Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATENT APPLICATION SPECIFICATION
DYNAMIC SUPPORT APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to supporting a load. More specifically, the
present
disclosure relates to dynamically supporting a load.
BACKGROUND
Decubitus ulcers or pressure sores are areas of damaged soft tissue caused by
staying in a single position for a prolonged period of time. They often
develop where bones
within the body are close to the skin and pressure, or pressure in combination
with shear
and/or friction, is high. When sufficiently high, these contact forces inhibit
blood flow to
the contact area. Over time, this obstructed or partially obstructed blood
flow can lead to
pain, ulceration, osteomyelitis, local infection, and in extreme cases sepsis
or death. Other
factors, such as malnutrition, skin wetness, and conditions which reduce blood
flow or
sensation may also play a role.
Compounded on top of this, pressure sore treatment can prove to be very
expensive.
The average cost associated with a pressure ulcer in the United States was
reported to be
$48,000 in 2006. This accounts for approximately an 11 billion dollar annual
expenditure
on pressure ulcer treatment. The severest of pressure sores, categorized as
stage IV pressure
ulcers, can be even more costly. One study estimated the average cost of such
an ulcer to be
on average $127,185. Risk of re-injury is also quite high after a previously
developed
pressure sore has healed or in the process of healing.
Decubitus ulcers are particularly common among populations which have limited
mobility. Specifically, according to one study, nearly 40% of those with
spinal cord injuries
develop pressure ulcers. The true occurrence of pressure ulceration is,
however, likely
higher because pressure ulcers may be seen as signs of negligent care and are
therefore
under reported. Additionally, various studies have attributed about 5% of
deaths of
paraplegics and quadriplegics to complications from pressure sores.
Some methods and strategies for preventing pressure ulcers do exist.
Traditional
methods of mitigating the risk of pressure sores unfortunately tend to be
demanding and
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disruptive. Generally, traditional methods involve manual repositioning of an
individual.
This may not be an option for populations with limited or impaired mobility.
Another
approach for mitigating pressure sore risk is through the use of passive seat
cushions which
attempt to more evenly distribute pressure across the contacted area of a
supported person.
Such seat cushions, however, are often still not adequate to prevent pressure
sores on their
own. Consequentially, such systems may, for example, require a supported
person to tilt or
recline their seat at predefined intervals to relieve pressure. As such, they
are still relatively
disruptive. Active cushions also exist which mechanically or pneumatically
redistribute or
relieve pressure from a desired area. Such cushions are also not without a
number of
shortcomings. Among these shortcomings, many such pneumatic cushions include
interconnected bladders. If one such bladder is compromised, all of the
interconnected
bladders are compromised as well, and consequentially a person is left
uncushioned. In the
example of a wheelchair, this may lead to a person being supported only by the
hard seat
pan which can be injurious to the person, especially as they ride over bumps
and are jostled
about. The bladders of such seat cushions are not easy or cost effective to
replace. These
systems also tend to be bulky and may rely on a mobile source of power with
limited life.
SUMMARY
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
apparatus is disclosed. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at
least one
actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and
wherein the interior
volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a
support disposed
in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant
when the
interior volume is not filled with fluid sufficient to support the occupant.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the support is a foam support. Wherein the support includes a
plurality of foam
strata. Wherein each of the plurality of strata includes foam with a different
indentation
force deflection value. Wherein the plurality of strata configured wherein
they have
progressively increasing indentation force deflection values. Wherein the at
least one
actuator comprising a clamshell. Wherein the actuator includes a first face
and an opposing
bottom second face connected by a plurality of sides and the actuator includes
a seam on at
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least one of the plurality of sides. Wherein the seam is located substantially
at a midpoint
between the first face and the second face. Wherein the at least one actuator
is constructed
of polyurethane. Wherein the dynamic support apparatus comprising two
actuators.
Wherein the dynamic support apparatus comprising a first actuator and second
actuator
separated by a divider. Wherein the cushion comprising a void adjacent the two
actuators.
Wherein the void is disposed along a plane of the divider. Wherein the at
least one actuator
comprising pleated walls. Wherein the at least one actuator comprising a
baffle attached to
an interior first face of the at least one actuator and an opposing interior
second face of the
at least one actuator. Wherein the at least one actuator includes a pressure
relief valve.
Wherein the at least one actuator includes a first side and opposing second
side connected
by a side wall, wherein the first side is thicker than the side wall.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
is
disclosed. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one
actuator wherein
the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior
volume may be
configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid and the at least one
actuator includes an
orifice in a wall of the at least one actuator, and a sensor assembly, the
sensor assembly
including a housing portion in which a sensor is disposed, and a plug portion,
wherein the
housing portion disposed within the interior of the at least one actuator and
wherein the plug
portion is coupled to the housing portion through the orifice whereby an
airtight seal is
formed.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the housing includes a housing flange and the plug portion comprising
a plug
flange and wherein when the housing and plug portion are coupled together the
wall of the
actuator is compressed between the housing flange and plug flange. Wherein at
least one of
the housing flange and plug flange comprising a channel, the channel sized for
an o-ring to
be seated therein.
Wherein one of the housing and plug portion includes a groove and the other of
the
housing and plug portion includes a protuberance configured to pressure the
wall of the at
least one actuator into the groove. Wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.
Wherein the
housing and plug portion are coupled together via a threaded coupling. Wherein
the sensor
is configured to sense the distance from a face of the at least one actuator
to the sensor.
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In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
apparatus is discloses. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at
least one
actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and
wherein the interior
volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a
manifold
including a plurality of fluid pathways leading to a manifold port for each of
the at least one
actuators, and at least one valve, at least one sensor for each manifold port,
a pump in fluid
communication with the manifold, and a controller comprising a processor, the
processor
configured to monitor data samples from the at least one sensor and determine
a pulse
density modulation command for the pump based at least in part on the data
samples from
the at least one sensor for each of the at least one actuators, wherein the
processor
determines the pulse density modulation command by starting a pulse timer
during a first
pulse, computing a pulse time interval for each data sample, and commanding
the pump to
pump fluid when the pulse timer time is less than or equal to the pulse time
interval.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor. Wherein the at least one
actuator
includes an internal support for supporting a load when the interior volume is
not filled with
fluid sufficient to support the load. Wherein the data samples are subjected
to a low pass
filter. Wherein the data samples are subjected to a low pass filter having a
band width of
less than or equal to 0.1 Hz. Wherein the processor computing the pulse time
interval
comprises determining an error value based on a predetermined set point range
and the data
samples. Wherein the processor computing the pulse time interval comprises
determining if
the error value is above a predetermined maximum allowable error value and
setting the
pulse time interval to a predetermined minimum time value if the error value
is above the
maximum allowable error value. Wherein the processor computing the pulse time
interval
comprises increasing the pulse time interval as the error value decreases.
Wherein if the
error value is negative, the processor commands one of the at least one
actuator to be
vented. Wherein if the error value is negative, the processor suspends pumping
of fluid
until the error value is positive. Wherein if the error value is negative, the
processor sets the
pulse time interval to a predetermined maximum time value. Wherein if the
predetermined
set point range is a negative pressure range and the error value is negative,
the processor
sets the pulse time interval to a predetermined maximum time value. Wherein if
the
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predetermined set point range is a positive pressure range and the error value
is negative,
the processor suspends pumping of fluid until the error value becomes
positive.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
apparatus is disclosed. The dynamic support apparatus includes at least one
actuator
wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the
interior volume
may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, a fluid pump,
a manifold in
fluid communication with the fluid pump, the manifold having at least one
fluid flow path,
at least one flow path valve associated with each of the at least one fluid
flow paths, the
manifold comprising a manifold port for each of the at least one actuators, a
pressure sensor
configured to monitor pressure at each of the manifold ports and generate
pressure data
signals, a processor, the processor configured to: generate a pump command
causing the
pump to pump fluid; generate a manifold command governing the position of the
at least
one valve such that fluid communication is established between the fluid pump
and a
desired manifold port connected to a desired actuator of the at least one
actuator; monitor
the pressure data signals to determine if the pressure at the desired manifold
port is above an
over inflation target pressure; generate, upon determination that the pressure
is above the
over inflation pressure target, a deflation command governing the position of
the at least
one valve in the manifold wherein the desired manifold port is in fluid
communication with
atmosphere; and monitor the pressure data signals while the desired manifold
port is in
communication with the atmosphere to determine if the pressure at the desired
manifold
port is within a range of a target pressure.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the over inflation target pressure is equal to a sum of the target
pressure, plus an
overshoot margin, plus an additional margin. Wherein the addition margin is in
the range of
2mmHg-4mmHg. Wherein the processor is further configured to start a minimum on-
time
timer upon generation of the pump command and the processor is configured to
prevent
stopping of pumping until the minimum on-time timer reaches a predetermined
minimum
on-time value.
Wherein the minimum on-time value is 0.5 seconds. Wherein the processor is
further configured to start a wait timer upon determining the pressure is
above the over
inflation target pressure and after a predetermined wait period has elapsed,
the processor is
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configured to collect a post wait pressure data sample from the pressure
sensor. Wherein
the processor is further configured to compare the post wait pressure data
sample to a sum
of the target pressure plus the overshoot margin. Wherein the processor is
further
configured to generate a re-inflation command if the post wait pressure data
sample
indicates the pressure is less than the target pressure plus the overshoot
margin. Wherein
the processor is further configured to collect a vented pressure data sample
after generation
of the deflation command and compare the vented pressure data sample to a sum
of the
target pressure, plus a dead band pressure range, less the additional margin.
Wherein the
processor is further configured to start a post-vent wait timer if the vented
pressure sample
is less than or equal to the target pressure, plus a dead band pressure range,
less the
additional margin. Wherein the method further comprising generating a second
deflation
command with the processor if the pressure is greater than a sum of target
pressure plus the
deadband pressure range after a post-vent wait period has elapsed, the second
deflation
command governing the position of the at least one valve in the manifold
wherein the
desired manifold port is in fluid communication with atmosphere. Wherein the
processor
determining the pressure is within the target pressure range comprising
comparing a post-
vent wait period pressure data sample taken after the post-vent wait period
has elapsed to a
first pressure threshold and a second pressure threshold lower than the first
pressure
threshold and deteimining the pressure is within the target pressure range if
the a post-vent
wait period pressure data sample indicates the pressure is below the first
threshold, but
above the second threshold.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for
inflating
an actuator of a dynamic support apparatus is disclosed. The method includes
generating,
with a processor, a pump command, the pump command causing a pump to pump
fluid;
generating, with the processor, a manifold command, the manifold command
governing the
position of at least one valve in a manifold such that fluid communication is
established
between the pump and a manifold port connected to the actuator; monitoring
pressure data
samples from a sensor at the manifold port with the processor; detei
___________ liming the pressure is
above an over inflation target pressure; generating, with the processor, a
deflation
command, the deflation command governing the position of the at least one
valve in the
manifold wherein the manifold port connected to the actuator is in fluid
communication
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with the atmosphere; monitoring pressure data samples from a sensor at the
manifold port
with the processor while the manifold port connected to the actuator is in
fluid
communication with the atmosphere; and determining the pressure is within a
range of a
target pressure.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the over inflation target pressure is equal to a sum of the target
pressure, plus an
overshoot margin, plus an additional margin. Wherein the addition margin is in
the range of
2mmHg-4mmHg. Wherein the method further comprising: starting, with the
processor, a
minimum on-time timer upon generation of the pump command; and preventing
stopping of
pumping until the minimum on-time timer reaches a predeteiniined minimum on-
time
value.
Wherein the minimum on-time value is 0.5 seconds. Wherein the method further
comprising: starting, with the processor, a wait timer upon determining the
pressure is
above the over inflation target pressure; and after a predetermined wait
period has elapsed,
collecting a post wait pressure data sample from the pressure sensor. Wherein
the method
further comprising comparing the post wait pressure data sample to a sum of
the target
pressure plus the overshoot margin. Wherein the method further comprising
generating a
re-inflation command if the post wait pressure data sample indicates the
pressure is less than
the target pressure plus the overshoot margin. Wherein the method further
comprising:
collecting a vented pressure data sample after generation of the deflation
command; and
comparing the vented pressure data sample to a sum of the target pressure,
plus a dead band
pressure range, less the additional margin. Wherein the method further
comprising starting
a post-vent wait timer if the vented pressure sample is less than or equal to
a sum of the
target pressure and a dead band pressure range, less the additional margin.
Wherein the
method further comprising generating a second deflation command with the
processor if the
pressure is greater than a sum of the target pressure plus the deadband
pressure range after a
post-vent wait period has elapsed, the second deflation command governing the
position of
the at least one valve in the manifold such the manifold port connected to the
actuator is in
fluid communication with the atmosphere. Wherein determining the pressure is
within the
target pressure range comprising: comparing a post-vent wait period pressure
data sample
taken after the post-vent wait period has elapsed to a first pressure
threshold and a second
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pressure threshold lower than the first pressure threshold; and determining
the pressure is
within the target pressure range if the a post-vent wait period pressure data
sample indicates
the pressure is below the first threshold, but above the second threshold.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for
maintaining the pressure of an actuator of a dynamic support apparatus is
disclosed. The
method includes monitoring, with a processor, pressure data samples from at
least one
sensor associated with a manifold port of a manifold, the manifold port
connected to the
actuator; and detennining, with the processor, a pulse density modulation
command for a
pump in communication with the manifold, the pulse density modulation command
determined by starting a pulse timer during a first pump pulse, computing a
pulse time
interval for each data sample, and commanding the pump to pump fluid when the
pulse time
is less than or equal to the pulse time interval.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the actuator includes an internal support for supporting a load when
an interior
volume of the actuator is not filled with fluid sufficient to support the
load. Wherein the
method further comprising subjecting the data samples to a low pass filter.
Wherein the
method further comprising subjecting the data samples to a low pass filter
having a band
width of less than or equal to 0.1 Hz. Wherein computing the pulse time
interval
comprising detelmining an error value based on a predetermined set point range
and the
data samples. Wherein computing the pulse time interval comprising:
determining if the
error value is above a predetermined maximum allowable error value; and
setting the pulse
time interval to a predetermined minimum time value if the error value is
above the
maximum allowable error value. Wherein computing the pulse time interval
comprising
increasing the pulse time interval as the error value decreases.
Wherein the method further comprising commanding the actuator to be vented.
Wherein the method further comprising suspending pumping of fluid if the error
value is
negative until the error value becomes positive. Wherein the method further
comprising
setting the pulse time interval to a predetermined maximum time value if the
error value is
negative. Wherein the method further comprising setting the pulse time
interval to a
predetermined maximum value if the predetermined set point range is a negative
pressure
range and the error value is negative.
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Wherein the method further comprising suspending pumping of fluid if the
predetermined set point range is a positive pressure range and the error value
is negative
until the error value becomes positive.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
apparatus is disclosed. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion; at
least one
actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and
wherein the interior
volume configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid and the at
least one actuator
attached to an actuator fluid conduit in communication with the interior
volume; a fluid
pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet; a rotary valve including a
stationary portion
and a rotor, the rotor being a planar body having transversely disposed flow
paths recessed
into each of a first face and a second face of the rotor, wherein the first
face is opposingly
situated with respect to the second face, the flow paths terminating in valve
fluid ports; and
a processor for commanding a motor to rotate the rotor to at least a first
position in which
the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the atmosphere through the valve
and the
pump outlet is in fluid communication with the actuator fluid conduit through
the valve, a
second position in which the pump inlet is in communication with the actuator
fluid conduit
via the valve and the pump outlet is in communication with the atmosphere via
the valve,
and a third position in which the actuator fluid conduit is in communication
with the
atmosphere via the valve.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein the first, second, and third positions are spaced equal angular
intervals apart.
Wherein the motor drives the rotor in a single direction to align the rotor in
the first
position, second position, and third position. Wherein the motor drives the
rotor in a first
direction to align the rotor first with the first position, the motor drives
the rotor in the first
direction to rotate the rotor from the first position to the second position,
and the motor
rotates the rotor in the first direction to rotate the rotor from the second
position to the third
position. Wherein the motor may rotate the rotor clockwise to the first
position, the second
position, and the third position, and wherein the motor may rotate the rotor
counterclockwise to the first position, the second position, and the third
position. Wherein
the rotary valve is a multi-stable valve which maintains its position when
power to the
rotary valve is lost. Wherein the motor is a stepper motor. Wherein the rotary
valve is part
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of a manifold. Wherein an outer edge of the rotor is teethed. Wherein the
processor is
configured to rotate the valve in equal angular increments. Wherein the rotor
includes eight
fluid ports. Wherein the rotor is held between a first part of the stationary
portion and a
second part of the stationary portion. Wherein at least one of the first and
second face
include a recessed portion which does not contact the stationary portion.
Wherein the
stationary portion includes a valve interface.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-stable
rotary
valve is disclosed. The rotary valve includes a stationary portion including a
pump inlet
port, a pump outlet port, an atmosphere port, and an actuator port; a rotor
having a planar
body with transversely disposed flow paths recessed into each of q first face
and a second
face of the rotor, wherein the second face is opposingly situated with respect
to the first
face, the rotor captured between a first part of the stationary portion and a
second part of the
stationary portion, the rotor having at least one recessed portion which does
not contact the
stationary portion; and a motor arranged to impart rotary motion to the rotor
to rotate the
rotor to at least a first position in which the pump inlet port is in fluid
communication with
the atmosphere port through the valve and the pump outlet port is in fluid
communication
with the actuator port through the valve, a second position in which the pump
inlet port is in
communication with the actuator port via the valve and the pump outlet port is
in
communication with the atmosphere port via the valve, and a third position in
which the
actuator port is in communication with the atmosphere port via the valve.
Some embodiments of this implementation include one or more of the following.
Wherein an outer edge of the motor is teethed. Wherein the motor is a stepper
motor.
Wherein a fastener extend through the first part of the stationary portion and
through the
rotor to the second part of the stationary portion such that the rotor is held
between the first
part and second part of the stationary portion. Wherein the rotor includes
four fluid
pathways. Wherein the first face of the rotor includes a plurality of fluid
pathways and the
second face of the rotor includes a single fluid pathway. Wherein the first
face of the rotor
includes three fluid pathways and the second face of the rotor includes a
single fluid path
way. Wherein the motor is arranged to impart rotary motion to the rotor in
only a single
rotational direction. Wherein the rotary valve is a pneumatic valve. Wherein
the rotor
comprising a plurality of flow paths on the first face and at least one flow
path on the
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second face extending in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the
plurality of flow
paths on the first face. Wherein the rotor comprising: at least one flow path
on the first
face; at least one flow path on the second face; and two pass throughs
extending from the
first face to the second face for each of the at least one flow path on the
second face,
wherein the pass throughs being in fluid communication with an associated flow
path of the
at least one flow path on the second face.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
apparatus is disclosed. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion; at
least one
actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and
wherein the interior
volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid; and a
support disposed
in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant
when the
interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is
sufficient to support the
occupant.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic support
apparatus may comprise a cushion. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise
at least
one actuator. The at least one actuator may define an interior volume. The
interior volume
may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid such that said
fluid is sufficient
to support an occupant. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise a support
disposed in
the interior volume. The support may be configured to support said occupant
when the
interior volume is not filled with said fluid such that said support is
sufficient to support
said occupant.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dynamic
support
apparatus may comprise a cushion. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise
at least
one actuator. The at least one actuator may have an interior volume. The
interior volume
may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid such that said
fluid is sufficient
to support an occupant. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise a
stratified foam
support disposed in the interior volume. The strata of said stratified foam
support may be
defined by foams of differing support characteristics. The support
characteristics may be
indentation load deflections. The stratified foam support may have a total
volume less than
that of the interior volume. The stratified foam support may be configured to
support the
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occupant when said interior volume is not filled with said fluid such that
said fluid is
sufficient to support said occupant.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure a dynamic
support
apparatus may comprise a cushion. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise
at least
one actuator. The at least one actuator may define an interior volume. The
interior volume
may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid such that said
fluid is sufficient
to support an occupant. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise a foam
support inside
said interior volume. The foam support may have a volume less than that of the
interior
volume. The foam support may be configured to support the occupant when said
interior
volume is not filled with said fluid such that said fluid is sufficient to
support said occupant.
The dynamic support apparatus may comprise a baffle disposed inside said
interior volume.
The baffle may be configured to constrain the shape of said actuator in at
least one
direction.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; a dynamic support
apparatus may comprise a cushion. The cushion may be a foam cushion. The
dynamic
support apparatus may comprise at least one bladder. The at least one bladder
may be
disposed in at least one void in said cushion. The at least one bladder may
have an interior
volume. The interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled
with fluid such
that said fluid is sufficient to support an occupant. The dynamic support
apparatus may
.. comprise a stratified foam support in the interior volume. The strata of
the stratified foam
support may be defined by foams of differing indentation force deflections.
The stratified
foam support may have a volume less than that of the interior volume. The
stratified foam
support may be configured to support the occupant when said interior volume is
not filled
with said fluid such that said fluid is sufficient to support said occupant.
The dynamic
support apparatus may comprise a baffle disposed inside the interior volume.
The baffle
may be configured to constrain the shape of said at least one bladder in at
least one
direction. The dynamic support apparatus may comprise at least one sensor. The
sensor may
be configured to measure at least one characteristic of said fluid.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of
constructing an actuator for a dynamic support apparatus for an occupant may
comprise
coupling at least two pieces of material together to form said actuator such
that said at least
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two pieces of material define an interior volume. The two pieces of material
may also be
coupled together such that the surface of the actuator proximal to a contact
surface for the
occupant is free of seams which create a surface discontinuity in the contact
surface. The
method may also comprise providing a foam support disposed inside said
interior volume.
