KR102893392B1 - Bedsore preventing mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a bedsore prevention mattress, comprising: a plurality of air blocks arranged in a matrix form on a base; a flexible pressure sensing module arranged on the air blocks for measuring the body pressure of a user; a control pump module for receiving pressure data from the pressure sensing module and controlling the pressure of the air blocks; and an angle change detection sensor for detecting an angle change of the bedsore prevention mattress, wherein the control pump module analyzes the received pressure data to generate a body pressure map of the user, determines a bedsore risk area from the body pressure map, and controls the pressure of the air blocks to prevent bedsores.

Description

Bedsore Prevention Mattress {BEDSORE PREVENTING MATTRESS}

The present invention relates to a mattress for preventing bedsores capable of detecting pressure sensing modules and angle changes, and more particularly, to a mattress capable of preventing bedsores by detecting pressure applied to the body in real time using a flexible pressure sensing module and an angle change detection sensor.

The human body's skin swells when pressure deprives the capillaries of oxygen. When pressure is continuously and repeatedly applied to bony prominences, poor blood circulation can lead to skin necrosis and blocked blood vessels, which can lead to bedsores. Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and patients who have difficulty supporting themselves are particularly susceptible to bedsores due to prolonged periods of maintaining the same posture. To prevent bedsores, it's important to change positions regularly to relieve pressure on the body.

In conventional methods of preventing bedsores, medical personnel and nursing care workers identified the areas where the user's pressure was applied and carried out pressure relief activities in those areas.

However, the aging of the nursing care workforce and the increasing number of disputes between users and caregivers due to safety concerns are leading to a gradual decline in the number of medical and nursing care workers. Furthermore, conventional pressure ulcer prevention systems have limitations in accurately identifying the onset of pressure ulcers, and rely on passively relieving pressure on the user's body, which requires significant time and expense. Furthermore, because these systems are performed by nursing care workers, they struggle to consistently and continuously monitor the user's condition.

Meanwhile, air mattresses have recently been used to prevent bedsores to address these issues. Using air mattresses requires relatively little assistance from caregivers and allows for continuous pressure relief.

Conventional air mattress pressure control systems rely solely on pressure data from pressure sensors in contact with the body, making it impossible to accurately identify pressure points based on body curvature. This limits their ability to accurately assess the pressure exerted on the user's body, making it impossible to precisely control the air mattress's pressure to relieve pressure. Furthermore, conventional air mattress pressure control systems continuously control the air pressure within the mattress, potentially causing psychological and physical discomfort to the user.

Furthermore, while conventional technologies can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers to some extent, they fail to provide comprehensive and systematic functions that can address the challenges faced by both users and caregivers by inducing posture changes while customizing the patient's (patient's) ability to monitor for pressure ulcer development or potential pressure ulcer development. A new pressure ulcer prevention system capable of addressing these issues is needed.

The technical task of the present invention is to provide a mattress capable of preventing bedsores by detecting pressure applied to the body in real time using a pressure sensing module. Furthermore, the technical task of the present invention is to provide a bedsore prevention mattress capable of accurately detecting the pressure applied to the user's body.

