected to a constant external load, the bladder deforms in shape while transmitting only a small portion of the applied force through a fluid channel connected to the bladder. It is desirable to utilize a fluid coupled remote sensor to measure the force on a bladder in response to an applied load. A retractable cylinder style bladder achieves this result. It is also desirable to create a bladder that deforms so that it contacts adjoining bladders. This inter-bladder contact helps transfer loads to adjoining bladders while increasing lateral stability and decreasing lateral movement of the sleeper. An expandable bladder accomplishes this goal. It is therefore an object of this invention to combine these two bladder types into a single hybrid bladder.
Still another object of the present invention is to create a sleep support composed of bladders in which each bladder is individually sensed, regulated, and controlled via a central processing unit. Besides the known benefits of reducing pressure points on a sleeper that can result in improved sleep and health benefits, the sleep system can be configured to sense and store sleep data that can be used for future pressure sleep profiles that improve the sleeper's quality of sleep.
Below the padding 14 and cover 12 materials are provided hybrid pneumatic bladders with sidewalls 30 that are encased in a mesh 31 on the bottom portion of the bladder. The mesh 31 restricts a portion of the bladder from expanding outward by some limit when subjected to increasing internal air pressures. At the same time, the mesh 31 allows the same portion of the bladder to collapse upon itself As a result, this portion of the bladder transmits forces through a fluid conduit back to a pressure sensor when subjected to external loads. This may be similar to the manner in which a rigid wall pneumatic cylinder transmits forces through a fluid conduit when subjected to an external load.
The bladders are located on a base plate 24 that has recessed slots that correspond to the individual bladder positions. The individual bladders may be replaced by a group of bladders that are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane. This multiple bladder sheet may be molded as a single piece with the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs associated with individual bladder construction. The base plate 24 may have recessed slots corresponding to the multiple bladder configurations. The bladder may have any suitable diameter allowing for an increased or decreased number of bladders for a given mattress size. The end result of a greater number of bladders is a mattress having a larger number of sense and control points therefore decreasing the granularity of the sense and react function and increasing the control over the sleep area.
The bladders may be secured to the base plate 24 by a bladder top plate 18, which clamps the bladder to the base plate 24 by clamping the bladders' flange to the base plate 24. The entire bladder assembly rests on a box top plate 22. The box top plate 22 serves to seal the fluid conduits that are part of the lower side of the base plate 24, as well as provide structural support for the entire bladder assembly. The box top plate 22 forms the top surface of the box assembly 20, which provides structural support for the entire sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus, along with the associated sleepers.
Referring to
The detailed description is representative of one or more embodiments of the invention, and additional modifications and additions to these embodiments are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and additions are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. One skilled in the art may make many variations, combinations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A pressure adjustable platform system comprising a plurality of bladders, a base plate, a plurality of fluid channels wherein the fluid channels connect the bladders to an external sensor, and a connection plate.
2. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 is operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
3. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 is operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus via the connection plate.
4. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 3 wherein the connection plate is a gasket plate.
5. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 which forms a part of a mattress, a chair or a seated support system.
6. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 further comprising a cover.
7. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 further comprising one or more layers of padding.
8. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 further comprising a bladder top plate.
9. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the bladders are encased in a mesh in a bottom portion.
10. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the bladders are bellowed in a bottom portion.
11. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the base plate has recessed slots corresponding to individual bladder positions.
12. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the base plate contains a fill port for one or more bladders.
13. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders.
14. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein one or more bladders are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane.
15. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein a sidewall of a plurality of bladders adjoins or touches a sidewall of another bladder.
16. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is a pressure or force sensor.
17. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
18. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of bladders are operably linked to a central processing unit for controlling filling thereof.
19. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 18 wherein the central processing unit is capable of detecting or monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
20. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 18 capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
21. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of fluid channels are present in the base plate.
22. A pressure adjustable platform system comprising a plurality of bladders, a base plate, a plurality of fluid channels wherein the fluid channels connect the bladders to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus having an external sensor, and a connection plate.
23. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the connection plate is a gasket plate.
24. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 which forms a part of a mattress, a chair or a seated support system.
25. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 further comprising a cover.
26. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 further comprising one or more layers of padding.
27. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 further comprising a bladder top plate.
28. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the bladders are encased in a mesh in a bottom portion.
29. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the bladders are bellowed in a bottom portion.
30. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the base plate has recessed slots corresponding to individual bladder positions.
31. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the base plate contains a fill port for one or more bladders.
32. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the bladders.
33. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein one or more bladders are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane.
34. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein a sidewall of a plurality of bladders adjoins or touches a sidewall of another bladder.
35. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 21 wherein the sensor is a pressure or force sensor.
36. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
37. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the plurality of bladders are operably linked to a central processing unit for controlling filling thereof.
38. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 37 wherein the central processing unit is capable of detecting or monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
39. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 37 capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure adjustable platform system.
40. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22 wherein the plurality of fluid channels are present in the base plate.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 14, 2013
Publication Date: Jan 30, 2014
Inventor: Richard N. Codos (Warren, NJ)
Application Number: 13/826,814
International Classification: A47C 27/08 (20060101);