The foam support may have a volume less than said interior volume. The foam
support may
be stratified. The strata of the foam support may each be a foam with
different support
characteristics. The support characteristics may be indentation load
deflection values.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying
drawings
and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent
from the
description, the drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure with
reference to the
drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective, representational view of one embodiment of a
person
support apparatus with the top cover of the person support apparatus pulled
away to expose
the interior of the person support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a dynamic support
apparatus with the top cover of the dynamic support apparatus pulled away to
expose the
interior of the dynamic support apparatus;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an actuator in accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 4 shows a partial side view of an actuator including a supplementary
support in
accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 5 shows a partial side view of an actuator in accordance with an
embodiment;
FIG. 6 shows a partial side view of a seam of an actuator in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIG. 7 shows a partial side view of a seam of an actuator in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIG. 8 shows a partial side view of a seam of an actuator in accordance with
one
embodiment;
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FIG. 9 shows a partial side view of a seam of an actuator in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIGS. 9A - 9B show views of an actuator having two halves which may be formed
in the same piece of material as a clamshell;
FIG. 10 shows a partial side view of a seam of an actuator in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIG. 11 shows a partial side view of a seam of an actuator in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an actuator including a baffle in
accordance
with one embodiment;
FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of an actuator including a baffle taken
at 10-
10 of FIG. 12 in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 14 shows a close up view of a fluid port in accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 15 shows a side view of two actuators including fluid ports and actuator
channels in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 16 shows a cutaway view of an actuator including a stoma and an exploded
sensor assembly in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly including an 0-ring
seal
in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly including a groove
seal
in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 20 shows a side view of an actuator with a sensor in accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 21 shows a side view of an actuator with a sensor in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 22 shows a side view of an actuator including a baffle and a sensor in
accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 23 shows a side view of an actuator including a baffle and a sensor in
accordance with one embodiment;
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FIG. 24 shows a side view of an actuator and a sensor in accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 25 shows a block diagram of a person support apparatus in accordance with
one embodiment;
FIG. 26 shows a front view of an embodiment of a housing including an on-board
interface and a detachable interface in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 27 shows and exploded view of an example detachable interface in
accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of a controller in accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 29 depicts a perspective view of a number of components which may be
included in a controller in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 30 depicts a representational exploded view of an example manifold and
PCB
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 31 depicts a representational assembled view of the example manifold and
PCB shown in FIG. 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 32 depicts a view of a manifold in which various fluid pathways of the
manifold are shown in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 33 depicts a view of a manifold in which various fluid pathways of the
manifold are shown in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 34 shows an example pneumatic diagram of an example dynamic support
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 35 depicts a pneumatic diagram of a pneumatic system including a single
pump capable of delivering fluid from a reservoir to a destination in
accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 36 depicts a pneumatic diagram of a pneumatic system including a single
pump capable of delivering fluid from a reservoir to a destination in
accordance with one
embodiment;
FIG. 37 depicts a pneumatic diagram configured such that the flow paths in
communication with the inlet and outlet of the pump may be swapped in
accordance with
one embodiment;
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FIG. 38 depicts a pneumatic diagram in which a bypass valve is included in
accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 39 depicts a pneumatic diagram including a rotary valve in accordance
with
one embodiment;
FIG. 40 depicts a pneumatic diagram including a rotary valve in accordance
with
one embodiment;
FIG. 41 depicts a pneumatic diagram including a rotary valve in accordance
with
one embodiment;
FIG. 42 depicts a pneumatic diagram including a rotary valve in accordance
with
one embodiment;
FIG. 43 depicts a pneumatic diagram including a rotary valve in accordance
with
one embodiment;
FIG. 44 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a rotary valve assembly;
FIG. 45 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of rotor of a rotary
valve
.. assembly;
FIG. 46 depicts a top-down view of one embodiment of a rotor of a rotary valve
assembly;
FIG. 47 depicts one embodiment of an arrangement for imparting rotary motion
to a
rotor of a rotary valve assembly;
FIG. 48 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve interface;
FIG. 49 depicts a top-down view of one embodiment of a valve interface;
FIG. 50 depicts a top-down view of one example embodiment of a rotary valve
and
valve interface;
FIG. 51 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotary valve and
valve
interface taken at line A-A of FIG. 50;
FIG. 52 depicts a top-down view of one embodiment of a rotary valve and valve
interface;
FIG. 53 shows a chart of isopleth maps detailing the contact pressure of a
buttock
against a person support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
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FIG. 54 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used to
actuate actuators of a dynamic support apparatus in a pressure relief mode or
pattern in
accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 55 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of example steps which may be
used
to actuate actuators of a dynamic support apparatus in a pressure relief mode
or pattern in
accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 56 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used to
begin
a relief regimen upon a determination that a dynamic support apparatus is
occupied in
accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 57 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used to
power
down a dynamic support apparatus upon a determination that a dynamic support
apparatus
is no longer occupied in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 58 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of example steps which may be
used
to enter a transfer mode using a dynamic support apparatus in accordance with
one
embodiment;
FIG. 59 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used to
detect
a dynamic loading condition and enter a dynamic loading mode in a dynamic
support
apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 60 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used to
pause
a dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 61 depicts a remote interface which may be used to control and or
configure a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 62 depicts a remote interface which may be used to control and or
configure a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 63 depicts a remote interface which may be used to control and or
configure a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 64 depicts a remote interface which is in wireless communication with a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 65 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
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FIG. 66 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 67 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 68 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 69 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 70 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface =for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 71 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 72 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 73 depicts a graph which may be displayed on a user interface for a
dynamic
support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 74 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 75 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 76 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 77 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 78 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface =for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 79 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 80 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;
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FIG. 81 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment; and
FIG. 82 depicts a screen which may be displayed on a remote interface for a
dynamic support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 83A depicts a flowchart which details a number of example steps that may
be
used to deflate an actuator based on a pressure set point;
FIG. 83B depicts an example pressure over time plot depicting pressure samples
from a pressure sensor monitoring pressure at a manifold port leading to an
actuator;
FIG. 84 depicts a flowchart which details a number of example steps that may
be
used to inflate an actuator based on a pressure set point;
FIGS. 85A-85B depict a flowchart which details a number of example steps that
may be used to inflate an actuator based on a pressure set point;
FIG. 85C depicts an example pressure over time plot depicting pressure samples
from a pressure sensor monitoring pressure at a manifold port leading to an
actuator;
FIG. 86 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of example steps which may be
used
to detect an error or fault condition when pumping fluid to or from an
actuator;
FIG. 87 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of example steps which may be
used
to detect an error or fault condition when monitoring the pressure of an
actuator;
FIG. 88 depicts a flowchart detail a number of example steps which may be used
to
detected an occlusion in a fluid line extending from a manifold port to an
actuator of a
dynamic support apparatus;
FIG. 89 depicts a flow diagram of one embodiment of the methods for
maintaining
the baseline pressure of the one or more actuators;
FIG. 90 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment for a leak detection control
mode; and
FIG. 91 depicts a schematic view of another embodiment for the leak detection
mode;
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a dynamic support
apparatus 10 with the top cover 12 of the dynamic support apparatus 10 pulled
away to
expose the interior of the dynamic support apparatus 10. The dynamic support
apparatus 10
may be a person support apparatus utilized to provide support with more
uniform pressure
distribution and greater comfort to a seated or supine individual. For
example, the dynamic
support apparatus 10 may be or may be placed on a person support structure
such as a chair,
couch, bench, automotive seat, aircraft seat, bed, wheelchair or the like. The
dynamic
support apparatus 10 may also be used to help prevent the formation of
decubitus ulcers or
pressure sores and speed the recovery thereof.
Though the shown dynamic support apparatus 10 has a roughly square footprint,
the
dynamic support apparatus 10 may have any suitable footprint. In some
embodiments, the
dynamic support apparatus 10 may be roughly rectangular in embodiments where
the
dynamic support apparatus 10 is a bed. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the
dynamic
support apparatus 10 is sized to be used as the support surface of a
wheelchair.
Additionally, the contact face or surface of the dynamic support apparatus 10
may be
substantially planar as shown or may be contoured.
In various embodiments, the dynamic support apparatus 10 may include a cushion
or
a number of cushions. One of the cushions may be a foam cushion 14. The foam
cushion 14
may be made of any suitable type or types of foam. In other embodiments, the
foam cushion
14 need not necessarily be made of foam. In some embodiments the foam cushion
14 may
alternatively be made of wool, feathers, cotton batting, etc. In some
embodiments, dynamic
support apparatus 10 additionally includes two actuators 16. Various
embodiments may
include any other suitable number of actuator 16.
As shown, the actuators 16 may be disposed in voids in the foam cushion 14 and
are
roughly level with the top of the foam cushion 14 in some embodiments. In some
embodiments the top of the actuators 16 may be proud of the foam cushion 14.
In some
embodiments, foam or another padding material may be included over top of the
actuators
16. The actuators 16 may be located near the back of the dynamic support
apparatus 10. In
various embodiments, the actuators 16 are disposed laterally of the midline of
the dynamic
support apparatus 10; one actuator 16 on the left and the other on the right.
The actuators 16
in some embodiments are also generally symmetric about the midline. Some
embodiments
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may include a different number of actuators 16. For example, in some
embodiments, a third
actuator 16 may be situated on the midline of the dynamic support apparatus
10. Such an
actuator 16 may be situated between the left and right actuators 16 or may be
positioned
anteriorly or posteriorly to the left and right actuators 16.
The arrangement of the actuators 16 may allow the actuators 16 to support high
contact pressure areas of an occupant in the dynamic support apparatus 10.
Specifically, in
some embodiments where the dynamic support apparatus 10 is the support surface
of a
wheelchair, the bony prominences of the ischial tuberosities, sacrum, and/or
greater
trochanters may be supported by the actuators 16. Other regions or areas may
also be
actuator 16 supported. Some embodiments may also or instead support the
coccyx/sacrum
region of an occupant with an actuator 16.
In some embodiments, the dynamic support apparatus 10 may include three
actuators 16. FIG. 2 shows a representational perspective view of one
embodiment of a
dynamic support apparatus 10 with the top cover 12 of the dynamic support
apparatus 10
pulled away to expose the interior of the dynamic support apparatus 10. In
some
embodiments, two of the actuators 16 may be rectangular. In some embodiments,
one of the
actuators 16 may be generally triangular in shape. In some embodiments, a
triangularly-
shaped actuator 16 may be utilized to provide support for a user's
coccyx/sacrum region. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the dynamic support apparatus 10 may
include two
substantially rectangular-shaped actuators 16 and one substantially
triangularly-shaped
actuator 16. In some embodiments, the posteriorly disposed portion of the
rectangular
actuators 16 may deviate from a rectangular shape to accommodate the
triangular actuator
16. In some embodiments, instead of including the third actuator 16 shown in
FIG. 2, the
cushion 14 may include a void in its place.
In some embodiments, the actuators 16 may be strategically placed to support
the
user's bony prominences of the ischial tuberosities, coccyx, sacrum, greater
trochanters, or a
combination thereof. The rectangular actuators 16 may be disposed laterally of
the midline
of the dynamic support apparatus 10, with one actuator 16 on the left and the
other on the
right. The third, triangular actuator 16 may be situated on the midline of the
dynamic
support apparatus 16. The third triangular actuator 16 may be situated between
the left and
right actuators 16, as shown in FIG. 2 or may be otherwise positioned in some
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embodiments. The actuators 16 may differ depending on the occupant. In some
embodiments, actuators 16 may come in a number of different sizes, including,
but not
limited to, a bariatric adult size, average adult size, etc. In some
embodiments, the actuators
16 may come in a standard size. This may desirable/beneficial for many
reasons, including
but not limited to, the anatomical location of bony prominences such as the
ischial
tuberosities does not have a wide variance from person to person. Thus, though
heavier
occupants may have a larger footprint, the high contact pressure areas which
would benefit
most from the actuators 16 described herein would be located in the same
general location
as they would for a lighter occupant. The actuators 16 may be incorporated
into =foam
cushions 14 of different sizes and/or shapes.
The medial edges of the actuators 16 may be separated by a divider 18 which
may
prevent the actuators 16 from contacting and rubbing against each other. In
some
embodiments, the divider 18 is a portion of the foam cushion 14. In some
embodiments, the
divider 18 may be another material such as a material with a low coefficient
of friction. In
some embodiments, the divider 18 may not be included.
The actuators 16 and foam cushion 14 may be encased by a cover 20. The cover
20
may help to protect the cushion 14 and actuators 16 inside the dynamic support
apparatus
10. In some embodiments, the cover 20 may provide and/or may be made of a
material
which provides protection for the actuators 16 making damage of the actuators
16 less
likely. In some embodiments, the cover 20 may also protect the foam cushion 14
from
moisture (perspiration, urine, spills, etc.) which may reduce the lifespan of
the foam cushion
14. The cover 20 may be made from a low-friction material which aids in
transferring on
and off the dynamic support apparatus 10. Such a material may also be useful
in reducing
the shear forces between an occupant and actuators 16 and/or a foam cushion
14. The cover
20 in some embodiments, may be made from a high friction material that helps
to prevent
slouching and sliding. The cover 20 may also be made from a coarse woven mesh
material
that helps wick moisture from the occupant's skin surface and promotes
ventilation. In some
embodiments, the cover 20 material may differ depending on the specific needs
of a user.
In some embodiments, a dynamic support apparatus 10 may include a number of
covers 20. In some embodiments, there may be a cover 20 for the cushion 14 and
a separate
cover 20 for the actuators 16 or a separate cover 20 for each actuator 16.
This may help to
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prevent a "hammocking" effect where an occupant may be supported by a cover 20
when
one or more of the actuators is deflated or drawn away from the occupant.
FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of an actuator 16. The actuator 16 in some
embodiments is roughly rectangular. In other embodiments, the shape of the
actuators 16
.. may differ and may be any shape . In some embodiments, the actuator 16, as
shown in in
FIG. 3, is a bladder. The actuator 16 has an interior volume which may be
filled with a
fluid. Any suitable fluid, such as water, other liquid, gas, or atmospheric
air, may be used.
Some embodiments utilize air as the fluid. In some embodiments, the actuator
16 may be
constructed of a material which is impervious or nearly imperious to the fluid
selected to fill
.. the actuator 16. This may minimize or prevent fluid leakage from the
actuators 16. In some
embodiments the actuator 16 is made of polyurethane. However, in various other
embodiments, the actuator may be made from any material.
As shown, the actuator 16 in FIG. 3 additionally includes a supplementary
support
50. The supplementary support 50 is disposed inside the interior volume of the
actuator 16.
.. In some embodiments the supplementary support 50 is located at the bottom
of the actuator
16. The supplementary support 50 may =function as a back-up support. In some
embodiments, the supplementary support 50 may support an occupant in the event
of a
failure of the actuator 16. The supplementary support 50 may also keep the
occupant from
bottoming out on, for example, a seat pan of a wheelchair if the wheelchair
rides off a curb
or over a large bump. The supplementary support 50 may be constructed of a
material such
as foam or any other material.
Referring now also to FIG. 4, a partial side view of an actuator 16 is shown.
The
actuator 16 includes a supplementary support 50 similar to the supplementary
support 50
depicted in FIG. 3. The supplementary support 50 shown in FIG. 4 is stratified
and
includes a first stratum 200, a second stratum 202, and a third stratum 204.
In other
embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the supplementary support
50 may
not be stratified. In embodiments including a stratified supplementary support
50, the
supplementary support 50 may have any number of strata. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the foam cushion 14 (see FIG. 1) may also be stratified in a
manner similar
to that shown and described in relation to FIG. 4. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, a
supplementary support 50 may be included as a part of the cushion 14. In some
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embodiments the supplementary support 50 may be a portion of the cushion 14
upon which
each actuator 16 is placed. In some embodiments, the supplementary support 50
may be an
overlay which is placed on top of each actuator 16 once installed in the
cushion 14. In such
embodiments, the supplementary support 50 may be stratified.
Each stratum of a supplementary support 50 may be a material having differing
properties. In some embodiment the supplementary support 50 may include strata
of foams
with differing properties or characteristics. In some embodiments of the
dynamic support
apparatus 10, different actuators 16 may have different supplementary supports
50. In some
embodiments, some supplementary supports 50 in some actuators 16 may be
stratified while
others are not. Some actuators 16 within the dynamic support apparatus 10 may
not include
supplementary supports 50. Some actuators 16 within a dynamic support
apparatus 10 may
have supplementary supports 50 with a greater number of strata than other
supplementary
supports 50 in other actuators 16. The types of foam used to create the strata
in one
supplementary support 50 may be different than those used to create the strata
in other
supplementary supports 50. In some embodiments, a slit or number of slits may
be cut into a
supplementary support 50 to allow a baffle 150 (see FIG. 13) or number of
baffles 150 to
pass through the supplementary support 50. In some embodiments, foam strata
may not be
substantially flat, but rather contoured to better suit the anatomy of the
supported area of an
occupant.
In some embodiments, including those shown in FIG. 4, the first stratum 200 of
the
supplementary support 50 is a foam with a relatively small indentation force
deflection
(hereafter "IFD") value as indicated by the low density of the stippling of
the first stratum
200. The second stratum 202 of the supplementary support 50 has an IFD higher
than that
of the first stratum 200 as indicated by the greater density of the stippling
of the second
stratum 202. The third stratum 204 of the supplementary support 50 has an IFD
higher than
that of the second stratum 202 as indicated by the high density stippling of
the third stratum
204. In some embodiments the strata of foams in the stratified supplementary
support 50
are roughly the same thickness. In some embodiments, the strata may have
differing
thicknesses. In some embodiments the first stratum 200 may be thicker than
both the second
stratum 202 and third stratum 204.
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A stratified supplementary support 50, such as the supplementary support 50
shown
in FIG. 4, may be desirable/beneficial for many reasons, including but not
limited to, it
creates an appealing balance between occupant comfort, proper support, and
bottom out
protection when the occupant is being supported by the supplementary support
50. Using
the example of a wheelchair, when not supported by an inflated actuator 16,
the occupant
may be substantially supported by the first stratum 200 of the supplementary
support 50
during periods of inactivity or low activity. Since the first stratum 200 of
the supplementary
support 50 has a relatively small fi-D value in the example embodiment, the
first stratum
200 easily conforms to the contours of an occupant thus affording the occupant
an
appropriate pressure distributing support surface and large degree of comfort.
During
periods of increased activity, jostling, riding over rough or uneven surfaces,
etc. the higher
IFD value strata of the supplementary support 50 prevent a user from bottoming
out on the
seat pan. This is so because the higher IFD foam strata require a higher
amount of force to
fully compress to the point of densification (the point where their cushioning
capabilities
are compromised).
In some embodiments, the actuators 16 may be structured to be easily
collapsible or
expandable. In some embodiments, an actuator 16 may have pleated walls as
shown in FIG.
5 and resemble an accordion or bellows. Such a configuration may help to
increase the
linearity of travel as the actuator is inflated or deflated. In some
embodiments, an actuator
16 with such pleat features may have a rectangular, a square, circular, etc.
type footprint.
Other appropriate shapes or combinations of appropriate shapes may be used.
In some embodiments where the actuator 16 is a bladder, the amount of fluid
and/or
pressure of fluid in the actuator 16 may be varied. In some embodiments, the
pressure set
point of the actuator 16 may be set such that it substantially mimics the
support
characteristics of the cushion 14 (see, for example, FIG. 1). Referring back
to FIG. 1, the
left and right actuator 16 may be inflated and deflated in a manner so as to
periodically
relieve pressure from a portion of the occupant and shift it to another part
of the occupant.
The initial set point as well as variation in the actuator 16 pressure can be
customized to
accommodate the specific support and positioning needs of a person and
minimize localized
high pressure areas.
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This customization may not only increase comfort, but may also aid in the
prevention of debucitus ulcers or pressure sores, by allowing sufficient
perfusion to the
relieved area. When one actuator 16 is deflated, the supplementary support 50
shown in
FIG. 3 may prevent the occupant from bottoming out on, for example, the seat
pan of a
wheelchair. In some embodiments, negative pressure may be applied to the
actuators 16 to
compress the supplementary support 50 such that the actuator 16 is completely
out of
contact with the occupant and even greater pressure relief is achieved. In
some
embodiments, when an actuator 16 is not supporting an occupant, the weight of
the
occupant may be borne by the a cushion and/or a supplementary support 50 of
that actuator
16.
Though some embodiments may use one or more pressure set point to control
actuators 16, other embodiments may control actuators 16 with alternative set
points. For
example, a control set point may be based around the volume, mass, or mols of
gas in an
actuator 16. Depending on the set point, a dynamic support apparatus 10 may
include
sensors which can provide feedback related to the set point. For example, a
pressure sensor
or mass air flow sensor may be included.
In some embodiments, a sensor such as pressure mapping mat may be utilized to
determine a specific user's support and positioning needs. After determining
the individual
user's needs, a customized pressure relief user profile may be created to best
meet the
individual user's support and positioning needs. In some embodiments, the size
of the
actuators 16 may be chosen to achieve optimal support. The size and
arrangement of the
actuators 16 may have an effect on occupant stability. If an actuator 16 is
too large, the user
may slump into the actuator 16 and become less stable. If an actuator 16 is
too small, the
user may not receive the most optimal pressure relief. In some instances, it
may be desirable
to substantially support a user's thigh with a surrounding cushion 14 (see,
for example,
FIG. 1) instead of the actuator 16. In some embodiments, an actuator 16
spanning 7-inches
in the anterior to posterior direction may be desirable. Additionally, in some
embodiments,
the type of user may be considered in determining the size and or other
characteristics of an
actuator 16.
In some embodiments, the actuator 16 shown in FIG. 3 may be constructed of a
number of different pieces of material. In some embodiments, the actuators 16
may be
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formed from a number of pieces of polyurethane. In other embodiments, a
different material
such as neoprene rubber may be used. In some embodiments, the actuators 16 or
a portion
of the actuators 16 may be constructed out of a piece or pieces of injection
molded material.
Any other suitable material may also be used. The polyurethane pieces may be
sheets of
polyurethane of any suitable thickness. For example, in specific embodiments,
the
polyurethane pieces may be sheets of .030" thick polyurethane. Other
embodiments may
use thinner (e.g. .015" thick), more flexible sheets of polyurethane to
provide greater
comfort for an occupant of the dynamic support apparatus 10. Other embodiments
may use
thicker (e.g. .060" thick), more durable sheets of polyurethane to form more
durable
actuators 16. The pieces of material may be seamed together to form an
actuator 16 such as
the actuator 16 shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the thickness of the
actuator 16
may not be uniform. For example, it may be desirable that the top face of an
actuator 16 be
made thicker than the side walls of the actuator 16.
Referring now also to FIG. 6, a partial view of an actuator 16 is shown. The
seam
100 for two polyurethane pieces of the actuator 16 is also shown. In FIG. 6
the
polyurethane pieces are heat seamed together. In other embodiments, other
suitable ways of
coupling the actuator 16 material together, such as RF welding, laser welding,
solvent
bonding, adhesive bonding, or any other coupling/bonding method which would be
obvious
to one skilled in the art may be used.
As shown in FIG. 6, the seam 100 of the two polyurethane pieces is on the
outside
of the actuator 16. When such a seam 100 is on an exterior surface of the
actuator 16
proximal to an occupant, the seam 100 may create a surface discontinuity
between the
actuator 16 and the foam cushion 14. Such a discontinuity may be felt by the
occupant
during periods of prolonged occupation of the dynamic support apparatus 10
making the
seam 100 a source of discomfort. Moreover, such a discontinuity may create a
stress
concentration which can inhibit perfusion and lead to the development of a
pressure sore.
This problem may be reduced by turning the actuator 16 inside out after seams
100 have
been created.
Referring now also to FIG. 7 a partial view of an actuator 16 which has been
turned
inside out is shown. As shown, the seam 100 extends into the interior volume
of the actuator
16. As such, the seam 100 would not present such a surface discontinuity and
resultant
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increased ulceration risk and discomfort for an occupant during periods of
prolonged
occupation of the dynamic support apparatus 10. The actuator 16 may, for
example, be
turned inside out after the top piece and side piece or pieces of the actuator
16 have been
coupled together. The bottom piece of the actuator 16 may then be coupled to
the side piece
or pieces. Since seams 100 on the bottom of the actuator 16 should not be felt
by or project
into an occupant, their presence on the exterior of the actuator 16 should not
present a
comfort or injury concern for the occupant.