The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, one embodiment of the present invention provides a bedsore prevention mattress, comprising: a plurality of air blocks arranged in a matrix form on a base; a flexible pressure sensing module arranged on the air blocks, which measures the body pressure of a user; a control pump module which receives pressure data from the pressure sensing module and controls the pressure of the air blocks; and an angle change detection sensor which detects an angle change of the bedsore prevention mattress, wherein the control pump module analyzes the received pressure data to generate a body pressure map of the user, determines a bedsore risk area from the body pressure map, and controls the pressure of the air blocks to prevent bedsores.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the control pump module can control the pressure of the air block for each preset mattress angle according to the angle change of the bedsore prevention mattress detected by the angle change detection sensor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the angle change detection sensor may be placed in an area where the user's back is located in the bedsore prevention mattress.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the air block may be placed in an area where the user's waist and buttocks are located and an area where the user's legs are located in the bedsore prevention mattress.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensing module may include an air block pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the air block, and a solenoid valve that adjusts the amount of air to control the pressure of the air block.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the control pump module can control the pressure of the air block by transmitting pressure data collected from the pressure sensing module to an external server and receiving pressure ulcer risk area information generated by the server.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the server can determine the user's posture by analyzing the pressure data collected from the pressure sensing module in two dimensions and three dimensions, create a human body pressure map of the user from the user's posture information, and generate information on the pressure ulcer risk area from the human body pressure map.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mattress capable of preventing bedsores by detecting pressure applied to the body in real time using a pressure sensing module can be provided.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the composition of the invention described in the description or claims of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a bedsore prevention mattress according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a bedsore prevention mattress according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing illustrating the configuration and arrangement of a bedsore prevention mattress according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4 and 5 are drawings specifically showing the area where bedsores occur in the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the shape of a detection surface for measuring changes in body pressure in a bedsore prevention mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected (connected, contacted, or coupled)" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected," but also cases where it is "indirectly connected" with another part in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term "module" includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrally formed component, or a minimal unit or portion thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a bedsore prevention mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a bedsore prevention mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration and arrangement of a bedsore prevention mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings specifically showing a bedsore occurrence site of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a shape of a detection surface for measuring a change in body pressure in a bedsore prevention mattress according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a bedsore prevention mattress (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an air block (110), a pressure sensing module (130), an angle change detection sensor (150), and a control pump module (170).

The air block (110) of the present invention can be arranged in a matrix form on a base.

The pressure sensing module (130) measures the user's body pressure and may have flexibility placed on the air block (110).

The angle change detection sensor (150) can detect angle changes in the anti-bedsore mattress.

The control pump module (170) can receive pressure data from the pressure sensing module (130) and control the pressure of the air block (110). The control pump module (170) can be configured to include a nozzle connection adapter (171) and a solenoid valve (173).

The control pump module (170) analyzes the pressure data received from the pressure sensing module (130) to create a user's body pressure map, and determines the user's pressure sore risk area from the body pressure map to control the pressure of the air block (110) to prevent pressure sores.

In addition, the pressure sensing module (130) may be configured to include an air block pressure sensor (131) that measures the pressure of the air block (110). Here, the air block pressure sensor (131) may be individually installed in a plurality of air blocks (110).

Depending on the user's body size, the body parts in which each air block (110) is arranged can be assigned rows and columns, and the air blocks (110) of specific parts can be alternately floated depending on the user's posture.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the air block (110) can be placed in the area that supports the user's lumbar to sacrum in the bedsore prevention mattress (100).

The user's heel area is the area where bedsores mainly occur. In order to prevent bedsores, the area must not come into contact with the pressure itself. To this end, it is recommended that the air block (110) be placed in the area where the user's legs and feet are positioned when lying on the bedsore prevention mattress (100).

For example, in the bedsore prevention mattress (100), the air block (110) placed in the area where the waist and buttocks are located is an air block in which polyurethane foams having three different densities are inserted, and may be provided in a three-tiered form. The size of the air block (110) in the first tier may be provided with a high-density polyurethane foam having a density of 60 kgf with a length (L) of 10 cm, a width (W) of 45 cm, and a height (H) of 5 cm. The size of the air block (110) in the second tier may be provided with a polyurethane foam having a density of 40 kgf with a length (L) of 10 cm, a width (W) of 45 cm, and a height (H) of 4 cm. In addition, the size of the air block (110) in the third tier may be provided with a memory foam having a density of 40 kgf with a length (L) of 10 cm, a width (W) of 45 cm, and a height (H) of 3 cm.

As shown in Fig. 2 of the air blocks (110) arranged in the area where the waist and buttocks are located, five may be arranged on the left side and five may be arranged on the right side. Among these, it is preferable that four air blocks (110) for supporting the lumbosacral region are arranged on the left side and four on the right side, and one air block (110) for preventing slipping of the lumbosacral region is arranged on the left side and one on the right side. The air blocks for supporting the lumbosacral region and the air blocks for preventing slipping of the lumbosacral region can prevent the phenomenon of shear force occurring when distributing the body pressure of the lumbosacral region (umbopelvic-hip) and adjusting the backrest angle.