Other embodiments may couple the pieces of material with an exaggerated seam
100
as shown in FIG. 8. The seam 100 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the seam 100
shown in
FIG. 6, but there is an extra flange 101 of material from the top sheet of the
actuator 16
which rests on the foam cushion 14. The extra flange 101 of material is
substantially thinner
than the seam 100 of the actuator 16 since it is only a single piece of
material and not two
seamed together. Though the seam 100 is on the exterior of the actuator 16,
surface
discontinuity between the foam cushion 14 and the actuator 16 is minimized by
the extra
flange 101. Thus the seam 100 and extra flange 101 in FIG. 8 creates more
negligible
discomfort and ulceration risk to an occupant during prolonged periods of
occupation of the
dynamic support apparatus 10.
In some embodiments, the actuator 16 may only be made of two pieces of
material.
One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the
actuator
16 is constructed of two pieces of material which have been coupled together.
The two
pieces of material may be vacuum formed, thermoformed, injection molded, etc.
polyurethane in some embodiments. In the embodiment in FIG. 9, the two pieces
are of the
same dimensions and may be formed from the same mold. The two pieces are
coupled
together along a central seam 100. The location of the seam 100 ensures that
the seam 100
may not be felt by or present a problematic surface discontinuity to an
occupant.
Alternatively, and referring to FIG. 9A and 9B, the two halves 2272A, 2272B
may
be formed in the same piece of material as a clamshell 2270. That is, the two
halves 2272A,
2272B may be formed adjacent to one another in the same piece of material
(FIG. 9A).
After forming, the material may then be folded to close the clamshell such
that the two
halves 2272A, 2272B meet to form the actuator 16 (FIG. 9B). The material may
then be
seamed to complete the actuator 16. Such an actuator may have a central seam
100 similar
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to that depicted in FIG. 9. Due to the folding of a continuous piece of
material, however,
one side 2274 of the actuator 16 would not be required to be seamed.
In embodiments where the actuator 16 or part of the actuator 16 is vacuum or
thermoformed from polyurethane, it may be desirable to use a thicker sheet of
polyurethane
(e.g. .060"). This is so because as the actuator 16 is formed some of the
polyurethane
material is caused to thin as it is stretched. Using a thicker sheet of
polyurethane during
vacuum or thermoforming may be desirable for other reasons as well. For
example, if used
in conjunction with a positive form as opposed to a negative, cavity form, it
allows the top
surface of the actuator 16 to have a relatively greater thickness than the
side walls. This may
be desirable because the top surface, which is most prone to puncture, is made
to be more
durable while the thinner side walls still allow for a fairly large amount of
flexibility.
In some embodiments, one or more faces of an actuator 16 or actuators 16 may
be
contoured. Such contours may help to better support a user. Additionally, such
contours
may be useful in ensuring surface discontinuities and pressure points do not
arise when the
actuator 16 is in a collapsed, deflated, or otherwise retracted state. In some
specific
embodiments, the adjacent faces of the actuators 16 may be contoured.
Contouring the
adjacent faces of the actuators 16, may aid in optimizing pressure
distribution.
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an actuator 16 where the actuator 16 is a
bladder formed from only two sheets of material. In the embodiment in FIG. 10
the top and
sides of the actuator 16 may, for example, be a single piece of vacuum,
molded, or
thermoformed material such as polyurethane.
The bottom piece may be a sheet of polyurethane which is substantially planar
in
some embodiments. As shown, the bottom piece is coupled to the bottom edges of
the sides
of the actuator 16. By locating the seam 100 along the bottom of the actuator
16 it is
ensured that the seam 100 may not be felt by the occupant. Additionally,
disposing the
seam 100 as shown ensures the seam 100 does not raise an ulceration risk to
the occupant.
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of an actuator 16 similar to the actuator 16 shown
in
FIG. 10. The actuator 16 shown in FIG. 11 includes an expanded portion 110
along its top
edge such that the actuator 16 vaguely resembles a mushroom or muffin. The
expanded
portion 110 may bridge any gap which may exist between the actuator 16 and the
foam
cushion 14 and/or divider 18 (see FIG. 1 for example). The expanded portion
110 may
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overlap a piece of the foam cushion 14 and/or divider 18. Alternatively, and
as shown, a
portion of the cushion 14 may be recessed such that it may accept the expanded
portion 110.
The expanded portion 110 along the top edge of the actuator 16 may be
desirable because it
helps smooth the transition from the actuator 16 the rest of the dynamic
support apparatus
10 by minimizing surface discontinuities. In alternate embodiments, the foam
cushion 14
and/or divider 18 may include a portion which overlaps the edges of the
actuator 16. The
actuators 16 may be contoured to allow such a portion of the foam cushion 14
and/or
divider 18 to overlap the actuator 16 edges in a manner which creates minimal
surface
discontinuity.
FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of an actuator 16. As shown, the actuator 16
in
FIG. 12 is roughly rectangular. As mentioned above, actuators 16 need not be
rectangular
but may take any suitable shape. The actuator 16 may additionally include a
baffle 150
within the interior volume of the actuator 16. In alternate embodiments,
multiple baffles 150
may be included in the actuator 16. In the embodiment, the baffle 150 is a
band. In other
embodiments, the baffle 150 may not be a band, but rather a string, strand, or
the like. The
baffle 150 may, depending on the embodiment, be located in roughly the center
of the
actuator 16. The baffle 150 extends from the interior bottom surface of the
actuator 16 to
the interior top surface of the actuator 16. In the embodiment, the baffle 150
is a relatively
thin strip of material. In other embodiments, the baffle 150 may take any
suitable width. In
embodiments where the actuator 16 is made of polyurethane sheets, the baffle
150 may also
be made of polyurethane. The baffle 150 may be coupled to the top and bottom
interior
surfaces of the actuator 16 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the
baffle 150
may be located off-center of the actuator 16.
The baffle 150 serves to constrain the actuator 16 from expanding in a top-
bottom
direction when inflated. Without the baffle 150, the actuator 16 would, when
inflated,
demonstrate a tendency to balloon such that the top surface of the actuator 16
would display
a rounded bulge as shown by the dashed line 152 in FIG. 13. Such a bulge would
be
undesirable because the bulge of the bladder cushion 16 may unevenly push into
an
occupant. This would create an uneven surface and pressure distribution for an
occupant
occupying the dynamic support apparatus 10. Such a scenario may cause
discomfort and
may frustrate ulcer prevention objectives of the dynamic support apparatus 10.
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In addition or alternatively, an actuator 16 may include one or more baffle
150
which is oriented horizontally. This may serve to constrain the sides of an
actuator 16 from
ballooning or bulging out under the weight of an occupant. In embodiments
including a
horizontal baffle 150, the baffle 150 may be placed between two parts of the
actuator 16
when it is seamed together such that edges of the baffle 150 will become a
part of the seam.
Thus, the baffle 150 may be attached to the actuator 16 in the proper
orientation when the
actuator 16 is formed.
FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an actuator 16 including a baffle 150
taken
at line 10-10 of FIG. 12. The actuator 16 in FIG. 13 is seamed like the
actuator 16 shown in
FIG. 7. As shown, the actuator 16 is in an inflated condition. The baffle 150
is taught and
constraining the top surface of the bladder cushion 16 from bulging up into an
occupant.
Also shown in FIG. 13 is a dashed line 152 indicating the bulge which would be
present in
absence of the baffle 150. As indicated above, the baffle 150 may help to
ensure a more
even pressure distribution across the area of the occupant supported by the
actuator 16.
In embodiments of the dynamic support apparatus 10 where the actuators 16 are
bladders, the bladders may be filled with a fluid such as air. Preferably, the
actuator 16
bladders are not filled with fluid to the point of turgidity, but rather are
somewhat flaccid. In
the example of a wheelchair, as an occupant sits on the actuators 16, the
fluid in the
actuators 16 may compress until the pressure of the fluid within the actuators
16 equals the
contact pressure of the occupant. Pressure may also be substantially evenly
distributed over
the occupant contact area. The resulting pneumatic pressure of air in an
actuator 16 for an
average occupant may be in the range of 0-150mm Hg.
As mentioned above, in some embodiments where the actuator 16 is a bladder,
the
volume of fluid in the interior volume of the bladder may be variable. In such
embodiments,
a pump 500 (see, for example, FIG. 25) may be used to vary the volume of fluid
in the
actuator 16. In a preferred embodiment, a pump 500 may use the ambient
atmosphere as its
fluid reservoir 502 (see, for example. FIG. 25). The pump 500 and/or pneumatic
system
may be capable of applying both positive and negative pressure to respectively
inflate or
deflate a selected actuator 16. Some embodiments may include a manifold 518
(see, for
example, FIG. 25) which may enable fluid to be directed to a specific actuator
16. Thus, by
controlling the type of pressure applied and to which actuator 16 it is
applied, the actuators
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16 may be selectively inflated and deflated to relieve pressure from various
anatomical
areas and to help prevent the formation of pressure sores by improving
perfusion in the
blood vessels of the relieved area.
In order to add or remove fluid from an actuator 16, actuators 16 may include
a fluid
port 220 such as the embodiment of the fluid port 220 shown in FIG. 14. The
fluid port 220
may include an actuator channel attachment feature 222 and a base 224 as shown
in FIG.
14. The fluid port 220 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process,
for example,
injection molding. As shown, the base 224 in some embodiments is roughly
rectangular. In
some embodiments, the base 224 may take a different shape. For example, the
base 224
may be puck-like. The base 224 may be coupled to the actuator 16 by any of a
variety of
means. The base 224 may, for example, be heat bonded onto the actuator 16. In
some
embodiments, the base 224 may be attached differently. For example, the base
224 may be
coupled to the actuator 16 by laser welding. RF welding, or any other
technique. In some
embodiments, the base 224 may not be made an integral part of the actuator 16.
In such
embodiments, the base 224 may include two parts which are coupled together
after one has
been passed through a stoma 258 (see, for example, FIG. 16).
As shown in some embodiments, the actuator channel attachment feature 222
rises
off roughly the center of the base 224 toward the top of the page. The
actuator channel
attachment feature 222 in some embodiments extends in a direction
substantially parallel to
two of the sides of the base 224. In some embodiments, the actuator channel
attachment
feature 222 includes a passage 226 which is shown in outline form in FIG. 14.
As shown,
the actuator channel 520 may be coupled into the passage 226 of the actuator
channel
attachment feature 222. This may be accomplished by any suitable coupling
method. The
passage 226 provides a pathway for fluid to be communicated into and/or out of
the interior
volume of the actuator 16 via the actuator channel 520.
FIG. 15 shows two actuators 16 of a dynamic support apparatus 10 which include
fluid ports 220 similar to those shown in FIG. 14. As shown, the actuators 16
in FIG. 15
include a supplementary support 50. The fluid ports 220 are disposed on the
side walls of
the actuators 16 slightly above the supplementary support 50. Such a placement
of the fluid
ports 220 allows them to have unrestricted fluid communication with the
interior volume of
the actuators 16. Additionally, by disposing the fluid ports 220 as shown in
the embodiment
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shown in FIG. 15, the fluid ports 220 are kept out of contact with an
occupant. Preferably,
the fluid ports 220 are disposed on the actuators 16 in a location where they
are not likely to
be felt by or project into the occupant even when the actuator 16 is deflated.
Some embodiments may include a similarly disposed pressure relief valve (not
shown). The pressure relief valve (not shown) may help to prevent actuator 16
damage from
impact loading (e.g. riding off a curb in a wheelchair). The pressure relief
valve (not shown)
may also reduce effects to an occupant by relieving some of the peak loads
generated during
such scenarios. Any suitable pressure relief valve may be used.
As shown in FIG. 15, the actuator channels 520 do not couple to the fluid
ports 220
at an angle substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the actuators 16.
The actuator
channels 520 instead couple to the fluid ports 220 in a fashion substantially
parallel to the
side walls of the actuators 16. This may be done to avoid kinking the actuator
channels 520
when the actuators 16 are placed in the voids of the foam cushion 14 (see FIG.
1). In some
embodiments, the foam cushion 14 (see FIG. 1) may include pathways which allow
the
actuator channels 520 to pass through at least a part of the foam cushion 14
(see FIG. 1).
As indicated in FIG. 15, the actuator channels 520 are bundled together for a
substantial portion of their extent. In some embodiments, the actuator
channels 520 may be
bundled together by any suitable fastener such as a cable tie, hook and loop
tape, or the like.
In some embodiments, the actuator channels 520 may be incorporated into a
ribbon. In
some embodiments, the actuator channels 520 may be braided together. Any other
means of
achieving the same may also be used. Bundling the actuator channels 520
together is
desirable because it minimizes the opportunity for a snag to occur. In some
embodiments,
the actuator channels 520 may be coupled to their respective fluid ports 220
or to a manifold
518 (see, for example, FIG. 25) in a manner which would facilitate a graceful
breakaway
should a snag occur.
FIG. 16 shows a cutaway view of one embodiment of an actuator 16 which
includes
a sensor 250. Some embodiments of actuators 16 may include a number of sensors
250. The
sensor 250 may be used for gathering information about conditions in the
interior volume of
the actuators 16. For example, the sensor 250 may sense the pressure of fluid
in the interior
volume of the actuator 16. The sensor 250 may also be used to sense, for
example, the
distance between the sensor 250 and a surface of actuator 16. In some
embodiments the
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sensor 250 may detect a bottom out or over inflation of an actuator 16. In
some
embodiments a sensor 250 may be a mass air flow sensor monitoring air in and
out of the
actuator 16. Actuators 16 may also include other sensors 250 which may sense
other
characteristics. For example, an actuator 16 may include a sensor 250
measuring a
.. physiological characteristic such as a pulse-oximeter. Other sensors 250
such as temperature
sensors or moisture sensors may also be included. In a preferred embodiment,
the sensor
250 or sensors 250 are not made as an integral part of the actuator 16. In
some
embodiments, a sensor 250 or sensors 250 which are not disposed on or in the
actuators 16
may also be included. In some embodiments, a sensor 250 may be included in the
fluid
pathways to and from the actuator 16.
In some embodiments, the sensor 250 is part of a sensor assembly 252 which is
shown exploded apart in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 shows one embodiments of a sensor
assembly
252 that is not an integral part of the actuator 16. In some embodiments, the
sensor
assembly 252 includes a sensor housing 254 which houses the sensor 250 and a
plug portion
256. Other embodiments of sensor assemblies 252 may differ. As shown, the
actuator 16
includes an orifice or stoma 258 through which the sensor housing 254 and
sensor 250 may
be passed through. Once the sensor housing 254 and sensor 250 have been passed
into the
actuator 16, the plug portion 256 may be coupled to the sensor housing 254 so
that an
airtight seal is formed.
The stoma 258 may be a suitably sized hole cut into the bottom sheet of the
actuator
16 as shown in FIG. 16. The stoma 258 may be cut into a different portion of
the actuator
16 which may be desirable in embodiments with a supplementary support 50 (see
FIG. 5).
In embodiments including a stoma 258, it may be desirable that the stoma 258
is not cut into
the top of the actuator 16 so that plug portion 256 of the sensor assembly 252
does not
contact or press against an occupant when an occupant is occupying the dynamic
support
apparatus 10. As previously mentioned, a similar arrangement may also be used
to couple a
fluid port 220 into an actuator 16.
FIG. 17 shows one embodiment of a sensor assembly 252 integrated into an
actuator
16 through a stoma 258. As shown, the sensor 250 is disposed inside the sensor
housing 254
of the sensor assembly 252. The sensor housing 254 includes a sensor housing
flange 262
which projects outwardly from the sensor housing 254 along the same plane as
the bottom
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surface of the sensor housing 254. A cylindrical void 262 is recessed into the
bottom of the
sensor housing 254. The sides of the cylindrical void 262 may be threaded as
shown.
In some embodiments, a plug portion 256 of a sensor assembly 252 is also shown
in
FIG. 17. As shown, the plug portion 256 includes a plug portion flange 264.
The plug
portion flange 264 projects outwardly from the plug portion 264 along the same
plane as the
bottom surface of the plug portion 256. The plug portion 256 also includes a
cylindrical
protuberance 266 which protrudes toward the top of the page. As shown, the
cylindrical
protuberance 266 is threaded such that the plug portion 256 may be screwed
into the threads
of the cylindrical void 262 of the sensor housing 254.
When the sensor housing 254 and plug portion 256 are screwed together, the
sensor
housing flange 260 and plug portion flange 264 form a flange seal against the
material of
the actuator 16. This seal ensures that fluid may not exit the actuator 16 via
the stoma 258.
Other means of creating a fluid or airtight seal may also be used.
FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a sensor assembly 252 in place within the
stoma 258 of an actuator 16. As shown, the plug portion 256 of the sensor
assembly 252 is
substantially the same as the plug portion 256 shown in FIG. 17. The sensor
housing flange
260 includes an 0-ring channel 270 which is recessed into the sensor housing
flange 260
from the bottom surface of the sensor housing flange 260. As shown, an 0-ring
272 is
disposed in the 0-ring channel 270 of the sensor housing flange 260. As the
plug portion
256 and sensor housing 254 of the sensor assembly 250 are screwed together,
the 0-ring
272 becomes compressed against the material of the actuator 16 forming a fluid
or airtight
0-ring seal. In alternate embodiments, the 0-ring channel 270 and 0-ring 272
may be
disposed on the top surface of the plug portion flange 264.
FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the sensor assembly 252 in place within
the
stoma 258 of an actuator 16. As shown, the plug portion 256 is different than
those shown
in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. The edge of the plug portion flange 264 most distal to
the
cylindrical protuberance 266 includes a plug portion flange projection 274. As
shown, the
plug portion flange projection 274 extends from the top surface of the plug
portion flange
264 toward the top of the page at an angle substantially perpendicular to the
top surface of
the plug portion flange 264.
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The sensor housing 254 in FIG. 19 is also different than those shown in FIG.
17 and
FIG. 18. As shown, the sensor housing flange 260 includes a sensor housing
flange groove
276 which is recessed into the bottom surface of the sensor housing flange
260. When the
sensor housing 254 and plug portion 256 are married together, a fluid or
airtight groove seal
is formed as the material of the actuator 16 is pressed into the sensor
housing flange groove
276 by the plug portion flange projection 274. In alternate embodiments, the
groove of the
groove seal may be disposed on the top surface of the plug portion flange 264
while the
projection may be disposed on the bottom surface of the sensor housing flange
254.
In some embodiments, the sensor housing 254 and plug portion 256 may not be
coupled together via a threaded coupling. In alternate embodiments, the sensor
housing 254
and plug portion 256 may be snap fit, friction fit, magnetically coupled, etc.
In a preferred
embodiment, the sensor housing 254 and plug portion 256 are releasably coupled
together.
They may also be standardized across actuators 16. This may be desirable
because it would
allow a user to transplant the sensor assembly 252 to another actuator 16 in
the event that
the sensor assembly's 252 original actuator 16 is compromised. This would
lower the cost
of a replacement actuator 16 in the event of an actuator 16 failure.
FIG. 20 shows a side view of an embodiment of an actuator 16. As shown, the
actuator 16 is a bladder with a variable interior volume which includes a
sensor 250. The
sensor 250 may be part of a sensor assembly 252 which is coupled into the
actuator 16 as
described above. The sensor 250 shown in FIG. 20 includes a potentiometer 280
and an
arm 282. As shown, the potentiometer 280 is located on the bottom of the
actuator 16. The
arm 282 is coupled into the potentiometer 280 such that movement of the arm
282 causes
the wiper of the potentiometer 280 to slide across the resistive element of
the potentiometer
280. The arm 282 extends from the potentiometer 280 to an attachment point 284
on the top
interior surface of the actuator 16.
The sensor 250 may be used to measure the height of the actuator 16. As the
actuator 16 inflates or deflates, the arm 282 is caused to move as the angle
between the arm
282 and the bottom of the actuator 16 changes. This may be measured by the
change in
resistance of the potentiometer 280. Measurements from the potentiometer 280
may be used
to ensure that the amount of fluid in the actuator 16 is sufficient to support
the occupant at a
desired height from the bottom of the actuator 16. In some embodiments, if the
height of the
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actuator 16 as measured by the potentiometer 280 suggests the occupant is
riding high on a
turgid actuator 16, air may be bled off or pumped from the actuator 16 until a
more
desirable height is measured. Likewise, if the height measurement suggests the
occupant is
riding too low, more fluid may be added to the actuator 16 to better support
the occupant
and prevent a bottom out under dynamic loading conditions.
Though the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 depicts a sensor 250 which employs only
a single arm 282, other embodiments may be configured with a linkage or
scissor jack type
mechanism. This may be advantageous, in that the potentiometer 280 may easily
be located
in the center of the bottom panel of the actuator 16 measure the height of the
center of the
top of the actuator 16. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
sensitivity of
the height measurement could be increased through use of a linkage constructed
to create
relatively large angular changes in the potentiometer 280 per unit height
displacement.
FIG. 21 shows another side view of another embodiment of an actuator 16.
Again,
as shown, the actuator 16 is a bladder with a variable interior volume which
includes a
sensor 250. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the sensor 250 may be part of
a sensor
assembly 252 which is coupled into the actuator 16 through a stoma 258 as
described above.
In the embodiment, the sensor 250 is a non-contact sensor. Specifically, the
sensor depicted
in FIG. 21 is an optical range finder. As shown, a reflective surface 290 is
disposed about
the top interior surface of the actuator 16. In alternate embodiments, the
actuator may not
include a reflective surface 290 but rather another suitable indicator. As the
actuator 16 in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 inflates or deflates, the strength of the
reflected signal
respectively decreases and increases. The strength of the signal may be used
to deterniine
the height of the actuator 16. As mentioned above, the height measurement may
be used to
determine if an occupant is riding high or low and adjust the height of the
actuator 16 by
adding or removing fluid accordingly.
A number of other non-contact sensors 250 may be used to achieve the same end.
In
some embodiments, the sensor or sensors 250 may be an optical or infrared
camera chip.
The top of the actuator 16 may then be marked with a fiducial marker, grid of
fiducial
markers, or other pattern of fiducial markers. Such markers may, in some
embodiments, be
target circles, crosshairs, or any other suitable marker. In some embodiments
of a single
fiducial marker, the sensor 250 may capture the apparent size of the marker
and this
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apparent size may be fed to an algorithm to divine the approximate height of
the actuator
16. Similarly, in the case of a grid or pattern of fiducial markers, the
apparent size of the
markers, as sensed by one or more sensors 250, may be used to approximate the
height and
shape of the top of the actuator 16 when fed to an algorithm.
Alternatively, the sensor or sensors 250 may be hall-effect sensors. A magnet
or
magnets may be embedded or coupled to the top surface of the actuator 16. As
the magnet
or magnets displace with the top surface of the actuator 16, the output of the
sensor or
sensors 250 will vary accordingly. The sensor's or sensors' 250 output may
then be used to
determine the approximate height of the actuator 16.
In some embodiments including a non-contact sensor, the sensor 250 may measure
capacitance of the actuator 16. In such embodiments, the top of the actuator
16 may be
metalized. As the actuator 16 height changes, the capacitance of the actuator
16 should
change in kind. The capacitance of the actuator, as measured by the sensor 250
may be used
to determine the approximate height of the actuator 16.
FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show another side view of an embodiment of an actuator 16.
The actuator 16 is a bladder with a variable interior volume which includes a
sensor 250. As
shown, the actuator 16 includes a baffle 150 similar to the baffle 150 shown
in FIG. 12 and
FIG. 13. The baffle 150 in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 is elastically deformable by
tensile force.
The baffle 150 may include a sensor 250 which functions as a contact sensor.
Depending on
the amount of deformation of the baffle 150, the circuit formed by the sensor
250 may be
partially or fully closed or broken.
As shown in FIG. 22, the actuator 16 is not inflated to the point of
turgidity. The
baffle 150 is not in a deformed state and the circuit made by the sensor 250
is closed. As the
baffle 150 is stretched beyond a certain amount, the circuit made by the
sensor 250 may be
broken. The baffle 150, in some embodiments, may be configured such that the
circuit made
by the sensor 250 is broken slightly before the actuator 16 becomes turgid as
shown in FIG.
23. A controller 506 (see, for example, FIG. 25) may not allow fluid to be
pumped to an
actuator 16 if the circuit formed by the sensor 250 is broken. This may be
done to help
prevent discomfort and high contact pressure areas from over inflation of the
actuator 16.
In other embodiments, the sensor 250 in the baffle 150 may not be a contact
sensor.
In some embodiments, the baffle 150 may include an integrated strain gauge.
Any
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deformation of the baffle 150 due to tensile forces generated from an inflated
actuator 16
may be measured by the strain gauge. As mentioned above, this measurement may
be used
to determine if an occupant is riding at an undesirable level so that the
amount of fluid in
the actuator 16 may be adjusted accordingly.
FIG. 24 shows another side view of one embodiment of an actuator 16 which is
largely deflated. The actuator 16 includes a sensor 250 which may sense a
"bottom out"
condition of the actuator 16. As shown, a portion of the top surface of the
actuator 16 is
bottomed out on the bottom of the actuator 16. The top interior surface of the
actuator 16
may include a metalized patch 292. The bottom interior surface of the actuator
16 may
include contacts 294 such as, in some embodiments, an arrangement of thin
wires. When a
bottom out condition is present, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the
bottom out
condition may be registered as a switch closure. When a bottom out condition
is detected,
the controller may attempt to inflate the actuator 16 such that the occupant
is supported by
the fluid within the actuator 16. In some embodiments, when a bottom out
condition is
detected, an alarm may be sounded. In some embodiments, the contact between
the top and
bottom of the actuator 16 may be made to have a relatively large resistance.
By observing
the amount of resistance, a controller 506 (see FIG. 25) may be able to
distinguish between
an incidental contact and a broad bottom out.
Other embodiments may use other varieties of suitable sensors 250 to sense
various
conditions or characteristics of the actuator 16 or the fluid in the interior
volume of the
actuator 16. Some embodiments may use multiple sensors 250 in each actuator
16, such as
but not limited to those described above. In some embodiments, each actuator
16 may
include sensors 250 to sense a number of characteristics of each actuator 16
or the fluid in
the interior volume of each actuator 16. In some embodiments, data from the
sensor 250
may be used in conjunction with data from other sensors 250 not included on or
within the
actuator 16. In some embodiments, a bottom out sensor may be used in
conjunction with a
mass air flow sensor in an actuator channel 520 (see FIG. 15) to determine if
a gross leak
(e.g. a ruptured or punctured actuator 16) condition exists.
In some embodiments, a sensor 250 may be used to provide automated pressure
relief. In some embodiments, information from a sensor 250 may be utilized to
determine
whether positive or negative pressure should be applied and for how long. In
some
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embodiments, a motor, for example the motor 504 shown in FIG. 25, may be
automatically
turned on by a controller (which may be or include a microprocessor) using
data gathered
by a sensor 250, to provide positive or negative pressure as is necessary or
dictated by a
pressure relief scheme. In some embodiments, a controller may make such
determinations
based on trends of the data received from a sensor 250. In some embodiments, a
controller
may utilize data from the sensor 250 as feedback when running the motor 504.
Based upon
sensor 250 data the controller may determine when an actuator 16 has been
sufficiently
inflated or deflated. In some embodiments, the motor 504 may be turned off by
the
controller when sensor 250 data indicates that a step in a pressure relief
regimen has been
completed. In some embodiments, such a step may be completed passively,
without the use
of a pump (e.g. by connecting an actuator 16 to the atmosphere and allowing
the weight of
an occupant to drive fluid out).
A block diagram for an embodiment of a dynamic support system 2200 having a
dynamic support apparatus 10 with variable fluid volume actuator 16 bladders
is shown in
FIG. 25. As shown, the pump 500 draws in fluid from a reservoir 502. The pump
500 is
powered by a motor 504 which may be turned on or off by a controller 506. In
some
embodiments, the controller 506 may be, but is not limited to, a smartphone,
tablet,
Bluetooth, ZIGbee, RF connected device, IR connected device, wirelessly
connected
device, or any combination thereof. In some specific embodiments, the motor
504 may be a
5-W rated motor 504. An onboard power source 508 and power conditioning 510
are
included to provide power to the necessary components. In some embodiments,
the onboard
power source 508 may be rechargeable by means of a charger 512. In some
embodiments,
the onboard power source 508 may be a battery or number of batteries such as
lithium-ion
cells. Some other embodiments may be capable of operation off of an external
power source
514 or a variety of different external power sources 514. In some embodiments,
power may
be provided by an external power source 514 during times of inactivity when
such a source
is available. During periods of activity the dynamic support apparatus 10 may
be run off of
an onboard power source 508.
In specific embodiments where the dynamic support apparatus 10 is being used
as
the seat of a powered wheelchair, the battery bank of the powered wheelchair
may also be
used as a power source. In some embodiments, the battery bank of the powered
wheelchair
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may be used as the primary power source, or may in some instances be
considered an
external power source, such as the external power source 514 in FIG. 25. In
some
embodiments, the battery bank of a powered wheelchair may not be the primary
power
source used. Instead such a battery bank may be used to ensure that the
onboard power
source 508 for the dynamic support apparatus 10 is at an acceptable state of
charge.
Still referring to FIG. 25, as fluid exits the pump 500, fluid may travel to
an
accumulator 516. This fluid may then pass into a manifold 518 which directs
the fluid to the
actuators 16. The manifold 518 may be made using a variety of methods. The
manifold 518
may be made from machined solid material such as a plastic or metal.
Alternatively, the
manifold 518 may be injection molded as one or more parts. In still other
embodiments, the
manifold 518 may be grown using an additive manufacturing process such as a
selective
laser sintering process. The manifold 518 and each actuator 16 may be
connected via an
actuator channel 520 which may, for example, be tubing. In some embodiments,
the valves
associated with the manifold 518 may be controlled by a controller 506 to
selectively direct
fluid to specific actuators 16.
In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the actuator channels 520 may be
bundled together or arranged in a ribbon-like formation. This may be desirable
to reduce the
likelihood of the tubing tangling, snagging, or getting caught on various
objects. The
actuator channels 520 may interface with the actuators 16 and/or controller
506 through a
detachable interface 522. The detachable interface 522 may easily allow the
actuator
channels 520 to be uncoupled from the actuators 16 or controller 506 if
needed. In some
embodiments, the detachable interface 522 may allow actuator channels 522
which becomes
snagged or caught on an object to uncouple from the actuators 16 or controller
506. This
breakaway feature may minimize the possibility for damage to the actuators 16,
actuator
channels 520, etc. In some embodiments, the detachable interface 522 may be
magnetically
retained. Alternatively or additionally, mechanical retaining structures may
be included. For
example, latches, snaps, clasps, or similar arrangements may be used.
In some embodiments, fluid which exits the manifold 518 may be subjected to
sensing. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure of the fluid may be
sensed by a
sensor 250 such as a pressure transducer in communication with the actuator
channels 520.
In other embodiments, a sensor 250 such as a mass air flow sensor may be used
to measure
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fluid in or out of each actuator 16. Other embodiments may use other fluid
management
systems that meter fluid in discrete amounts. In some embodiments, multiple
characteristics
of fluid may be sensed. In some embodiments, the fluid may be sensed for the
same
characteristic at a number of locations. In various embodiments, a pressure
transducer may
be included in the manifold 518 in addition to a pressure transducer for each
actuator
channel 520. This arrangement permits the sensors to be cross-checked to
ensure accurate
measurement. In some embodiments, fluid characteristics may not be sensed in
the actuator
channels 520. Some embodiments may include a sensor 250, such as a mass air
flow sensor
250 disposed at the pump 500 or the manifold 518. Some embodiments may include
any of
a variety of sensors 250 on or inside the actuators 16 such as, but not
limited to those
described above. Information from the sensors 250 may be used by the
controller 506 for
control of the dynamic support apparatus 10. In some embodiments, information
from the
sensors 250 may be used to determine when the motor 504 should be turned on
and which
actuator channel 520 fluid should be directed to or from via the manifold 518.
In some
embodiments, this information may also be used in determining whether positive
or
negative pressure should be applied and for how long. In some embodiments, the
motor 504
may be utilized, in conjunction with the manifold 518, to draw a negative
pressure. In some
embodiments, a negative pressure may be drawn on an actuator 16 to collapse a
supplementary support within the actuator 16. In some embodiments, a negative
pressure
may be drawn to move a contacting surface of the actuator 16 away from the
user. In some
embodiments, this may be accomplished passively, without the use of a motor
504. In some
embodiments, the user's weight may be utilized, in conjunction with the
manifold 518, to
collapse a supplementary support, or move the contacting surface of the
actuator 16 away
from the user, or a combination of both. By utilizing information from the
sensors 250, the
controller 506 may ensure that the occupant is properly supported by the
actuators 16. In
some embodiments, sensing may not be necessary. In such embodiments, pump 500
runtime may be used to track the amount of fluid and/or pressure of fluid in
each actuator
16.
In some embodiments, the sensors 250 may be used to detect if the dynamic
support
apparatus 10 is occupied. As such, they may be used in lieu of an on/off
switch. In some
embodiments, the controller 506 may be programmed to recognize that a user has
occupied
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a dynamic support apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may
turn on a
dynamic support apparatus 10 upon determination that the dynamic support
apparatus 10 is
occupied. In some embodiments, a pressure relief regimen may begin upon
determination
that a dynamic support apparatus 10 is occupied. In some embodiments, the
controller 506
may be programmed to recognize that the dynamic support apparatus 10 is empty
or
unoccupied. In some embodiments, the recognition of the absence of a user may
prompt the
controller 506 to turn off the dynamic support apparatus 10. In some
embodiments, the
controller 506 may use signals from a variety of sensors, including, but not
limited to,
pressure sensors or bladder height sensors, to determine if the dynamic
support apparatus 10
is occupied or unoccupied. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may enter a
maintenance state in which it causes fluid to be pumped into an actuator 16 to
replace fluid
lost over time. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may beep, buzz, light,
or otherwise
indicate (or any combination thereof) to the user that the dynamic support
apparatus 10 is
on and should be turned off if not in use. In some embodiments, the controller
506 may
notify the user that the dynamic support apparatus 10 is on and not in use
upon
determination that the dynamic support apparatus 10 is empty.
In some embodiments, the controller 506 may be programmed to recognize dynamic
loading conditions (e.g. the user is riding over bumps, off road, jostling
about, etc.). In some
embodiments, the controller 506 may use signals from a variety of sensors,
including, but
not limited to, pressure sensors or bladder height sensors, to determine if a
dynamic loading
condition exists. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may enter a power
conservation
state upon determination that such a state exists. Such a state, may in some
embodiments,
be a maintenance state in which fluid is pumped into the actuators 16 to
replace fluid lost
over time. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may equalize pressure in
the actuators
16 before entering the maintenance state. In some embodiments, a user may
manually
inform the controller 506 that he or she is in a dynamic loading condition. In
some
embodiments, a user may manually inform the controller 506 that he or she is
not in a
dynamic loading condition. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may
momentarily
pause or abort the relief regimen when dynamic loading conditions exist.
In some embodiments, the controller 506 may have at least one stored relief
regimen. In some embodiments, the controller 506 may have stored relief
regimens
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including, but not limited to, regimens for sedentary activity, semi-active,
active, dynamic
loading, user-specified modes, etc. In some embodiments, a user may select a
stored relief
program before the relief regimen may begin or may change to a relief regimen
suitable for
anticipated activity.
In some embodiments, the controller 506 may be programmed to enter a transfer
aid
mode. In some embodiments, a transfer aid mode may require affirmative user
interaction
with the controller 506. In some embodiments, a user may need to press a
series of buttons,
navigate a series of menus, enter a particular intermediary mode, or any
combination
thereof. It may be desirable that affirmative user interaction be required to
ensure that a user
desires to enter the aided transfer mode and to ensure that a user does not
enter the aided
transfer mode by accident. In some embodiments, the actuators 16 may be
inflated to lift
and assist a user in transferring to another surface, such as, for example, a
bed.
As shown, the controller 506 may include an on-board interface 523. In some
embodiments, the on-board interface 523 may be a panel 402 (see, for example,
FIG. 26) of
buttons 404 (see, for example, FIG. 26) and/or indicators 406 (see, for
example, FIG. 26).
The indicators 406 may be lights such as LEDs. The on-board interface 523 may
include
indicators 406 such as a power-on indicator, alert indicators, a charging
indicator, a battery
remaining indicator, etc. The on-board interface 523 may include a speaker for
providing
audible feedback for commands and alerts. Additionally, the on-board interface
523 may
include a decal or other graphic which displays operating pressures of each
actuator 16. The
decal or graphic may approximate the shape of the person support apparatus 10
in visual
appearance. The decal or graphic may have tri-color LED indicators 406 which
visually
convey actuator 16 pressure to the occupant by lighting in specific colors
(e.g. green for
positive pressure, yellow for negative pressure, red for alert). The lights
may be arranged on
the decal such that their placement reflects the location of the actuators 16
in the person
support apparatus 10. The on-board interface 523 may include a pressure up
button, a
pressure down button, toggle buttons to switch between different operation
modes, and/or
any number of other user input buttons.
An external or remote interface 524 may be included. The external interface
524
may be, in some embodiments, a wireless pendant or other suitable remote. In
such
embodiments, the external interface may have buttons 404 and indicators 406
similar to the
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on-board interface 523. The external interface 524 may be a touch screen, LCD
screen, or
the like which is mounted on, for example, a wheelchair. In such embodiments,
the screen
may or may not be dedicated to the dynamic support apparatus 10. In some
embodiments,
the external interface 524 may be, but is not limited to, an occupant's
smartphone,
computer, or occupant support (e.g. bed, wheelchair, seat, etc.) control
interface. In some
embodiments the external interface 524 may include various additional controls
such as,
though not limited to, bump switches or sip and puff controls. In some
embodiments, a
dynamic support apparatus 10 may be configured to interface with a number of
different
external interfaces 524. The external interface 524 provided may be selected
such that it
.. best meets an individual user's needs.
In embodiments including an external or remote interface 524, the remote
interface
524 may be configured for attachment onto a convenient portion of the occupant
support.
The external interface 524 may communicate with the controller 506 wirelessly
or via a
wired connection. In some embodiments, such an interface may communicate over
.. CANbus. Such a bus could also be used for configuration and programming of
a dynamic
support apparatus 10 via a PC or the like (or a dedicated programming
interface). Use of
CANbus may be desirable as it may allow for simplified integration with an
occupant
support (e.g. wheelchair) controller. In other words, the joystick, buttons,
sensor inputs,
display, etc that are used for control of the occupant support could then also
be used to
interface with the dynamic support apparatus 10 controller 506 and/or external
interface
524.
In some embodiments the external interface 524 may display detailed
information,
diagnostics, and/or allow a user to alter settings or program customized
operational modes.
The external interface 524 may have expanded functionality when accessed by a
clinician,
technician, manufacturing, etc. The external interface 524 may be in cabled
communication
to the controller 506 via USB, RS-232, CANbus, etc. The external interface 524
may be in
wireless communication to the controller 506 (see, for example, FIG. 25).
An embodiment of an on-board interface 523 is shown in FIG. 26. The on-board
interface 523 is disposed about a panel 402 of a housing 400. The pump 500
(see, for
example, FIG. 25), motor 504 (see, for example, FIG. 25), manifold 518 (see,
for example,
FIG. 25), controller 506 (see, for example, FIG. 25), on-board power 508 (see,
for
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example, FIG. 25), etc. may be disposed inside the housing 400. As shown, the
on-board
interface 523 includes number indicators 406. The indicators 406 may indicate,
in some
embodiments, characteristics such as those described above. The on-board
interface 523
also includes two buttons 404. In some embodiments, the buttons 404 are for
pressure up
and pressure down. Other embodiments may include any number of buttons 404
with any
number of other functions.
An embodiment of a detachable interface 522 is also shown in FIG. 26. As
shown,
the detachable interface 522 is detached in FIG. 26. The actuator channels 520
(see, for
example, FIG. 15) may couple into the detachable interface 522. When the
detachable
interface 522 is detached, fluid communication between the manifold 518 and
actuators 16
may be broken. As mentioned above, in some specific embodiments, the
detachable
interface 522 may magnetically or mechanically couple to the housing 400.
FIG. 27 shows one embodiment of a detachable interface 522 in an exploded
view.
As shown, the detachable interface 522 includes a cover 522a. The cover 522a
includes a
number of orifices 522b into which the actuator channels 520 (see, for
example, FIG. 15)
may be inserted. The detachable interface 522 also includes a number of
magnets 522c. The
detachable interface 522 may include a number of fittings 522d. The fittings
522d may
include a barbed portion onto which the actuator channels 520 may be coupled.
As shown,
the detachable interface 522 also includes a base plate 522e with a number of
base plate
holes 522f. When assembled, the fittings 522d may be coupled into the base
plate holes
522f. When assembled, the fittings 522d may be fixedly coupled into place by
any suitable
method, such as but not limited to, solvent bonding, ultra-sonic welding, glue
or other
adhesive, etc. Some embodiments may also include a back iron 522g for the
magnets.
When the detachable interface 522 is attached to the housing 400, magnets in
the
housing 400 may attract the magnets 522c in the detachable interface 522 such
that the
detachable interface 522 is magnetically and detachably coupled to the housing
400.
Alternatively, the detachable interface 522 may be attracted to a
ferromagnetic plate
included on the housing 400. In such embodiments, the plate may be 400-series
stainless
steel, however, in various other embodiments, the plate may be made from any
material.
The base plate holes 522f may line up with the outlets of the various channels
of the
manifold 518 (see, for example, FIG. 25). The base plate holes 522f may
include a feature
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which creates a seal between the base plate holes 522f and the outlets of the
various
channels of the manifold 518 when subjected to the compressive force generated
by the
magnetic coupling. Though the embodiment in FIG. 27 may support up to seven
actuators
16, other embodiments may include a different number of orifices 522b,
fittings 522d, and
base plate holes 522f to support any number of actuators 16.
FIG. 28 depicts an embodiment of a controller 1100 which may be used with a
dynamic support apparatus 10. As shown, the controller 1100 includes a housing
1102. The
housing 1102 may be shaped and sized such that it may easily be attached to a
support
structure such as a portion of a wheelchair or placed into a holster. In some
embodiments, at
least a portion of the housing 1102 (or holster) may include brackets,
adhesive, hook and
loop tape, etc. (none shown) which facilitate attachment of the controller
1100 to a support
structure. The controller may also include a processor.
The controller 1100 shown in FIG. 28 includes a control panel 1104 which may
include a user interface for a dynamic support apparatus 10. As shown, the
control panel
1104 includes a number of buttons 1106. In some embodiments, only two buttons
1106 are
shown, however, other embodiments may include a greater or lesser number of
buttons
1106. The buttons 1106 may be assigned any number of various functions. In
some
embodiments, the buttons 1106 may control which operational mode the
controller 1100 is
operating under. The buttons 1106 may be used to actuate an actuator 16. In
some
embodiments, the buttons 1100 may be used to select an actuator 16 or
actuators 16 to be
controlled. The buttons 1100 may also be used to navigate through and/or
select information
and settings displayed on a graphic display 1108.
The control panel 1104 may also include a number of illuminated indicators
1110. In
various embodiments, the illuminated indicators 1110 may be backlit by one or
more LEDs.
Though the embodiment depicts three illuminated indicators 1110, other
embodiments may
include any suitable number of illuminated indicators 1110. The illuminated
indicators 1110
may be used to convey various operational states of the controller 1100. They
may also be
used to provide feedback or other information to a user. In some embodiments,
the
illuminated indicators 1110 may be used to convey alarm states or other
conditions of
interest related to a dynamic support apparatus 10.
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A display 1108 is also present on the control panel 1104 of the exemplary
controller
1100 shown in FIG. 28. The display 1108 may be used to convey information to
the user. In
some embodiments, the display 1108 may present a number of menus and options
to a user
which may be respectively navigated and selected to control the operation of a
dynamic
.. support apparatus 10. The display 1108 may also be used to program
operational modes for
a dynamic support apparatus 10. The display 1108 may be any suitable variety
of display. In
some embodiments, the display 1108 may be a touch screen display. In such
embodiments,
buttons 1106 may not be included and control of a dynamic support apparatus 10
may be
conducted primarily through touch gestures on the touch screen.
The control panel 1104 of the controller 1100 also includes a speaker 1112.
The
speaker 1112 may be used to provide auditory feedback or other information to
a user. In
some embodiments, the speaker 1112 may create auditory noise in response to
various user
inputs such as button 1106 presses. The speaker 1112 may also be used to
provide an
auditory alarm for a dynamic support apparatus 10 in the event that an issue
requiring
.. attention of the user exists.
The controller 1100 shown in FIG. 28 includes a power button 1114. The power
button 1114 may be used to turn the controller of a dynamic support apparatus
10 off or on.
In some embodiments, the controller 506 may include a pause button 1136. In
some
embodiments, the pause button 1136 may be utilized to pause a pressure relief
scheme. This
.. may be desirable/beneficial, for many reasons, including, but not limited
to, when noise
from a pneumatic component of a dynamic support apparatus 10 may be disruptive
or
inconvenient. In some circumstances, such as during conversation, a user may
desire to
pause the pressure relief regimen. In some embodiments, the pause button 1136
may pause
the pressure relief scheme until a later user interaction with the controller,
for example, a
.. second depression of the pause button 1136. In some embodiments, the
pressure relief
scheme may only be suspended for a predetermined period of time. Limiting a
pause to a
predetermined period of time may prevent a user from forgetting that the
relief scheme had
been suspended. In some embodiments, after the predetermined period has
elapsed, the
controller 506 may enter a minimally disruptive mode. In such a mode, the
controller 506
may, for example, lengthen the period of time between relief cycles or may
otherwise alter
its control logic to minimize disruption.