The air block (110) placed in the area where the legs and feet are located in the bedsore prevention mattress (100) is also an air block into which polyurethane foam having three densities is inserted, and can be provided in a three-layered form, and the overall size of the air block (110) can be provided as 10 cm in length (L), 45 cm in width (W), and 12 cm in height (H).

And, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a polyurethane foam support block (120) is placed on the bedsore prevention mattress (100) where the air block (110) is not positioned.

Among the air blocks (110) placed in the area where the waist and buttocks are located, the lumbar support air blocks (8 units) are connected with a silicone nozzle connection adapter (171) and one solenoid valve (173) is connected so that air can be injected or discharged by pressure control of the control pump module (170).

Among the air blocks (110) placed in the area where the waist and buttocks are located, the anti-slip air blocks (2) for supporting the lumbar spine are also connected by a silicone nozzle connection adapter (171) and are connected by a solenoid valve (173), so that air can be injected or discharged by pressure control by the control pump module (170).

And, the air blocks (110) placed in the area where the legs and feet are located are connected to a pair of left and right air blocks (110) by a silicone connection adapter (171) and are connected to one solenoid valve (173). That is, the air blocks (110) located at the lower part of the mattress require three solenoid valves (173), and the solenoid valves (173) are connected to the control pump module (170).

In the bedsore prevention mattress (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the area where the user's bedsore occurs can be detected by calculating the pressure in each area of the mattress based on the pressure measured by the air block pressure sensor (131).

Referring back to FIG. 1, the control pump module (170) transmits the pressure data collected from the pressure sensing module (130) to an external server (200) and receives pressure ulcer risk area information generated by the server (200) to control the pressure of the air block (110).

This server (200) can determine the user's posture by analyzing the pressure information collected from the pressure sensing module (130) in two dimensions and three dimensions, create a human body pressure map of the user from the user's posture information, and generate information on areas at risk of bedsores based on the human body pressure map.

Additionally, the server (200) can send a warning signal to the user or guardian based on the user's lying posture and the elapsed time or determined risk pressure.

Additionally, the server (200) can check whether the user has fallen or is at risk of falling and send a warning signal to the user or guardian.

In addition, the server (200) can adjust the air pressure of the air block (110) based on the detected bedsore occurrence site.

To be more specific, the server (200) analyzes pressure data received from the pressure sensing module (130) to create a user's body pressure map, and determines the user's pressure sore risk area from this body pressure map to control the pressure of the air block (110) to prevent pressure sores.

Depending on the user's body size, the body parts in which each air block (110) is arranged can be assigned rows and columns, and the air blocks (110) of specific parts can be alternately floated depending on the user's posture.

In terms of pressure ulcer prevention solutions, pressure ulcer prevention pressure sensing technology enables monitoring and prevention of pressure ulcers in the disabled and elderly, real-time pressure status measurement through smart sheets and IOT platforms, and remote mattress control through applications is also possible.

Accordingly, it can be combined with a pressure module method that individually controls each air block and a freely bendable pressure sensor. For example, by continuously measuring the pressure of 16 to 20 air blocks (110) placed on a mattress, bedsores can be eliminated through pressure relief rather than pressure distribution. Furthermore, it is possible to provide over 100 bedsore prevention modes that induce deep sleep through skin massage and prevent bedsores. Furthermore, it can provide a monitoring function that prevents bedsores by presenting the posture cycle and pressure distribution of all patients in a large hospital.

Pressure ulcer risk areas can be selected from pre-determined specific areas of the human body based on the user's posture information. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, pressure ulcer risk areas are determined based on the person's lying posture. Pressure ulcers mainly occur in five areas when lying down (occiput, occipital bone, tailbone, heels, elbows, etc.), four areas when lying prone (forehead, pelvic bone, knees, instep, etc.), and five areas when lying on the side (side of the head, shoulder blade, pelvic bone, kneecap, peach bone, etc.).

Next, a specific pressure detection method is described as follows. First, the bedsore prevention mattress (100) can express the change in the derived pressure value in the form of particles. Here, the particles are coordinate points (x, y, z) of the motion plane expressed in 3D graphics. In other words, the particles are a virtual form used to express the change in the pressure value. Therefore, the bedsore prevention mattress can identify the change in the pressure value applied to the user's body in detail by expressing the change in the pressure value over time as the movement of the particles. In addition, the bedsore prevention mattress can integrate a modular pressure sensor with a modular air mattress having different resolutions.