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In some embodiments, a user may utilize an interface to turn desired features
on or
off. In such embodiments, the interface may comprise checkboxes, radio
buttons, parameter
fields, or other selectors/fields (or any combination thereof) which may be
used to toggle
features on or off and/or set parameter values. In some embodiments, a user
may select
numerical values for certain features. For example, a user may define a number
of pressure
relief cycles per a user defined period of time. In some embodiments, some
features may be
under headings of other features or categories and/or be arranged in a
hierarchy. In some
embodiments, selecting one feature may enable user selection of a number of
sub-features.
In some embodiments, features may be disabled depending on the individual
user's needs.
For example, a seat transfer feature may be disabled for a user recovering
from a recent
ulcer.
In some embodiments, a user may utilize a controller 506, on-board interface
523,
external interface 524, detachable interface 522, or combination thereof to
manually initiate
pressure relief as desired. In some embodiments, a user may override automated
pressure
relief. In some embodiments, pressure relief may be entirely controlled by
user intervention.
In some embodiments, pressure relief may be entirely controlled by automatic
processes. In
some embodiments, pressure relief may be controlled by a combination of user
intervention
and automated processes.
In some embodiments, a power port 1116 may be included. The power port 1116
may allow a user to plug an external power source (not shown) into the
controller 1100 of a
dynamic support apparatus 10. Such a power source may be used to charge an on
board
power source of a controller 1100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
controller 1100
may be run directly off of an external power source. A power indicator 1118
may illuminate
when an external power source is in communication with the controller 1100.
A serial port 1111 or communications port is also included in some
embodiments.
The serial port 1111 may be any suitable variety of serial port, for example
USB, R5232,
etc. The serial port 1111 may be used for charging an on board power source or
powering
the controller. The serial port 1111 may also be used for interfacing with a
computer, laptop
or the like. The serial port 1111 may be used to download data (e.g. logs)
from the
controller 1100. Additionally, the serial port 1111 may be used during
programming of the
controller 1100.
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A number of tubing connectors 1120 are also accessible through the housing of
the
controller 1100. Tubing (not shown) may be placed onto the tubing connectors
1120 to
connect the controller 1100 to other components of a dynamic support apparatus
10. The
controller 1100 may control fluid flow through tubing connected to the
controller 1100 via
an internal manifold associated with the tubing connectors 1120.
The housing 1102 of the controller 1100 may include various control circuitry
and
fluid system components for a dynamic support apparatus 10. In some
embodiments, a fluid
pump may be housed in a controller 1100. A manifold and valving for directing
fluid flow
may also be included. The control circuitry may be included on a PCB housed in
a
controller 1100. Control circuitry may include any of a variety of sensors
(e.g. pressure,
temperature, mass air flow), computer-readable memory, one or more
microprocessor, etc.
An on board power supply may also be included inside the housing 1102 of a
controller
1100.
FIG. 29 depicts embodiments of a number of components which may be included in
a controller 1100 such as that shown in FIG. 28. In other embodiments,
additional or
different components may be included. As shown, the embodiment in FIG. 29
includes a
pump 500, manifold 518, a number of valves 1122, and an onboard power source
1124. The
pump 500 is in communication with the manifold 518 via tubing 1130. The pump
500 and
valves 1122 may draw power from the onboard power source 1124. In some
embodiments,
the onboard power source 1124 is a battery. The valves 1122 may be actuated in
a manner
which allows them to direct fluid flow within the manifold 518. The valves
1122 shown in
FIG. 29 are solenoid valves. In other embodiments, any suitable type of valve
may be used.
The manifold 518 shown in FIG. 29 includes a number of features. As shown, the
manifold 518 includes a number of standoffs 1126. A PCB (not shown) with the
control
circuitry for a controller 1100 (see, for example, FIG. 28) may be coupled to
the manifold
518 via fasteners which couple into the standoffs 1126. A number of sensor
wells 1128 are
also included in the manifold 518. The sensor wells 1128 may be in fluid
communication
with the interior passages of the manifold 518. As shown, the sensor wells
1128 also each
include an o-ring. When assembled, the o-rings of the sensor wells 1128 may be
compressed between the manifold 518 and a PCB forming a fluid tight seal. This
may allow
sensors located on the PCB to sense various conditions within the manifold
518. By
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orienting the o-ring around the sensors located on the PCB, the compressed o-
ring may
provide a fluid tight seal. This seal may allow the sensors to accurately
measure manifold
pressures. Sensor wells 1128 and accompanying sensors may be included for any
of the
interior passages of the manifold 518. Such an on board pressure sensor
arrangement is
further described later in the specification.
It may be desirable to have some of the passageways of the manifold 518 cut or
recessed into one or more of the faces of the manifold 518. This may
contribute to the
making of a more compact or easily manufactured manifold 518. Such passageways
may
then be sealed from the surrounding environment such that fluid may be
conducted through
the manifold 518 in a desirable fashion. In some embodiments, the manifold 518
includes a
plate 1132 which is coupled thereto to seal one such passageway of the
manifold 518. In
various embodiments, a plate 1132 may be coupled to the manifold 518 via any
suitable
means, including but not limited to sonic welding, laser welding, solvent
bonding, adhesive,
etc.
The embodiment of the manifold 518 shown in FIG. 29 also includes a sealing
structure 1134 which surrounds the tubing connectors 1120. As shown, the
sealing structure
1134 is a stadium shaped projection. Recessed into the outer wall of the
sealing structure
1134 is an o-ring groove in which an o-ring may be disposed. Referring now
also to FIG.
28, when placed in a housing 1102, such an o-ring may create a fluid tight
seal which
prohibits fluid ingress into the interior volume of the housing 1102. This may
be useful to
prevent spills, urine, etc. from fouling the interior components of a
controller 1100.
FIG. 30 depicts a representational, disassembled view of various components
which
may be included in a controller such as the controller 1100 shown in FIG. 29.
As shown, a
manifold 518 and a main PCB 1125 are depicted. Referring now also to FIG. 31,
when
assembled, =fasteners 1127 may pass through the main PCB 1125 and thread into
the
standoffs 1126 included in the manifold 518.
There are a number of sensors 1131 located on the main PCB 1125. These sensors
1131 may be any type of sensor or sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors
1131 are
pressure sensors. These sensors 1131 may be positioned on the main PCB 1125
such that
when the main PCB 1125 is attached to the manifold 518, the sensors 1131 may
align with
or are disposed over holes or voids (see, for example the sensor wells 1128 in
FIG. 29) in
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the manifold 518. These holes may be in communication with various fluid
pathways or
portions of the manifold 518.
As shown, the sensors 1131 may fit within the interior void of the o-rings
1129
depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31. When assembled, the o-rings 1129 may become
compressed
between the main PCB 1125 and the manifold 518. Thus a fluid tight seal may be
created,
isolating the sensors 1131 from the surrounding environment. This may allow
the sensors
1131 to accurately measure conditions in the manifold 518. The standoffs 1126
may be
suitably sized to ensure that the o-rings 1129 will become sufficiently
compressed it create
an adequate fluid tight seal. Such an on board pressure sensor arrangement may
be an
inexpensive and easily assembled means of measuring pressures for a dynamic
support
apparatus 10.
FIG. 32 depicts an embodiment of a manifold 518 in which the various fluid
pathways 1140 within the manifold 518 are shown. For the sake of this
illustration,
overlapping fluid pathways should be understood to lie in different planes of
the manifold
518. Additionally, for sake of illustration, the valves 1142 and the pump 500
are shown
representationally in FIG. 32. Arrows are included within the fluid pathways
1140 to
delineate the path of fluid flow when the manifold 518 and pump 500 are
configured to
deliver positive pressure to part of a pneumatic system such as an actuator
16. Though the
embodiment in FIG. 32 depicts fluid being delivered to only a single actuator
16, it would
be apparent to one skilled in the art that fluid may be delivered to multiple
actuators 16 or
different actuators 16 by energizing and de-energizing appropriate valves
1142.
FIG. 33 depicts an embodiment of a manifold 518 in which the various fluid
pathways 1140 within the manifold 518 are shown. For the sake of this
illustration,
overlapping fluid pathways should be understood to lie in different planes of
the manifold
518. The valves 1142 of the manifold 518 and a pump 500 are also shown
representationally in FIG. 33. Arrows are included within the fluid pathways
1140 to
delineate the path of fluid flow when the manifold 518 and pump 500 are
configured to vent
another part of a pneumatic system such as an actuator 16. Though the in FIG.
33 depicts
fluid being vented from all actuators 16 associated with the manifold 518, it
would be
.. apparent to one skilled in the art that fluid may be vented from a selected
actuator 16 or
actuators 16 by energizing and de-energizing appropriate valves 1142.
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FIG. 34 shows a pneumatic diagram for an embodiment of a dynamic support
apparatus 10. As shown, three actuators 16 are included in the embodiment
shown in FIG.
34. A pump 500 is included. A pump 500 may include a filter (not shown) to
prevent debris
or liquid such as urine from being drawn into the pump 500. As shown, the pump
500 uses
the atmosphere as its fluid reservoir 502. In some embodiments, the pump 500
may be a
pump 500 capable of generating both positive and negative pressures. In the
embodiment
shown in FIG. 34 the pump 500 only generates positive pressures. In some
embodiments,
the pump 500 may be associated with one or more valve which allows the pump
500 to use
different volumes which the pump 500 is in communication with as a reservoir.
In some
embodiments, a valve or valves may be configured to allow the pump 500 to draw
fluid
from an actuator 16 and pump this fluid to the atmosphere and vice versa. In
some
embodiments, the pump 500 may only be configured to displace fluid in one
direction.
Vavling may be supplied to allow both of the inlet and outlet to be connected
to the
atmosphere, for example. Depending on which port- the inlet or outlet- or the
pump is
connected to atmosphere, a vacuum or positive pressure may be supplied. Any of
a number
of varieties of pumps 500 may be used. For example, the pump 500 may be a
diaphragm
pump or a rotary vane pump.
In alternate embodiments, a pump 500 may not be included. In such embodiments,
a
high pressure source (not shown) may replace the pump 500. The high pressure
source (not
shown) may, in some embodiments, be a canister of pressurized air or gas. The
pressurized
air or gas canister may be removed and refilled after use. A manual pump such
as a squeeze
bulb pump may be included in some embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments
may
include manual relief valves.
As shown in FIG. 34 the pump 500 is in fluid communication with a manifold
518.
A pressure transducer 530 is included at the manifold 518 to sense the
pressure of fluid at
the manifold 518. In other embodiments, there may be multiple pressure
transducers 530. In
some embodiments, pressure transducers 530 may additionally be included on
each of the
actuator channels 520. In such embodiments, pressures sensed in the pressure
transducers
530 may be required to agree with each other within a tolerance. If the
pressure transducers
530 gather conflicting readings, an alarm may be generated.
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A number of valves 532 are also included in the pneumatic diagram shown in
FIG.
34. The valves 532 may control fluid communication to the actuators 16. The
valves 532
may be actuated by a controller 506. In the some embodiments, the valves 532
may be
actuated to allow fluid flow into the actuators 16 or a selected actuator 16
to inflate the
actuator 16 or actuators 16. The valves 532 may also be actuated to allow
fluid to exit the
actuators 16 to be bled off back into the atmosphere as shown. In some
embodiments, a
vacuum may be applied to the actuators 16 or a selected actuator 16 in order
to fully deflate
the actuators 16 or actuator 16. In some embodiments, a second pump (not
shown) may be
included to generate a vacuum.
In some embodiments, one or more over-pressure valve or relief valve (not
shown)
may be included in association with one or more actuator 16. Such an over-
pressure valves
may allow fluid to escape the actuators 16 in the event that an excess of
fluid or an
undesirably high pressure exists within one of more of the actuators 16.
Allowing such fluid
to escape may increase comfort and aid in the prevention of pressure
ulceration.
FIG. 35 depicts a basic pneumatic diagram of a pneumatic system including a
single
pump 500 capable of delivering fluid from a reservoir 502 to a destination. As
indicated,
this destination may be a manifold 518 (see, for example, FIG. 25) and various
actuators 16
(see, for example, FIG. 1) downstream from the manifold 518. As shown, the
pump 500 is
only capable of drawing fluid from a reservoir 502 to its inlet 1000 to create
a positive
pressure at its outlet 1002. It may, however, be desirable to also apply a
vacuum to the
destination. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by a pump 500
capable of
generating both positive and negative pressures or by incorporation of an
additional pump
(not shown). Both of these approaches tend to increase cost and may increase
the form
factor of the overall pneumatic system.
Alternatively, and referring now to FIG. 36, it may therefore be desirable to
have
the capability to swap which flow paths are connected to the inlet 1000 and
outlet 1002 of
the pump 500. These flow paths are shown swapped from their position in FIG.
35 in the
pneumatic diagram shown in FIG. 36. As shown, this may allow the pump 500 to
use the
actuators 16 as the reservoir 502 such that the pump 500 may apply a vacuum to
the
actuators 16.
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FIG. 37 depicts another pneumatic diagram. The pneumatic diagram in FIG. 37 is
configured such that the flow paths in communication with the inlet 1000 and
outlet 1002 of
the pump 500 may be swapped as detailed above. In FIG. 37, this is
accomplished through
the use of two valves 1004. The valves 1004 form the equivalent of a pneumatic
H-bridge.
In the specific implementation depicted in FIG. 37, the valves 1004 are three
port, two
position valves. The position of the valves 1004 may be changed in order to
swap which
flow path is in communication with the inlet 1000 and outlet 1002 of the pump
500. As
shown, the valves 1004 are actuated such that the reservoir 502 in FIG. 37 is
the
atmosphere. The valves 1004 may generally be driven together to avoid a
situation where
the inlet 1000 and outlet 1002 of the pump 500 are connected to the same fluid
path way. In
some embodiments, it may be desirable to drive one valve 1004 briefly before
the other to
limit peak power draw or improve pneumatic performance.
In some embodiments, other valve 1004 arrangements may also be used. In some
embodiments, a single four port, two position valve may be used in place of
the two valves
1004 shown in FIG. 37. A single five port, two position valve may also be used
in place of
the two valves 1004 shown in FIG. 37. Any other suitable arrangement may also
be used.
The valve arrangement chosen for an embodiment may be dependent upon form
factor,
cost, and power concerns related to the pneumatic system.
Referring now to FIG. 38, another pneumatic diagram is shown. The pneumatic
diagram shown in FIG. 38 is similar to the pneumatic diagram shown in FIG. 37,
however,
it includes an added functionality. The pneumatic diagram shown in FIG. 38,
includes a
bypass valve 1006 which allows the manifold to be directly connected to the
atmosphere. In
some embodiments, the bypass valve 1006 is shown as a three port, two position
valve.
Other valve arrangements serving the same end may also be used. A bypass valve
1006 may
.. allow a pneumatic system to save power and extend the life of the pump 500.
This may be
so because, without using a pump 500, a desired actuator 16 may be vented by
letting the
occupant's weight drive a portion of the fluid out of the actuator 16. If
needed, the valves
1004 may be positioned such that the pump 500 may then be turned on to draw a
vacuum.
The capability of connecting the manifold to the atmosphere may provide an
assortment of other advantages as well. If the manifold's pneumatic pressure
is measured
using an absolute pressure sensor, connecting the manifold to the atmosphere
periodically
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allows the ambient pressure to be measured using the same sensor thus making a
dedicated
ambient sensor unnecessary. Further, it may be desirable to have the ability
to connect the
manifold to the atmosphere in a failsafe mode of the pneumatic system.
FIG. 39 depicts a pneumatic diagram. The pneumatic diagram shown in FIG. 39
includes only a single rotary valve 1008. For purposes of description, the
rotary valve 1008
is described in relation to a pneumatic system, however, in various
embodiments, the valve
may be used in non-pneumatic systems such as hydraulic systems. Likewise,
though the
valve 1008 is generally described in relation to a dynamic support apparatus
10, the valve
1008 may be used in any number of other suitable applications or systems
requiring valves.
The embodiments of the valve 1008 and applications for the valve 1008
described herein
are merely exemplary and in no way limiting. Additionally, a plurality of such
valves 1008
may be used for some applications and the valve 1008 may be included in a
manifold 518
(FIG. 25) with any number of other valves.
The rotary valve 1008 depicted in FIG. 39 retains the functionalities of other
valve
arrangements which use solenoids or other valves, however, may have a smaller
form
factor, reduced part count, and lower cost. In some embodiments, the rotary
valve 1008
depicted in FIG. 39 retains all of the functionalities of the valve
arrangement in FIG. 38,
however, has a smaller form factor and lower cost. Moreover, such a valve may
be made to
be multi-stable and thus lower valve related power demands of pneumatic
system.
As shown, the rotary valve 1008 depicted includes a number of valve flow paths
1010. Each of the valve flow paths 1010 extend across the body 1012 of the
rotary valve
1008 transversely in the some embodiments. So as not to be in communication
with one
another, the flow paths 1010 may extend across the body 1012 of the rotary
valve 1008 in
more than one transverse plane. As shown in some embodiments, the fluid ports
1014 for
each flow path 1010 may be disposed on the outer circumference of the body
1012 of the
valve 1008. In other embodiments, this need not be the case. The fluid ports
1014 may be
disposed at regular angular intervals. This may allow the rotary valve 1008 to
be rotated a
standard amount to make and break connections with any of the flow paths 1010
of the
rotary valve 1008. As is shown in FIG. 39, the fluid ports 1014 are located
approximately
45 from adjacent fluid ports 1014.
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Referring now to the progression of FIGS. 40-43, the rotary valve 1008 is
shown in
a number of rotational positions. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 40-43, the
fluid ports
of the rotary valve 1008 are individually assigned reference numbers 1-8. Each
rotational
position of the rotary valve 1008 places a different fluid port 1-8 in
communication with the
fixed pathways of the pneumatic system. Each of these positions enables a
specific
functionality of the pneumatic system. For sake of this description,
rotational stops of the
rotary valve 1008 depicted in FIGS. 40-43 will be referred to by the fluid
port number
which is located at the twelve o'clock position.
FIG. 40 depicts the rotary valve 1008 in position 1. In this position, the
inlet 1000 of
the pump 500 is in communication with the atmosphere. The outlet 1002 of the
pump 500 is
in communication with the manifold. This position of the rotary valve 1008
allows the
pump 500 to generate positive pressure at the manifold while drawing fluid
from the
atmosphere. This position may be used to inflate or provide fluid to a
destination. The
destination may, in some embodiments, be actuators 16 (see, for example, FIG.
25) of a
dynamic support apparatus 10 (see, for example, FIG. 25).
FIG. 41 depicts the rotary valve 1008 rotated approximately 45
counterclockwise
from its location in FIG. 40 into position 2. In this position, the inlet 1000
of the pump 500
is in communication with the manifold. The outlet 1002 of the pump 500 is in
communication with the atmosphere. Rotating the rotary valve 1008 to position
2 allows the
pump 500 to draw a vacuum through the manifold. This position may be used to
deflate or
draw fluid from the destination. The destination may, in some embodiments, be
actuators 16
(see, for example, FIG. 25) of a dynamic support apparatus 10 (see, for
example. FIG. 25).
FIG. 42 depicts the rotary valve 1008 rotated approximately 45
counterclockwise
from its location in FIG. 41 into position 3. In this position, the pump 500
is isolated from
the manifold. Additionally, the manifold is directly connected to the
atmosphere. Rotating
the rotary valve 1008 to position 2 allows the rotary valve 1008 to act as a
bypass valve
similar to the bypass valve 1006 depicted in FIG. 38. This position may be
used to deflate
or bleed fluid from a destination. The destination may, in some embodiments,
be actuators
16 (see, for example. FIG. 25) of a dynamic support apparatus 10 (see, for
example, FIG.
25) without using the pump 500. It may also serve as a failsafe position or
allow a pressure
sensor in the manifold to measure ambient atmospheric pressure as described
above.
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FIG. 43 depicts the rotary valve 1008 rotated approximately 45
counterclockwise
from its location in FIG. 42 into position 4. Position 4 is pneumatically
equivalent to
position 2. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, positions 5-8 are
also pneumatic
equivalents of the various depicted rotary valve 1008 positions shown in FIGS.
40-43. In
some embodiments depicted, position 1 and position 5 are pneumatically
equivalent,
positions 2, 4, 6, and 8 are pneumatically equivalent, and position 3 and
position 7 are
pneumatically equivalent.
Embodiments of the rotary valve 1008 depicted in FIGS. 40-43 places the fluid
ports 1-8 in a sequential order that generally reflect the sequential order of
the pneumatic
arrangements which would be desirable for a particular application of the
valve. In some
embodiments, the arrangement may be desirable when the valve 1008 is used to
provide
fluid to a pneumatically controlled dynamic support apparatus 10 (see, for
example, FIG
25). Such an arrangement of fluid ports 1-8 ensures that any desired state is
at most
approximately a quarter rotation of the rotary valve 1008 from any other
position. In some
embodiments, it may be desirable to have a greater or lesser number of rotary
valve 1008
positions which are equivalents of a particular pneumatic arrangement (e.g. a
greater
number of arrangements which supply positive pressure to the manifold). This
may, for
example, be accomplished by installing the pump 500 into the pneumatic system
such that
its inlet 1000 and outlet 1002 are reversed from what is shown in FIG. 40-43.
Such an
arrangement would cause positions 2, 4, 6, and 8 to allow the pump 500 to
supply positive
pressure to the manifold. Alternatively, the parts of the pneumatic system
communicating
with various fixed fluid pathways in the pneumatic system may also be swapped.
In some
embodiments, the manifold and atmosphere may be swapped. Such an arrangement
would
again cause positions 2, 4, 6, and 8 to allow the pump 500 to supply positive
pressure to the
manifold. Additionally, the routing of the valve flow paths 1010 may be
altered to any
suitable configuration. It should also be noted that a rotary valve 1008 may
be rotated to an
intermediary position, which may include a position between two adjacent fluid
ports, so as
to isolate the components of a pneumatic system from one another.
In some embodiments, a manifold may not be needed. In some embodiments, if
there are not multiple destinations which are included in a pneumatic system,
a rotary valve
1008 may be connected directly to the destination. Additionally, in some
embodiments,
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there may be multiple rotary valves 1008 which may each be connected directly
to
respective destinations. In such embodiments, the rotary valves 1008
themselves may act as
a manifold. In such embodiments, the rotary valves 1008 may be rotated in a
cooperative
fashion to allow fluid to be communicated to the various destinations as
desired. For
instance, when it is desired to provide fluid to a single destination, the
rotary valve 1008
associated with that destination may be rotated into the appropriate position.
The rotary
valves 1008 leading to other destinations in the system may be rotated to an
intermediary or
isolated position while fluid is provided to the desired destination.