Referring to Fig. 6, a detection surface can be formed according to the curved surface of the user's body. Here, the detection surface can be implemented in a polygonal shape that is expressed three-dimensionally and three-dimensionally using computer graphics technology. In other words, the detection surface is a virtual 3D representation of the user's body curve. As illustrated in Fig. 6, when the user lies on the left side, the detection surface can be formed according to the body curvature. At this time, the bedsore prevention mattress can measure the pressure value converted into the form of particle momentum using the detection surface expressed in the form of a polygon. In other words, the bedsore prevention mattress can determine the pressure value converted into a virtual 3D shape using the detection surface converted into a virtual 3D shape. As such, the bedsore prevention mattress can resolve the accuracy error in determining whether bedsores occur, which occurs when a conventional pressure sensor only analyzes the pressure value applied to a protruding part of the user's body that comes into contact with the user's body.

The angle change detection sensor (150) can be placed in the area where the user's back is located in the bedsore prevention mattress (100), as shown in FIG. 2.

The control pump module (170) according to the present embodiment can control the pressure of the air blocks (110) for each preset mattress angle according to the angle change of the bedsore prevention mattress (100) detected by the angle change detection sensor (150).

For example, when the backrest portion of the bedsore prevention mattress (100) is lifted and the angle change detection sensor (150) detects this, the control pump module (170) can control the pressure of the air blocks (110) arranged in the area where the waist and buttocks are located. When the backrest portion is lifted, a folding part is created in the backrest frame and the buttocks frame, and the mattress on the frame also folds at the corresponding part. Due to this phenomenon, the mattress on the frame also folds, and as a result, the foam support block (120) is roundly spread out by the distance between the folding joint center of the frame and the folding center of the foam support block (120) and is lifted from the frame. This problem can be solved through the control operation of the control pump module (170) as described above.

The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims set forth below, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

In anti-bedsore mattresses,
A plurality of air blocks arranged in a matrix shape on the base,
A flexible pressure sensing module that measures the user's body pressure and is placed on the air block,
A control pump module that receives pressure data from the pressure sensing module and controls the pressure of the air block,
Including an angle change detection sensor that detects an angle change of the above bedsore prevention mattress,
The above air blocks are placed in the area where the user's waist and buttocks are located, and in the area where the legs are located.
A bedsore prevention mattress characterized in that the control pump module analyzes the received pressure data to create a user's human body pressure map, determines a bedsore risk area from the human body pressure map, and controls the pressure of the air block to prevent bedsores, and controls the pressure of the air block according to a preset angle change of the bedsore prevention mattress detected by the angle change detection sensor.
In the first paragraph,
The above control pump module,
An anti-bedsore mattress characterized in that, when the angle change detection sensor detects that the backrest portion of the anti-bedsore mattress is raised, the pressure of the air block placed in the area where the lower back and buttocks are located is controlled.
In the second paragraph,
The air block placed in the area where the waist and buttocks are located is
An anti-bedsore mattress comprising four air blocks for lumbar support arranged on the left and four on the right, and one air block for lumbar slip prevention arranged on the left and one on the right.
In the third paragraph,
A bedsore prevention mattress characterized in that a polyurethane foam support block is placed in a portion of the bedsore prevention mattress where the air block is not located.
In the first paragraph,
The above pressure sensing module,
An air block pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the air block,
An anti-bedsore mattress characterized by including a solenoid valve for controlling the amount of air to control the pressure of the air block.
In the first paragraph,
The above control pump module,
A bedsore prevention mattress characterized in that the pressure data collected from the pressure sensing module is transmitted to an external server, and the pressure of the air block is controlled by receiving bedsore risk area information generated by the server.
In paragraph 6,
The above server,
A bedsore prevention mattress characterized in that the pressure data collected from the pressure sensing module is fused and analyzed in two dimensions and three dimensions to determine the user's posture, a human body pressure map of the user is created from the user's posture information, and information on the bedsore risk area is generated from the human body pressure map.