FIG. 44 depicts an embodiment of a rotary valve assembly 1020. The rotary
valve
assembly 1020 in FIG. 44 is shown in an exploded view. The rotary valve
assembly 1020
includes a rotor 1022, stator 1024, and back plate 1026. The rotor 1022 and
stator 1024 in
some embodiments are disc shaped. In alternate embodiments, the rotor 1022 and
stator
1024 may be any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the rotor 1022 may be
conical,
while the stator 1024 may include a conical cavity therein. When assembled,
the pieces of
the rotary valve assembly 1020 may be held together by a clamping force
sufficient to
prevent any fluid leakage during operation.
As shown in FIG. 44, the top face 1030 of the rotor 1022 includes a number of
flow
paths 1010. These flow paths 1010 allow fluid to pass through the rotary valve
assembly
1020. The flow paths 1010 may be selectively rotated into communication with a
number of
stator ports 1034 which extend through the stator 1024. Each of the stator
ports 1034 may
connect the rotary valve assembly 1020 to fluid pathways leading to other
components of a
pneumatic system (e.g. pump inlet, pump outlet, manifold, reservoir, etc.). In
some
embodiments the stator ports 1034 extend through the stator 1022 in a
direction which is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the disc-like stator 1022.
Referring now also to FIG. 45, the bottom face 1032 of the rotor 1022 is
depicted.
The bottom face 1032 also includes a flow path 1010. The flow path 1010 in the
bottom
face 1032 of the rotor 1022 includes two pass-throughs 1028 which are oriented
substantially perpendicular to the top face 1030 and bottom face 1032 of the
rotor 1022.
These pass-throughs 1028 allow the flow path 1010 in the bottom face 1032 of
the rotor
1022 to be selectively rotated into communication with the various stator
ports 1034 of the
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stator 1024. This may allow the flow path 1010 in the bottom face 1032 of the
rotor 1022 to
conduct fluid to and from the other components of a pneumatic system.
The stator 1024 and back plate 1026 may be made from a material such as metal,
though any other suitable material may also be used. hi some embodiments, the
stator 1024
.. and the back plate 1026 may be identical parts. This may increase ease of
manufacturing for
a rotary valve assembly 1020. In such embodiments, the back plate 1026 may,
for example,
be clocked 45 with respect to the stator 1024. In some embodiments, the back
plate 1026 is
not identical to the stator 1024.
The rotor 1022 may be made from a material such as plastic, though any other
suitable material may also be used. In some specific embodiments, the rotor
1022 may be
made from Delrin. In other embodiments, the rotor 1022 may be made from a
different
material such as Rulon or polytetrafluoroethylene. The materials selected for
the rotor 1022,
stator 1024, and back plate 1026 may be selected such that the coefficient of
friction
between the moving parts of the rotary valve assembly 1020 is low.
Additionally, in some
embodiments, a surface treatment may be applied to the contacting surfaces of
parts in the
rotary valve assembly 1020 in order to reduce friction between the parts.
Other surface
treatments, such as those that increase the durability or corrosion resistance
of the various
parts may also be advantageous.
Friction between the two parts may also be reduced by recessing various
portions of
one or more mating surface in the rotary valve assembly 1022. In some
embodiments, areas
of the top face 1030 of the rotor 1022 where there are no flow paths 1010 in
the vicinity
may be recessed such that they contribute no friction. Alternatively or
additionally, the flow
paths 1010 may be enlarged such that the area of the top face 1030 of the
rotor 1032 which
contacts the stator 1022 is reduced and therefore contributes less friction.
Any other friction
reduction scheme which would be obvious to one skilled in the art may also be
used.
In some embodiments, one or more parts of the rotary valve assembly 1020 may
be
stamped or water-jet cut to help minimize the cost of a rotary valve assembly
1020. A
finishing process (e.g. lapping) may then be used on these parts to ensure
that the contact
surfaces between the mating faces of the valve assembly 1020 are flat and
smooth.
FIG. 46 depicts an embodiment of a rotor 1022 which may be included in a
rotary
valve assembly similar to the rotary valve assembly 1022 depicted in FIG. 44.
As shown,
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the rotor 1022 in FIG. 46 includes a number of flow paths 1010. The rotor 1022
in FIG. 46
also includes pass-throughs 1028 which allow all of the flow paths 1010 of the
rotor 1022 to
be accessed via the same face of the rotor 1022. The rotor 1022 in FIG. 46
includes a
central through-hole 1040. A through-hole 1040 may extend through other
portions of a
rotary valve assembly 1020 as well. A through-hole 1040 may aid in assembly of
a rotary
valve assembly 1020 by allotting for a fastener to pass through the assembly
and aid in
clamping the assembly together. An embodiment using such a fastener is
depicted in FIGS.
50 and 51.
In some embodiments, a through-hole 1040 in the rotor 1022 may be keyed. This
may allow a keyed shaft (not shown) to be inserted into the through-hole such
that the rotor
1022 may be driven via the keyed shaft. The keyed shaft may be rotated by a
motor. Some
such embodiments may use a planetary gear head (not shown) to drive rotation
of the keyed
shaft.
FIG. 47 depicts an arrangement for imparting rotary motion to a rotor 1022. As
shown in FIG. 47 a motor 1050, which lies substantially in the same plane as
the rotor
1022, is included. The motor 1050 rotates a shaft 1052 which is coupled to a
worm gear
1054. The worm gear 1054 interdigitates with teeth 1056 disposed about the
circumference
of the rotor 1022. As the motor 1050 rotates the worm gear 1054, this rotation
is imparted to
the rotor 1022 thus causing rotation of the rotor 1022.
The motor 1050 used could be any variety of suitable motor 1050. In some
embodiments the motor 1050 may be a brushed DC motor, brushless DC motor, or
any
variety of stepper motor. It may be desirable to use a stepper motor because a
stepper motor
allows for deterministic motion of the motor (i.e. X pulses creates Y degrees
of rotor 1022
movement). Some embodiments may include a rotary encoder (not shown) which may
track
rotor 1022 rotation. Some embodiments may include a magnetic rotary encoder
which
senses rotor rotation 1022 via the position of a magnet rotating with the
rotor 1022. Other
embodiments may include an optical rotary encoder which may, for instance,
optically
count the gear teeth 1056 of the rotor 1022 as they pass the field of view of
the encoder.
Other types of rotary encoders or suitable rotation sensing schemes may also
be used. In
some embodiments, a gray encoder may be built into the rotor 1022. This could
be
accomplished by means of decal placed on a surface of the rotor 1022. In other
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embodiments, this may be accomplished electrically with tracks on the rotor
1022. In such
embodiments, a thin PCB may also be included as a part of the rotary valve
assembly 1020.
One or more potentiometers may also be used to track rotation of the rotor
1022. In such
embodiments, the one or more potentiometers may be keyed to a rotor shaft such
that the
wipers of the potentiometers rotate, changing the measured resistance, as the
rotor 1022
shaft rotates. The measured resistance may then be used to determine the
rotational position
of the rotor 1022.
FIG. 48 depicts an embodiment of a valve interface 1060. In some embodiments,
the valve interface 1060 may double as a valve stator. A valve interface 1060
may be used
to interface a valve, such as any of the rotary valves or rotary valve
assemblies described
herein, to the rest of a pneumatic system. The embodiment valve interface 1060
depicted in
FIG. 48 may, in some embodiments, be used in conjunction with the rotary valve
assembly
1020 depicted in FIG. 44. As shown, the valve interface 1060 includes a number
of
interface ports 1062. The interface ports 1062 are each in communication with
a respective
interface fluid channel 1064. The valve interface 1060 includes a number of
connection
ports 1066 which are also in communication with respective interface fluid
channels 1064.
Tubing 1068 may be plumbed into the connection ports 1066 in order to connect
various
components of a pneumatic system to the valve interface 1060. Such tubing 1068
may
connect the valve interface 1060 to components such as a pump, manifold,
reservoir, etc.
When assembled, a stator such as the stator 1024 shown in FIG. 44, may be
joined
to the valve interface 1060 such that the stator ports 1034 (see FIG. 44) are
in line with the
interface ports 1062. In some embodiments, the valve interface 1060 may be
clamped in
with a valve assembly (best shown in FIG. 51). The valve interface 1060 may
also include a
planar or form-in-place gasket (planar gasket 1092 shown in FIG. 51) between
the mating
=faces of the valve interface 1060 and the stator 1024. Thus, rotation of a
rotor 1022 (see, for
example, FIG. 44) of a valve assembly 1020 (see, for example, FIG. 44) which
has been
joined to a valve interface 1060 may allow various pneumatic arrangements to
be broken
and made.
FIG. 49 depicts an embodiment of a valve interface 1060. As shown, the valve
interface 1060 is similar to that shown in FIG. 48. The valve interface 1060
shown in FIG.
49 includes a number of interface ports 1062, interface fluid channels 1064,
and connection
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ports 1066 all of which serving the same function as those described in
relation to FIG. 48.
Tubing 1068 is plumbed into the connection ports 1066 of the valve interface
1060 in FIG.
49. A rotary valve assembly 1020 is shown in outline form in place on the
valve interface
1060 as well.
In contrast to FIG. 48, the connection ports 1066 in FIG. 49 are not all
located on
the same side of the valve interface 1060. In the specific embodiment shown in
FIG. 49, the
connection ports 1066 are in pairs which are disposed 1800 from one another.
This may be
desirable/beneficial for many reasons, including, but not limited to, such an
arrangement
may allow for the tubing 1068 to be more easily routed for the pneumatic
system. The
connection ports 1066 may also be disposed in any other suitable
configuration.
FIG. 50 depicts an assembled embodiment of a valve interface 1060 and rotary
valve assembly 1020. As shown, the valve interface 1060 is similar to the
valve interface
1060 illustrated and described in relation to FIG. 49. The rotary valve
assembly 1020 is
also similar to other rotary valve assemblies shown and described herein. The
rotary valve
assembly 1020 in FIG. 50 includes a rotor 1022 which has a diameter larger
than the
footprint of the valve interface 1060. The rotor 1022 also includes teeth 1056
which are
disposed about its circumference. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 50,
rotation
may be imparted to the rotor 1022 of the rotary valve assembly 1020 by means
of a number
of stepper coils 1070 disposed around the rotor 1022. By selectively
energizing the stepper
coils 1070 in a suitable sequence, the rotor 1022 may be made to rotate to a
desired
location. As mentioned above, such an arrangement allows for deterministic
motion of the
rotor 1022.
FIG. 51 depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembled embodiment of the
valve
interface 1060 and rotary valve assembly 1020 in FIG. 50 taken at line A-A. As
shown, the
rotary valve assembly 1022 and valve interface 1060 are coupled together with
a fastener
1080. In some embodiments, the fastener 1080 is a bolt, though other
embodiments may use
any other suitable type fasteners. The fastener 1080 couples the rotary valve
assembly 1022
and valve interface 1060 through a through-hole 1040 which passes through the
valve
assembly 1022 and valve interface 1060. In some embodiments, the portion of
the through-
hole 1040 in the back plate 1026 of the rotary valve assembly 1040 is threaded
to accept a
complimentarily threaded portion 1082 of the fastener 1080. To control the
clamping force,
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a bias member 1086 may also be included. In the embodiment in FIG. 51, the
bias member
1086 is a Belleville washer which is compressed between the head of the
fastener 1080 and
the top face of the valve interface 1060. A planar gasket 1092 is included
between the valve
interface 1060 and the rotary valve assembly 1020.
The mating faces of the rotor 1022 of the rotary valve assembly 1020 have been
formed such that they provide a minimal amount of friction which needs to be
overcome
during rotation. In some embodiments the flow path 1010 present on the bottom
face of the
rotor 1022 is enlarged such that unnecessary friction producing areas of the
mating face are
substantially minimized. Additionally, the top face of the rotor 1022 includes
recessed
portions 1088. These recessed portions 1088 are not in contact with the stator
1024 and
therefore do not create friction during rotation. In some embodiments, the
rotor 1022 of the
rotary valve assembly 1020 may only be rotated in a direction which would
cause any
friction between the rotor 1022 and back plate 1026 to tend to drive the back
plate 1026 in a
direction in which it cinches up on the fastener 1080.
As shown in FIG. 51, in some embodiments the rotor 1022 includes a stepper
rotor
1090 about its circumference. The stepper rotor 1090 may be a separate piece
mated to the
rotor 1022 in some embodiments. In some cases, the stepper rotor 1090 may be a
multiple
piece rotor lamination. As shown in FIG. 50, stepper coils 1070 may be arrayed
around the
stepper rotor 1090 to drive rotation of the rotor 1022.
FIG. 52 depicts an embodiment of a valve interface 1060 and rotary valve
assembly
1020. As shown, the valve interface 1060 is similar to the valve interface
1060 illustrated
and described in relation to FIG. 48. The rotary valve assembly 1020 is also
similar to other
rotary valve assemblies shown and described herein. The rotary valve assembly
1020 in
FIG. 52 includes a rotor 1022 which has a diameter which is larger than the
footprint of the
valve interface 1060. The rotor 1022 also includes teeth 1056 which are
disposed about its
circumference. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 50, rotation may be imparted
to the
rotor 1022 of the rotary valve assembly 1020 by means of a number of stepper
coils 1070
disposed around the rotor 1022. By selectively energizing the stepper coils
1070 in a
suitable sequence, the rotor 1022 may be made to rotate to a desired location.
As mentioned
above, such an arrangement allows for deterministic motion of the rotor 1022.
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FIG. 53 shows a pressure map chart generated from an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The chart is only partially populated with pressure maps such that
it facilitates
conceptual understanding. As shown, the columns of the chart correspond to
various
inflation pressures of the left actuator 16 of the dynamic support apparatus
10. The far left
column displays pressure maps where a vacuum was applied to the left actuator
16. The
second column from the left displays pressure maps where the inflation
pressure of the left
actuator 16 was 0 mmHg. The second column from the right displays pressure
maps taken
where the inflation pressure of the left actuator 16 was 15 mmHg. The far
right column
displays pressure maps where the inflation pressure of the left actuator 16
was 30 mmHg.
The rows of the chart correspond to various inflation pressures of the right
actuator
16. The top row of the chart displays pressure maps where a vacuum was drawn
on the right
actuator 16. The second row from the top displays pressure maps where the
right actuator
16 was inflated to a pressure of 0 mmHg. The second row from the bottom of the
chart
displays pressure maps where the right actuator 16 was inflated to a pressure
of 15 mmHg.
The bottom row of the chart displays pressure maps where the right actuator 16
was inflated
to a pressure of 30 mmHg.
The pressure maps shown depict the contact pressures of a sample human buttock
and thighs against a dynamic support apparatus 10 which is functioning as a
seat cushion
for a wheelchair. In some embodiments, the dynamic support apparatus 10
includes two
actuators 16 disposed similarly to those shown in FIG. 1. The pressure maps
shown are
isopleth maps. Each isopleth of the pressure maps represents a particular
contact pressure.
Map 800 depicts a pressure map where the right and left actuators 16 were
inflated
to the same positive pressure of 15 mmHg. As shown the pressure distributions
on the
pressure map were substantially similar on both the right and left side of the
buttock. Three
high pressure areas are visible. The highest pressure corresponds generally to
the contact
point of the sacrum on the dynamic support apparatus 10. Additionally, two
high pressure
areas are depicted which correspond generally to contact points of the ischial
tuberosities.
As described above, high pressure areas such as these may become problematic
over
periods of prolonged occupation. Such high pressure areas may make prolonged
occupation
uncomfortable. Additionally, inhibited blood flow to high pressure areas such
as those
shown may foster the formation of pressure sores. For this reason, the
actuators 16 may be
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inflated and deflated in a manner which may provide pressure relief to contact
areas of the
occupant. This may stimulate perfusion to the area thus helping to prevent
formation of
pressure ulcers.
Map 802 depicts a pressure map taken when the inflation pressure of the left
actuator 16 was dropped to 0 mmHg while the inflation pressure of the right
actuator 16 was
increased to 30 mmHg. As shown, contact pressure, was consequentially
substantially
relieved from the left side of the buttock. Contact pressure of the right side
of the buttock
increased.
Contact pressure may be further relieved =from the left side of the buttock by
applying a negative pressure to the left actuator 16 as shown in map 804 of
FIG. 53. As
mentioned above, this relief of the contact pressure shown in maps 802 and 804
may allow
for relatively uninhibited perfusion to take place in the relieved region.
Contact pressure
may be relieved from the left buttock for a period of time which allows
sufficient perfusion
to necessary areas in order to prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers in
the region.
After such a period of relief, the pressures may, in some embodiments, be
brought
back to the pressures used to generate map 800. After a period of time, the
right buttock
may then undergo a relief period. Map 806 depicts a contact pressure map taken
where the
pressure of the right actuator 16 was dropped to 0 mmHg while the inflation
pressure of the
left actuator 16 has been increased to 30 mmHg. Consequently, contact pressure
was
substantially relieved from the right side of the buttock and contact pressure
of the left side
of the buttock increased moderately.
Contact pressure may be further relieved from the right side of the buttock by
applying a negative pressure to the right actuator 16 as shown in map 808 of
FIG. 53.
Contact pressure may be relieved from the right buttock for a period of time
to allow
sufficient perfusion to necessary areas in order to prevent the formation of
pressure sores in
the region. This pattern may then repeat. Repetition of such a pattern of
shifting and
relieving contact forces may help ensure no one area is subjected to
conditions favoring the
development of pressure ulcers for a hazardously long duration of time.
The above described relief pattern is only one of many embodiments of relief
regimens which may be employed with the above described dynamic support
apparatus 10
embodiments. Various relief patterns other than the embodiments of the pattern
described
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above may be used to help inhibit the formation of pressure sores. The
pressures or
sequence may differ from embodiment to embodiment. The pressures or sequence
may also
differ from user to user and be determined on an individual basis by a care
giver or other.
Additionally, pressure need not be adjusted on or solely on the basis of
elapsed time.
For instance, the occupant may manually enter a voluntary relief mode by, in
some
embodiments, pushing a button 404 (see FIG. 26) on the onboard interface 523
of the
controller 506 (see FIG. 25). The controller 506 may, in some embodiments,
also use
sensor data to determine whether or not to add or remove fluid to an actuator
16. Users may
also be able to program in a customized relief pattern to be used by the
dynamic support
apparatus 10. In still other embodiments, the pattern may not be a
preprogrammed pattern.
Instead, a dynamic support apparatus may rely on an occupant or caretaker to
manually
adjust actuator pressures to provide pressure relief during occupation.
In some embodiments, the pressure relief periods may be based upon
physiological
data from an occupant. Physiological data may be gathered by a sensor which
monitors
perfusion such as a pulse oximeter. In such embodiments, when it is sensed
that perfusion
has fallen below a predefined level or has been below such a level for a
predetermined
period of time, a relief mode for that area may be initiated. Pressure may
then be reapplied
after it has been determined sufficient perfusion has occurred.
FIG. 54 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used to
actuate actuators of a dynamic support apparatus in a pressure relief mode or
pattern. As
mentioned, such a pattern may be used to combat the formation of pressure
sores and/or
increase occupant comfort. The flowchart details a pressure relief pattern for
a dynamic
support apparatus including only two actuators for sake of simplicity. As
would be
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the steps called out in the
flowchart depicted
in FIG. 54 may be modified for use with a dynamic support apparatus including
a different
number of actuators. Though the flowchart depicted in FIG. 54 and many other
flowcharts
depicted herein use pressure set points for their relief pattern, other types
of set points may
be used to define a desired inflation level for any embodiments described
herein. In some
embodiments, a set point may be an amount of fluid (e.g. mass or moles)
communicated to
or from an actuator. In such embodiments, a mass airflow sensor may monitor
moles of air
communicated into and out of the actuator. In other embodiments, a set point
may be an
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actuator height set point. In such embodiments, a sensor may monitor how
distant a face of
the actuator is from a reference point inside the actuator. Any other suitable
set point may
also be used.
In step 600 a controller for a dynamic support apparatus may bring both the
first
and second actuator to a first pressure. Bringing the actuators to a desired
pressure may
involve pumping air into or out of the first or second actuator with a pump.
The controller
may wait a predetermined amount of time in step 602 allowing actuators to
remain at the
first pressure. In some embodiments, the controller may monitor the pressure
in the first and
second actuator to ensure it is within a predetermined range of the first
pressure. If the
pressure in the first and second actuators falls outside of the predetermined
range (e.g. due
to slow leakage of fluid filling the actuators over time), the controller may
act to bring the
pressure of the first and second actuator back to the first pressure or within
the
predetermined range. In some embodiments, if attempts by the controller to
bring the first
and/or second actuator to the first pressure fail (e.g. due to a compromised
actuator), the
controller may generate an error, alert, alarm, or enter a failsafe.
After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller may, in
step 604,
bring the first actuator to a second pressure and bring the second actuator to
a third pressure.
The third pressure may be the same as or differ from the first pressure. In
some
embodiments, the second pressure may be a pressure lower than the first
pressure and the
third pressure may be a pressure higher than the first pressure. In such
embodiments, in step
604 the area of an occupant supported by the first actuator may experience
pressure relief
while the area supported by the second actuator bears more of the load. The
controller may
wait a predetermined amount of time in step 606 allowing the first and second
actuator to
respectively remain at the second and third pressures. In some embodiments,
the controller
may monitor the pressure in the first and second actuator to ensure it is
within a
predetermined range of the respective target pressures. If the pressure in the
first and second
actuators falls outside of the predetermined range (e.g. due to slow leakage
of fluid filling
the actuators over time), the controller may act to bring the pressure of the
first and second
actuator back to the target pressure or within the predetermined range of that
pressure. In
some embodiments, if attempts by the controller to bring the first and/or
second actuator to
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the target pressure fail (e.g. due to a compromised actuator), the controller
may generate an
error, alert, alarm, or enter a failsafe.
After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, in step 608, the
controller may
bring the first and second actuators back to the first pressure. The
controller may wait a
predetermined amount of time in step 610 allowing actuators to remain at the
first pressure.
In some embodiments, the controller may monitor the pressure in the first and
second
actuator to ensure it is within a predetermined range of the first pressure.
If the pressure in
the first and second actuators falls outside of the predetermined range (e.g.
due to slow
leakage of fluid filling the actuators over time), the controller may act to
bring the pressure
of the first and second actuator back to the first pressure or within the
predetermined range.
In some embodiments, if attempts by the controller to bring the first and/or
second actuator
to the first pressure fail (e.g. due to a compromised actuator), the
controller may generate an
error, alert, alarm, or enter a failsafe.
After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller may, in
step 612,
bring the first actuator to the third pressure and bring the second actuator
to the second
pressure. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the second pressure may be
a
pressure lower than the first pressure and the third pressure may be a
pressure higher than
the first pressure. In such embodiments, in step 612 the area of an occupant
supported by
the second actuator may experience pressure relief while the area supported by
the first
actuator bears more of the load. The controller may wait a predetermined
amount of time in
step 614 allowing the first and second actuator to respectively remain at the
third and
second pressures. In some embodiments, the controller may monitor the pressure
in the first
and second actuator to ensure it is within a predetermined range of the
respective target
pressures. If the pressure in the first and second actuators falls outside of
the predetermined
range (e.g. due to slow leakage of fluid filling the actuators over time), the
controller may
act to bring the pressure of the first and second actuator back to the target
pressure or within
the predetermined range of that pressure. In some embodiments, if attempts by
the
controller to bring the first and/or second actuator to the target pressure
fail (e.g. due to a
compromised actuator), the controller may generate an error, alert, alarm, or
enter a failsafe.
In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 54, the process may then return back
to
step 600 and repeat. Thus the controller may perform pressure relief cycles to
help prevent
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the formation of decubitus ulcers and/or increase occupant comfort. As
mentioned above,
other pressure relief patterns or schemes may also be used. Various
embodiments may not
use time based pressure adjustment. Some embodiments may be manually adjusted
or allow
for manual adjustment. Some embodiments may also be adjusted based on
physiological
data from an occupant.
FIG. 55 depicts another flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be
used to
actuate actuators of a dynamic support apparatus in a pressure relief mode or
pattern in
various embodiments. As mentioned, such a pattern may be used to combat the
formation of
pressure sores and/or increase occupant comfort. The flowchart details a
pressure relief
pattern for a dynamic support apparatus including only two actuators for sake
of simplicity.
As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the steps called
out in the
flowchart depicted in FIG. 55 may be modified for use with a dynamic support
apparatus
including a different number of actuators. Though the flowchart uses pressure
set points, as
described above, any other suitable type of set point may also be used in
various
embodiments.
In step 620 a controller for a dynamic support apparatus may bring both the
first and
second actuator to a first pressure. Bringing the actuators to a desired
pressure may involve
pumping air into or out of the first or second actuator with a pump. In FIG.
55, a pump is
only used in order to increase the pressure in an actuator. To decrease
pressure in an
actuator, the controller may open a valve putting the interior volume of the
actuator in
communication with the atmosphere and allow fluid within the interior volume
of the
actuator to be bled out. This may be more efficient from a power consumption
standpoint
because lowering pressure in the actuators is accomplished passively. That is,
the weight of
the occupant may drive fluid out of the actuator instead of an actively
powered pump.
The controller may wait a predetermined amount of time in step 622 allowing
actuators to remain at the first pressure. In some embodiments, the controller
may monitor
the pressure in the first and second actuator to ensure it is within a
predetermined range of
the first pressure. If the pressure in the first and second actuators falls
outside of the
predetermined range (e.g. due to slow leakage of fluid filling the actuators
over time), the
controller may act to bring the pressure of the first and second actuator back
to the first
pressure or within the predetermined range. In some embodiments, if attempts
by the
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controller to bring the first and/or second actuator to the first pressure
fail (e.g. due to a
compromised actuator), the controller may generate an error, alert, alarm, or
enter a failsafe.
After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller may proceed
to
steps 624 and 626. These steps may be performed in simultaneous manner or at
points
temporally close to one another. In other embodiments, steps 624 and 626 may
be
performed in a more spaced temporal relation to one another. In step 624, the
controller
may allow fluid to be bled from the first actuator. As mentioned above, this
may involve
opening a valve which puts the interior volume of the first actuator into
communication
with the atmosphere. In step 626, the controller may bring the second actuator
to a second
pressure. After these steps have been performed, the area of an occupant
supported by the
first actuator may experience pressure relief (after sufficient fluid has been
bled out of the
actuator) while the area supported by the second actuator bears more of the
load. The
controller may wait a predetermined amount of time in step 628 allowing the
first actuator
to remain in communication with the atmosphere and for the second actuator to
remain at
the second pressure. In some embodiments, the controller may monitor the
pressure in the
second actuator to ensure it is within a predetermined range of the target
pressure. If the
pressure in the second actuators falls outside of the predetermined range
(e.g. due to slow
leakage of fluid filling the actuators over time), the controller may act to
bring the pressure
of the second actuator back to the target pressure or within the predetermined
range of that
pressure. The controller may also monitor to ensure that the pressure decays
in the first
actuator to indicate that fluid in the actuator is indeed being bled out from
the actuator. In
some embodiments, if attempts by the controller to bring the second actuator
to the target
pressure fail (e.g. due to a compromised actuator), the controller may
generate an error,
alert, alarm, or enter a failsafe. Additionally, if pressure decay is not
observed in the first
actuator, the controller may behave similarly.
After the predetermined period of time has elapsed the controller may proceed
to
steps 630 and 632. These steps may be performed in simultaneous manner or at
points
temporally close to one another. In other embodiments, steps 630 and 632 may
be
performed in a more spaced temporal relation to one another. In step 630, the
controller
may bring the first actuator to the second pressure. In step 632, the
controller may allow
fluid to be bled from the second actuator. As mentioned above, this may
involve opening a
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valve which puts the interior volume of the second actuator into communication
with the
atmosphere. After these steps have been performed, the area of an occupant
supported by
the second actuator may experience pressure relief (after sufficient fluid has
been bled out
of the actuator) while the area supported by the first actuator bears more of
the load. The
controller may wait a predetermined amount of time in step 634 allowing the
second
actuator to remain in communication with the atmosphere and for the first
actuator to
remain at the second pressure. In some embodiments, the controller may monitor
the
pressure in the first actuator to ensure it is within a predetermined range of
the target
pressure. If the pressure in the first actuators falls outside of the
predetermined range (e.g.
due to slow leakage of fluid filling the actuators over time), the controller
may act to bring
the pressure of the first actuator back to the target pressure or within the
predetermined
range of that pressure. The controller may also monitor to ensure that the
pressure decays in
the second actuator to indicate that fluid in the actuator is indeed being
bled out from the
actuator. In some embodiments, if attempts by the controller to bring the
first actuator to the
target pressure fail (e.g. due to a compromised actuator), the controller may
generate an
error, alert, alarm, or enter a failsafe. Additionally, if a pressure decay is
not observed in the
second actuator, the controller may behave similarly.
In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 55, the process may then return back
to
step 620 and repeat. Thus the controller may perform pressure relief cycles to
help prevent
the formation of decubitus ulcers and/or increase occupant comfort. As
mentioned above,
other pressure relief patterns or schemes may also be used. Various
embodiments may not
use time based pressure adjustment. Some embodiments may be manually adjusted
or allow
for manual adjustment. Some embodiments may also be adjusted based on
physiological
data from an occupant.
FIG. 56 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used by a
dynamic support apparatus to determine if it is occupied and begin a relief
regimen. As
shown, in step 1200 the controller of the dynamic support apparatus may
analyze data from
one or more sensors. These sensors may, in some embodiments, be pressure
sensors or
bladder/actuator height sensors. Other varieties of sensors may also be used.
Using the
pressure sensors, the controller may monitor for a pressure increase which
would be
indicative of a user sitting down to occupy the dynamic support apparatus.
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In some embodiments, in step 1200, the controller may compare sensor data to
previously gathered sensor data in order to determine the dynamic support
apparatus is
occupied. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller may compare data
from a
number of different sensors included in a dynamic support apparatus. In some
embodiments, the controller may compare data from a pressure sensor associated
with each
actuator in a dynamic support apparatus. This may help to ensure that an
occupant is fully
seated in a dynamic support apparatus and may also serve as a cross check for
sensor
functionality.
In the event that the sensor data analyzed in step 1200 does not indicate that
a
dynamic support apparatus is occupied, a predetermined wait period may elapse
in step
1202. After this predetermined wait period elapses, the controller may return
to step 1200
and analyze new sensor data. Upon determination that the seat is occupied, the
controller
may proceed to both of steps 1204 and 1206 in some embodiments. In alternative
embodiments, the controller may wait a predetermine period of time and analyze
new
sensor data. The controller may then check to ensure that the sensor data is
still indicative
that the dynamic support apparatus is occupied. This may help to ensure that
the user is
fully situated before proceeding to later steps.
In step 1204, the controller may enter a maintenance state. In the maintenance
state,
the controller may periodically replace any fluid which leaks out of actuators
in a dynamic
support apparatus. This may involve, in some embodiments, taking pressure
readings of the
actuators on a predetermined schedule and pumping in fluid as is necessary to
maintain a
predetermined pressure set point.
In step 1206, the controller may prompt the user to initiate a relief regimen.
This
prompt may be visual, auditory, tactile, or a combination thereof. In one
specific
embodiment, the controller may beep, lighting one or more indicator light,
and/or display a
prompt asking if the user would like to being a pressure relief regimen. In
step 1208, a user
may indicate their desire to begin a pressure relief regimen. This may involve
a button
press, touch gesture on a touch screen, or the like. In embodiments where
multiple pressure
relief regimens are stored by the controller, there may be an additional step
in which the
user selects which pressure relief regimen that they would like to initiate.
In step 1210, the
controller may start the relief regimen.
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In an alternative embodiment, steps 1204, 1206, and 1208 may not be included.
Instead, in such embodiments, the controller may automatically proceed to step
1210 upon
determination that a dynamic support apparatus has been occupied by the user.
FIG. 57 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used by a
dynamic support apparatus to determine if it is unoccupied and power down. The
flowchart
depicted may begin after a pressure relief regimen has been initiated. As
shown, in step
1220 the controller of the dynamic support apparatus may analyze data from one
or more
sensors. In various embodiments, these sensors may be any of the sensors
described herein.
Using the example of pressure sensors, the controller may monitor for a
pressure decrease
which would be indicative of a user getting out of the dynamic support
apparatus. For
example, the controller may monitor for a sudden and sustained pressure drop
in all
actuators. In some embodiments, analyzing sensor data may include comparing
sensor data
to previously gathered sensor data in order to determine the dynamic support
apparatus is
unoccupied. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller may compare data
from a
number of different sensors included in a dynamic support apparatus. This may
help to
ensure that an occupant is fully out of a dynamic support apparatus and may
also serve as a
cross check for sensor functionality.
In the event that the sensor data analyzed in step 1220 does not indicate that
a user
has exited the dynamic support apparatus, a predetermined wait period may
elapse in step
1222. After this predetermined wait period elapses, the controller may return
to step 1220
and analyze new sensor data. Upon determination that the seat is unoccupied,
the controller
may proceed to both of steps 1224 and 1226 in some embodiments. In alternative
embodiments, the controller may wait a predetermine period of time and analyze
new
sensor data. The controller may then check to ensure that the sensor data is
still indicative
that the dynamic support apparatus is empty. This may help to ensure that the
user is fully
out of the dynamic support apparatus before proceeding to later steps.
In step 1224, the controller may enter a maintenance state. In the maintenance
state,
the controller may periodically replace any fluid which leaks out of actuators
in a dynamic
support apparatus. This may involve, in some embodiments, taking pressure
readings of the
actuators on a predetermined schedule and pumping in fluid as is necessary to
maintain a
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predetermined pressure set point. This may be useful in prolonging battery
life as the
device.
In step 1226, the controller may prompt the user to turn off the dynamic
support
apparatus. This prompt may be visual, auditory, tactile, or a combination
thereof. In one
specific embodiment, the controller may beep, light one or more indicator
light, and/or
display a prompt asking if the user would like to power down the dynamic
support
apparatus. In step 1228, a user may indicate their desire to power down the
device. This
may involve a button press, touch gesture on a touch screen, or the like. In
some
embodiments, the user may have the option of also putting the dynamic support
apparatus
into a sleep state. This may be desirable in the event that the user will be
using the dynamic
support apparatus again shortly as it may decrease start up time.
In step 1230, the controller may power down. In an alternative embodiment,
steps
1224, 1226, and 1228 may not be included. Instead, in such embodiments, the
controller
may automatically proceed to step 1230 upon deteimination that a dynamic
support
apparatus is empty or otherwise idle.
FIG. 58 depicts a flowchart which includes a number of steps which may be used
to
enter a transfer mode in a dynamic support apparatus. In a transfer mode, the
actuators of
the dynamic support apparatus may be inflated so as to help lift an occupant
out of the
dynamic support apparatus. This may make it easier for a user or caretaker to
transfer an
occupant out of a dynamic support apparatus as the dynamic support apparatus
will perform
some of the vertical lifting required to transfer the occupant out of the
dynamic support
apparatus.
As shown, in step 1240 a user may indicate a desire to enter a transfer mode.
This
may involve a button press, touch gesture on a touch screen, or the like. In
some
embodiments, this may require a number of different user interactions with a
controller. A
user may, in some embodiments, need to navigate through a number of menus to
reach
transfer mode option. A user may need to press a sequence of buttons or a
number of
buttons simultaneously. In some embodiments, step 1240 may only be completed
after a
user enters an intermediary mode. This may help to ensure that such a mode is
not activated
accidentally.
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After completion of step 1240, in step 1242 the dynamic support apparatus may
prompt a user to confirm that they would like to enter the transfer mode. Such
a prompt may
be visual, auditory, tactile, or a combination thereof. In one specific
embodiment, the
controller may beep, light one or more indicator light, and/or display a
prompt asking if the
user would like to enter the transfer mode. A user may provide suitable
confirmation in step
1244. In the event that the user does not confirm (e.g. time out or indicates
they do not
desire to enter transfer mode) the controller may revert to the mode it was in
prior to step
1240.
Once a user has confirmed that they would like to enter transfer mode in step
1244,
the controller may inflate the actuators of the dynamic support apparatus in
step 1246. In
some embodiments, the controller may inflate the actuators of the dynamic
support
apparatus to the point of turgidity. This may help to lift a user out of a
well or depression
substantially obviating the need for a user or caretaker to lift the user
vertically out of the
well. The user may then exit or transfer out of the dynamic support apparatus
in step 1248.
As the user has already been lifted vertically by the actuators in step 1246,
the user may
substantially only need to move laterally out of the dynamic support apparatus
in step 1248.
This may make transferring out of a dynamic support apparatus easier.
After the user has transferred out of the dynamic support apparatus, the user
may
indicate a desire to power down the dynamic support apparatus in step 1250.
The dynamic
support apparatus may then power down in step 1252.
FIG. 59 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used by a
dynamic support apparatus to determine a dynamic loading condition exists and
enter a
dynamic loading mode. The flowchart shown in FIG. 59 may begin after the
dynamic
support apparatus begins a relief regimen. As shown, in step 1260 the
controller of the
dynamic support apparatus may analyze data from one or more sensors. These
sensors may,
in various embodiments, be any suitable sensors of the sensors described
herein. Using the
example of pressure sensors, the controller may monitor for a pressure trend
which would
be indicative of a dynamic loading condition. Such a condition may, for
example, be created
as a user rides over uneven surfaces and is jostled about causing pressure in
the actuator to
spike and fall. In some embodiments, the controller may compare data from a
number of
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different sensors included in a dynamic support apparatus. This may help to
increase the
accuracy of any determination and may also serve as a cross check for sensor
functionality.
In the event that the sensor data analyzed in step 1260 does not indicate that
a
dynamic loading condition is present, a predetermined wait period may elapse
in step 1262.
After this predetermined wait period elapses, the controller may return to
step 1260 and
analyze new sensor data. Upon determination that a dynamic loading condition
exists the
controller may proceed to step 1264. In alternative embodiments, the
controller may wait a
predetermine period of time and analyze new sensor data. The controller may
then check to
ensure that the sensor data is still indicative that the dynamic loading
condition exists. This
may help to ensure that the controller does not proceed to step 1264 for short-
lived dynamic
loading scenarios.
In step 1264, the controller may prompt a user to indicate if they would like
to turn
on a dynamic loading mode. This prompt may be visual, auditory, tactile, or a
combination
thereof. In one specific embodiment, the controller may beep, light one or
more indicator
light, and/or display a prompt asking if the user would like to turn on a
dynamic loading
mode. In step 1266, a user may indicate their desire to enter a dynamic
loading mode. This
may involve a button press, touch gesture on a touch screen, or the like. The
device may
then enter the dynamic loading mode in step 1268.
Since a user may be jostled about during a dynamic loading scenario, perfusion
in
contacting tissues may be stimulated. Such a mode may exploit this by
minimizing pump
runtime and controller usage to help conserve battery. In some embodiments, a
dynamic
loading mode may be a mode in which the frequency of relief cycles or duration
between
steps of a relief cycle is extended in some embodiments. In other embodiments,
a dynamic
loading mode may be similar to the maintenance mode described above.
FIG. 60 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of steps which may be used by a
dynamic support apparatus to control pausing of noisy components of such an
apparatus.
Such components may in various embodiments include pneumatic components of
such an
apparatus that may making puffing or hissing noises which may be disruptive
during
various activities (e.g. during a conversation). As shown, the flowchart in
FIG. 60 begins
after a user has started a relief regimen.
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In step 1280, a user may indicate a desire to pause a relief regimen. This may
involve a button press, touch gesture on a touch screen, or the like. In some
embodiments, a
user may pause during other modes of the dynamic support apparatus, such as
during a
maintenance mode. After a user has performed step 1280, the controller may
check to see
that a predetermined allotted amount of pause time has not been exceeded. In
some
embodiments, the allotted pause time may be a predetermined amount or
proportion of a
predetermined preceding window of time. In the event that the allotted pause
time has been
exceeded, the dynamic support apparatus may notify the user in step 1282.
Alternatively,
the dynamic support apparatus may enter a minimally disruptive mode which
still conducts
relief cycles but minimizes disruption (e.g. by increasing time between cycles
or steps of
cycles).
In the event that the allotted pause time has not been exceeded, the dynamic
support
apparatus may prompt the user to confirm that they would like to pause in step
1284. This
prompt may be visual, auditory, tactile, or a combination thereof. In one
specific
embodiment, the controller may beep, light one or more indicator light, and/or
display a
prompt asking if the user would like to pause. In step 1268, the user may
confirm that they
would like to pause.
After a user completes step 1268, the dynamic support apparatus may proceed to
both step 1228 and 1290. In step 1288, the controller may pause or suspend the
pressure
relief regimen or other dynamic support apparatus mode. In step 1290 the
controller may
begin a pause timer.
If the dynamic support apparatus remains paused for more than a predetermined
period of time, steps 1292 and 1294 may be performed. The predetermined time
may be a
predetermined allowable period for a single pause. In some embodiments, the
predetermined period of time may be the same as the predetermined period of
time checked
after step 1280. In some embodiments, the controller may use the shortest of a
number of
pause time constraints. In some embodiments, the controller may track the
amount of pause
time over a preceding time window and the amount of time paused during the
current pause.
When a predetermined limit for either is reached, the controller may perform
steps 1292 and
1294.
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In step 1292, the controller may notify the user that the predetermined period
of
pause time has elapsed. In step 1294, the controller may resume the pressure
relief regimen.
As above, the device may enter a minimally disruptive mode in place of step
1294 in some
embodiments.
Before the predetermined period of time has elapsed, a user may perform step
1296.
In step 1296, the user may indicate that they would like resume a relief
regimen. After
completion of step 1296, the controller may proceed to both steps 1294 and
1298. As
mentioned, in step 1294, the relief regimen may be resumed by the dynamic
support
apparatus. In step 1298, the controller may update a pause time counter. This
pause time
counter may in some embodiments be the pause time counter which is checked
after step
1280.
Referring now to FIGS. 61-63, in some embodiments the dynamic support
apparatus, may be remotely configured and controlled using a remote interface
1300, 1400.
When used herein, the term remote interface may refer to any embodiment of a
remote
interface. A remote interface may be any type of device that is capable of
interaction with
another device, which may include, but is not limited to, in some embodiments,
by way of
wireless and/or remote communication. This communication need not be direct.
In some
embodiments there may be an intermediary component or device which acts as a
gateway or
relaying component between a remote interface and a device. Additionally, in
some
embodiments, a device may be configured to be capable of interaction with a
number of
different remote interfaces. A remote interface may be or may be included as a
functionality
of, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop or other portable
computer, pda,
smartphone, tablet, dedicated remote controller, or the like. Additionally,
while some
embodiments described herein may be more suitable for particular varieties of
remote
interfaces, it would be understood by one skilled in the art that such
embodiments may be
adapted and optimized for use with other varieties of remote interface without
departure
from the spirit of the disclosure. Likewise, it would be understood by one
skilled in the art
that the various remote interface screens shown herein may be adapted or
optimized for use
on an on-board interface for a device such as a dynamic support apparatus.
Two embodiments of remote interfaces are shown in FIGS. 61-63. A remote
interface 1300, 1400 may be used to control all, or a portion of, the
functionality of a
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device, which, in some embodiments, may be a dynamic support apparatus such as
any of
those described herein. In some embodiments a dynamic support apparatus may be
configured using a remote interface 1300, 1400. In these embodiments, the
dynamic
support apparatus may include communications circuitry (not shown) that allows
for
.. communication (e.g., wired or wireless) between the dynamic support
apparatus or a
controller of the dynamic support apparatus and the remote interface 1300,
1400. Thus, the
remote interface 1300, 1400 may be able to remotely control a dynamic support
apparatus.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the remote interface 1300, 1400 may be able
to
configure a dynamic support apparatus. In a specific embodiment of the present
disclosure,
a non-limiting list of possible configurable parameters is shown in Table 1 as
follows:
Parameter
1 Miscellaneous Settings
1.1 Screen Brightness
1.2 Screen Dimming
1.3 Audio Volume
1.4 Alert Volume
1.5 Alarm Volume
1.6 Audio Feedback for Button Presses
1.7 Vibration On/Off
1.8 Set Units of Measure
1.9 Disable/enable Modes or Functionalities
1.10 Frequency of Pressure Checks in Maintenance State
1.11 Presentation Type for View Regimen
1.12 Client/Occupant/User ID
1.13 Free Text Notes
2 Configure Regimen
2.1 Number of Steps Per Cycle
2.2 Step Duration
2.3 Number of Actuators
2.4 Actuator Pressure Set Point(s)
2.5 Number of Cycles Per Hour
2.6 Time Waited Between Cycles
2.7 Time Waited Between Steps
2.8 Passive or Active Deflate
2.9 Schedule Regimen?
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2.9a Days of Week for Scheduled Regimen
2.9b Start Time for Scheduled Regimen
2.9c End Time for Scheduled Regimen
2.10 Require Passcode Before Beginning or Suspending
2.11 Require Extra Confirmation Before Beginning or Suspending
2.12 Channel/Port Name/Descriptor
2.13 Enable/Disable Acutator Channel
2.14 Actuator Type
2.15 Actuator Location
2.16 Order of Step or Inflation
2.17 Client/Dynamic Support Apparatus Type
2.18 Repeat Interval/Cycle Duration
2.19 Step Start Time
2.20 Step End Time
2.21 Copy Regimen/Save Regimen as Template
2.22 Allow Manual Pressure Adjustment During Relief Regimen
2.23 Swap Settings Between Two Channels
3 Limits
3.1 Maximum Pause Length for Individual Pause
3.2 "X" Pause Time Alloted for "Y" Length Time Window
3.3 Set Point (e.g. Pressure) High Limit
3.4 Set Point (e.g. Pressure) Low Limit
3.5 Time Waited Between Cycles Limit
3.6 Time Waited Between Steps Limit
3.7 Step Duration Limit
3.8 Cycle Duration Limit
The remote interface 1300, 1400 may in some embodiments include a display
assembly 1302, 1402, any of a variety of other output assemblies, at least one
input
assembly, and communications circuitry (not shown). The at least one input
assembly may
include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: an input
control device such as
jog wheel 1306, slider assembly 1310, touch screen, buttons/switches 1304, or
another
conventional mode for input into a device. In embodiments having a jog wheel
1306, the
jog wheel 1306 may include a wheel, ring, knob, ball, or the like, that may be
coupled to a
rotary encoder, or other rotation sensor, for providing a control signal based
upon, at least in
part, movement of the wheel, ring, knob, or the like. In embodiments including
a slider
1310, the slider 1310 may be a touch sensitive, capacitive slider. A slider
1310 may be
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vertically oriented (as shown), horizontal, arcuate, circular, ovoid, etc. In
other
embodiments, a touch sensitive pad may be used in place of or in addition to a
slider 1310.
In some embodiments, the remote interface may include a touch screen. The
touch
screen may be any suitable variety of touch screen (e.g. a capacitive touch
screen). In some
.. exemplary embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 62 and 63, the display assembly
1402 may
be a touch screen and may include one or more icons or touch sensitive buttons
1406, 1410
assigned to functionalities of the remote interface 1400. In some embodiments,
one or more
of the icons 1406, 1410 may relate to launching applications configured to
communicate
with a device such as the dynamic support apparatus. In some embodiments, one
or more
icons 1406 may indicate one or more device(s) which may be controlled via the
remote
interface. As shown in FIG. 62, in some embodiments, one or more icon 1406 may
be
assigned to specific individual device applications. For example, an icon 1406
may be
assigned to a device controller application, while another may be assigned to
a device
configuration application, yet another may be assigned to a device user manual
application,
.. and so on. Various applications may be opened by a user in response to user
input. In the
embodiment in FIG. 62, this input may be a touch gesture on the touch screen.
In various embodiments, less than or more than three icons 1406 may be
included
on the remote interface 1400. Additionally, in some embodiments, certain icons
or
functionalities may not be included for certain users. In some embodiments, an
occupant
.. may only be able to launch a device controller application and view the
device manual. A
technician or clinician may be able to launch a device configuration
application.
In some embodiments, the remote interface 1400 may be a dedicated remote
interface. That is, the remote interface 1400 may solely serve as a remote
interface for a
device such as a dynamic support apparatus. In some embodiments, however, a
remote
interface 1400 may be a non-dedicated component. In the embodiment in FIG. 62,
the
remote interface 1400 includes icons 1410 for launching applications related
to additional,
non-device related, functionalities of the remote interface 1400. In some
embodiments, the
remote interface 1400 may have an emergency or help functionality. Such a
functionality
may be used to connect a user to a caregiver or inform a caregiver that the
user requires
some sort of help or aid. In some embodiments, these additional
functionalities may include,
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but are not limited to, launching a web browser, launching a cell phone or
mobile phone
functionality and/or launching an audio player or other media player
functionality.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the user to interact with the
remote
interface 1400 to "launch" various functions and/or applications of the remote
interface
1400. In some embodiments, non-device related functionalities may be dormant
and/or may
"sleep" until and unless launched. This may be desirable for many reasons,
including, but
not limited to, extending the battery life, preventing distraction, and/or
optimizing
performance. In some embodiments, the remote interface 1400 may indicate that
an
"application" is "minimized" or "hidden" on the display 1402, but application
still running
or active. In some embodiments, once a device is paired or associated with the
remote
interface 1400, an application may be automatically launched. Thus, in some
embodiments,
launching of applications related to a device using an icon 1406 may not be
necessary and
may instead be automatic once the remote interface 1400 is paired with the
device.
Referring to FIG. 63, in some embodiments, a remote interface 1400 may include
various buttons on the display assembly that may be used to control behavior
of a device
such as a dynamic support apparatus. Such a screen may, for example, be
navigated to by
selecting or tapping one of the icons 1406 shown in FIG. 62. In the
embodiments shown in
FIG. 63, a number of user selectable modes 1500A-F appear as buttons on the
display.
These modes may identify specific device behaviors. In some embodiments, a
pause button
1500f is shown in addition to buttons for Modes A-E 1500A-E. In some
embodiments of
the dynamic support apparatus, each mode may be associated with a predefined
relief
pattern or regimen the dynamic support apparatus may employ. The user may
interact with
one of the buttons (e.g. with a touch gesture) to indicate that they would
like a device to
behave as defined by the desired mode.
As mentioned above, the modes available may be defined for a variety of
different
user activities or activity levels. In some embodiments, there may be modes
for one or more
of, but not limited to, the following: stationary or no activity, low
activity, medium activity,
high activity, maintenance mode, transfer mode, dynamic loading mode, etc.
Each mode
may be individually refined to meet the specific needs of a user. The user may
select a mode
which best fits anticipated or current activity.
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In some embodiments, such a screen may not be used for selecting a device
behavior
but rather editing and creating relief regimens or behavior modes for the
device. In some
embodiments, selection of one of the selectable modes, may open the mode for
review. In
this mode, the user may be able to see the values for the various parameters
that define the
behavior mode. In some embodiments, the user may also be able to edit
parameters of a
mode once the mode is open for review.
In various embodiments, a dynamic support apparatus may include the ability to
pre-
program user profiles, relief regimens, schedules, etc. In some embodiments,
this may be
accomplished via a remote interface 1400 or other interface. In such
embodiments, a user
may program one or more specific mode or relief regimen to automatically begin
based
upon a defined schedule. It may, for instance, be desirable to program a
stationary or low
activity mode to automatically be employed during a user's normal work hours.
During use, in some embodiments, a remote interface 1300, 1400 may communicate
with a dynamic support apparatus using a wireless communication channel. Such
a channel
may be established between remote interface 1300, 1400 and dynamic support
apparatus by
a user in some embodiments. The user may use the remote interface 1300, 1400
to program
/configure a dynamic support apparatus. In some embodiments, some or all of
the
communication between remote interface 1300, 1400 and dynamic support
apparatus may
be encrypted.
In various embodiments of the user interface, the user interface may require
user
confirmation and/or user input for some or all commands, programming and
configuration
changes, etc. given and made using the user interface. In some embodiments,
the user
interface may emphasize ensuring a user knows the effect of various
interactions with the
dynamic support apparatus. In such embodiments, the device may communicate the
result
of the user's actions to the user. Such features help to ensure the user
understands their
actions. One such example may be in the event that a user presses a back
button on a screen
when changes have been made but not saved or implemented. The user interface
may
display a confirmation screen which reads "Cancel Changes?". If the user
selects "Yes", in
various embodiments any pending changes may be discarded, the confirmation
screen may
be dismissed and the user interface may display the previous screen. When the
user
selection is "No", on the confirmation screen, the confirmation screen may be
dismissed
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and the user interface may again display the screen with pending change(s). In
some
embodiments, the pending change(s) may, for example, be highlighted to draw
the user's
attention. This feature may help mitigate the chance that a user assumes
changes have been
implemented, when in fact, they have not. This is just one of many examples of
the user
interface requiring user confirmation and/or input. Similar user confirmation
or additional
user input may be required on a number of other screens or for a number of
other user
interactions.
Additionally and referring also to FIG. 64, in some embodiments of a device
such as
a dynamic support apparatus 1500 may be configured by a remote interface 1502.
In some
embodiments, the device 1500 and remote interface 1502 may include
communication
circuitry (not shown) that allows for communication (e.g., wired or wireless)
between the
device 1500 and at least one remote interface 1502. Thus, the remote interface
1502 may
remotely communicate with the device 1500. The remote interface 1502 may be
capable of
communicating with the device 1500 and may include, in some embodiments, a
display
.. assembly 1504 and at least one input assembly 1506. The input assembly 1506
may include
at least one switch assembly in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the
input
assembly 1506 may be any of one or more of the input assemblies described
above.
The remote interface 1502 may include the ability to command the device and/or
to
receive information from the device. In some embodiments, the remote interface
1502 may
include the ability to view history, receive and view alarms, control a device
1500, program
configurations (e.g. configure relief regimens), establish user preferences,
and/or enable and
disable various functionalities for a specific user. In some embodiments, the
remote
interface 1502 may allow the user to view the status of a device 1500 which
may include
the power status, alarm status, device 1500 status, and/or any other data that
may be
.. communicated from the device 1500 to the remote interface 1502.
In some embodiments, the remote interface 1502 may provide instructions to the
device 1500 by way of a communication channel 1508 established between the
remote
interface 1502 and the device 1500. In some embodiments, the communications
channel
1508 is depicted as a wireless communications channel. In other embodiments,
the
communications channel 1508 may be a wired communications channel. Via the
communications channel 1508, a user may use the remote interface 1502 to
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/configure the device 1500. Some or all of the communication between remote
interface
1502 and the device may be encrypted. Any suitable encryption scheme may be
used.
Additionally, any suitable communications protocol may be used. Communication
between
the remote interface 1502 and the device 1500 may be accomplished utilizing a
standardized communication protocol. Further, in some embodiments,
communication
between the various components included in a device 1500 may be accomplished
using the
same protocol.
In some specific embodiments, the remote interface 1502 and the device 1500
may
communicate via RF and may utilize an ISM band such as the 2.4Ghz band. Any
suitable
RF communications protocol may be used. In various embodiments, Bluetooth,
Zigbee,
MiWi, or another suitable RF communications protocol may be used. In some
embodiments, each of the remote interface 1502 and the device 1500 may include
a
processor dedicated to radio communication. Additionally, each of the remote
interface
1502 and the device may include one or more additional processor which may
perform
.. other processing tasks.
FIG. 65 depicts a screen 1550 which may be displayed on a remote interface. As
shown, the screen 1550 may be used by a user to select a relief regimen to be
used by a
dynamic support apparatus. In various embodiments, such a screen 1550 may be
displayed
in response to a user selecting or launching a device controller application
or selecting a
mode such as any of those shown in FIG. 63. Alternatively, such a screen 1550
may be
used for editing a relief regimen and may be launched in response to a user
selecting a
device configuration application or selecting a mode such as any of those
shown in FIG. 63.
The screen 1550 may include a heading 1552 which is indicative of the screen's
purpose and may indicate what the screen 1550 may be used for. In some
embodiments, the
heading 1552 reads "Manage Relief Regimens". Additionally, the screen 1550 may
include
a sub heading 1554 which may provide some instruction to the user on how to
interact with
the screen 1550. In some embodiments, the sub heading 1554 reads "Select a
Relief
Regimen". Headings 1552 and sub headings 1554 may be used on various screens
of the
user interface to make various screens and their usage unambiguous and self
explanatory.
A number of boxes 1556 appear on the screen. In FIG. 65, each box 1556 is
associated with a relief regimen. In various embodiments, boxes 1556 may not
be used.
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Instead, any other shape or suitable arrangement may be used. The same is true
of other
embodiments described as having boxes.
As shown in FIG. 65, there are three boxes 1556 labeled regimen, A-C. A user
may
select the desired relief regimen by an interaction with the user interface.
In some
embodiments, this interaction may be one or more touch gesture. Once a regimen
has been
selected, an indicator 1558 may be displayed in association with it. The
indicator 1558 may
serve to visually convey to the user which of the displayed relief regimens is
currently being
employed or executed. In some embodiments, as shown, the indicator 1558 in the
screen is
a checkmark next to the text "Current Regimen". In other embodiments, the
active regimen
may be displayed in a different color, may be shown in an enlarged box, may be
shown in a
different or larger font, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, additional
descriptive
information may be included and associated with each regimen. Such information
may
describe the relief regimen or may indicate what type of user activity the
regimen would be
appropriate for. In alternate embodiments, selecting a relief regimen may open
the relief
regimen for review and/or editing.
Also shown in the screen in FIG. 65 is a box 1556 which may allow a user to
create
a new relief regimen. The text in this box 1556 reads "Create new regimen".
This box 1556
may be selected by a user interaction with the user interface. In some
embodiments, this
option or box 1556 may only be included for certain users. For example, such
an option
may only be available for clinicians. By selecting this option, a user may be
able to create a
new relief regimen that may be employed by a dynamic support apparatus. A back
button
1560 is also included in the screen 1550. This back button 1560 may be used to
return to a
previous screen.
FIG. 66 depicts a screen 1570 which may be displayed on a remote interface. As
shown, the screen 1570 may be used by a user to create a relief regimen which
may be used
by a dynamic support apparatus. In various embodiments, such a screen 1570 may
be
displayed in response to a user selecting the "Create new regimen" option on
the screen
1550 shown in FIG. 65.
As shown, the screen 1570 in FIG. 66 includes a heading and sub heading. The
heading 1552 and sub heading 1554 respectively may describe what the screen
1570 may be
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used for and what the user is required to do on the screen 1570. Additionally,
as in FIG. 65,
a back button 1560 is included.
As shown, a number of boxes 1571, 1572, 1573 appear on the screen 1570. One
box
1571 identifies the step number. The step number may indicate which step of a
relief cycle
the user is editing. As described elsewhere herein, a relief regimen may
consist of a number
of different steps which may repeat on a cyclical basis. At each step, a
dynamic support
apparatus may inflate actuators to different pressures. Additionally, within
each step,
various actuators included in a dynamic support apparatus may be inflated to
different
pressures. As shown, the box 1571 identifying the step number includes a
parameter field
1574. The parameter field 1574 in some embodiments may be used to define a
duration for
the step.
To define the set point for the various actuators of the dynamic support
apparatus for
a desired step, a user may interact with set point boxes 1572 for each of the
actuators in the
dynamic support apparatus. For each step, the user interface may display
corresponding
boxes 1572 for each actuator included in a dynamic support apparatus. In some
embodiments, the dynamic support apparatus only includes two actuators. In
alternate
embodiments, a dynamic support apparatus may include any number of actuators.
As shown, the user may enter a value in the parameter field 1576, 1578
associated
with each of "Actuator 1" and "Actuator 2". This value may be limited to a
predefined unit
of measurement, which in some embodiments is mmHg. In some embodiments, the
user
may be able to select between a number of units of measurement (e.g. psig,
mmHg, etc.). It
should be noted that the actuator names in the screen 1570 represent one
embodiment. In
various embodiments, the names may be indicative of the spatial orientation
actuators in the
dynamic support apparatus and one or more may vary. In some embodiments, the
actuator
set point boxes 1576, 1578 may identify a "Right Actuator", "Left Actuator",
and "Sacral
Actuator".
To help minimize confusion, the actuator set point boxes 1572 are connected to
the
step number box 1571. Other steps or boxes may be separated from boxes
associated with
an individual step by a space or gap. Additionally, the set point boxes 1572
are indented
from the step number box 1571. This may help to further indicate that the set
point boxes
1572 are associated with the step number box 1571. In some embodiments, a user
may
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collapse and expand various steps. In some embodiments, when a step is in a
collapsed
state, only the step number box 1571 for that step may be visible. In expanded
state, the set
point boxes 1572 may also be displayed. In such embodiments, the step number
box 1571
may include an icon or the like (not shown) which a user may interact with to
toggle
.. between an expanded and collapsed state. Such a feature may be useful in
minimizing
clutter and optimizing usage of screen real estate.
Also depicted in the screen shown in FIG. 66 is an "Add New Step" box 1573. As
shown, this box 1573 is separated from the boxes 1571, 1572 associated with
step 1 by a
gap. This may aid in minimizing any possible confusion. This box 1573 may be
used to add
a step to a relief regimen. When a user interacts with this box 1573, a new
set of boxes may
appear on the screen. These boxes may include a step number box for the new
step and
associated actuator set point boxes for the new step. These new boxes may
appear beneath
the last existing step in a relief regimen. In the event that all steps do not
fit on the screen at
one time, a user may navigate through the list of steps using a scroll bar,
search feature,
swipe gesture, etc. A user may add and define the required information for as
many steps as
is necessary to completely define the desired relief regimen.
In some embodiments, a user may be capable of copying a pre-existing relief
regimen when creating a new relief regimen. This may be desirable if the new
relief
regimen will be similar to a pre-existing relief regimen. In some embodiments,
it may be
desirable to have a regimen with the same number of steps and actuator set
points, but
different durations for each step. Thus, copying a pre-existing relief pattern
may allow a
user to more efficiently create relief regimens. In some embodiments, a copy
button or the
like may be present for this purpose. In some embodiments, a screen which may
be used to
create a relief regimen may include a button to save the relief regimen once
the relief
regimen has been fully defined by the user. Additionally, in some embodiments,
a user may
create a new relief regimen by opening a pre-existing template relief regimen.
FIG. 67 depicts another screen 1580 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1580 may be an alternative screen
which may be
used to configure a relief regimen. In various embodiments, such a screen 1580
may be
displayed in response to a user selecting the "Create new regimen" option on
the screen
1550 shown in FIG. 65.
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As shown, the screen 1580 includes a heading 1552 and sub heading 1554 which
indicate what the screen 1580 is used for. As shown, the screen 1580 includes
a number of
boxes 1581, 1582, 1583. A step number box 1581 is included in some
embodiments.
Additionally, an actuator number box 1582 and a pressure box 1583 are included
in the
screen 1580. A user may use these boxes 1581, 1582, 1583 to define various set
points for
various actuators for each step in a relief regimen.
Some of the boxes 1581, 1582, 1583 may include an up and down arrow or
selector
in some embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 67, the pressure box 1583
includes an up and down arrow. The up and down arrows may be used to define
the
pressure parameter for an actuator. In some embodiments, once a pressure has
been set, a
user may interact with a next button 1584. This may cause the user interface
to present a
new relief regimen configuration screen for the step which may be used to set
the pressure
set point for the next actuator. If pressure set points for all actuators have
been defined for a
given step, interaction with a next button 1584 may cause a new step to be
added. A new
configuration screen allowing a user to configure an actuator set point for
that step may then
be displayed. The user may continue defining set points for actuators until a
desired relief
regimen has been completely defined.
In some embodiments, the next button may be disabled or not displayed until
all
required fields have been defined. Alternatively, if a user attempts to use
the next button
without defining all required fields, the user interface may draw the user's
attention to an
incomplete field. In some embodiments, this may involve highlighting or
otherwise
indicating which fields are incomplete. In other embodiments, the user
interface may
automatically open the incomplete field for editing.
As shown, a cancel button 1585 is shown in the screen in FIG. 67. The cancel
button 1585 may be used to cancel configuration of a new relief regimen. The
cancel button
1585 may, in some embodiments, bring a user back to a home screen or other
preceding
screen. Additionally, a view regimen button 1586 is shown in FIG. 67. This
button 1586
may be used to view a visual representation of the relief regimen. Such a
visual
representation may be a relief regimen graph such as an actuator pressure over
time plot.
Such a relief regimen graph is further described later in the specification. A
back button
1587 is also shown in the screen 1580. A back button 1587 may be used to re-
open a
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previously defined step of a relief regimen for editing. In some embodiments,
additional or
different buttons may be included. In some embodiments, a "Done" or "Finish"
button may
be included to indicate that a user has finished defining the desired number
of steps for a
relief regimen.
FIG. 68 depicts a screen 1590 which may be used to input a parameter value. As
shown, the screen 1590 includes a numeric keypad 1592. The keypad 1592 may be
used to
select values for the parameter. As shown, the keypad 1592 also includes a
clear button
1594 and a delete button 1596. The clear button 1594 may be used to clear any
value
entered on the screen 1590. The delete button 1596 may be used to delete the
previous value
entered on such a screen. There may also be a parameter value field 1598 which
displays
the value entered using the keypad 1592. In some embodiments, this field 1598
is directly
above the keypad 1592. Additionally, this field 1598 may include an indication
of the units
of measure for that value. Once a user has finished entering the desired
value, the user may
use the OK button 1600 to accept the value and continue editing and creating a
relief
regimen in some embodiments. If the user desires to abort entering the value,
the back
button 1602 may be used. In some embodiments, or for some parameter fields
(e.g. relief
regimen name), an alpha-numeric or alphabetic keyboard may also or instead be
displayed.
In some embodiments, a user may use one or more other type of input device to
enter
values. In some embodiments, a keyboard and mouse, for example, may be used.
FIG. 69 depicts another user interface screen 1610 which may be used to edit
and/or
define a relief pattern. As shown, the screen 1610 may include an indication
of the current
step number. In FIG. 69, the step number shown is step one. The screen 1610
also indicates
which actuator the user is editing the set point of. In the screen 1610, the
user is editing the
set point for actuator 1. As shown, the screen includes a column 1612 in which
the user may
define the desired actuator set point parameter. The user may define a value
for the set point
by a vertical or up/down swipe within the bounds of this column 1612.
A downward swipe may cause the value to increase while an upward swipe may
cause the value to decrease. In some embodiments, a downward swipe may cause a
number
to gradually move toward and then off the bottom of the screen (such that it
is no long
visible) and cause a number to gradually appear from the top of the screen and
gradually
move toward the bottom of the screen. An upward swipe may cause a number to
gradually
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move toward and then off the top of the screen (such that it is no long
visible) and cause a
number to gradually appear from the bottom of the screen and gradually move
toward the
top of the screen. This gradual movement may be incremental or smooth in
various
embodiments. When a user removes their hand from the screen after making a
swiping
gesture, the value closest to the center of the screen may become the new
value for the
parameter.
In the some embodiments, the bounds of the parameter column 1612 are shown on
the screen 1610. In other embodiments, the bounds of the column 1612 may not
be
displayed on the screen 1610. The screen also includes an indication of the
unit of measure
for the parameter being defined.
Once a user has finished defining an actuator set point the user may continue
to
define other actuator set points and create other steps. In the example
embodiment, this may
be accomplished with a horizontal or sideways swipe on the screen. As shown,
in some
embodiments, the representational hand 1614 is indicated to be swiping to the
left of the
screen. Such a swipe may cause a new screen to gradually appear from the right
of the
display, in some embodiments. This may give the impression to the user that
the user is
dragging or pulling the new screen onto the display. Once the screen has been
dragged a
predetermined amount onto the display, the values for the previous screen may
be saved and
the new screen may take the place of the previous screen on the display. In
some
embodiments, the representative hand 1614 may be provided on the screen to
indicate to a
user how they may interact with the screen 1610.
FIG. 70 depicts another user interface screen 1620 which may be used to edit
and/or
define a relief pattern. This screen 1620 may be the screen which would be
dragged onto the
display after a user has finished defining the actuator set point in FIG. 69.
As shown, this
.. screen 1620 is similar to FIG. 69; however, it allows a user to set the
actuator set point for
actuator 2 in step 1. In some embodiments, a user may set the set points for
all actuators in a
given step on a single screen before swiping to the next screen. Once all
actuator set points
for a given step have been defined, swiping to the left of the display may
cause a new step
to be added to the relief regimen. The screen which is dragged onto the
display may then
allow a user to define various set points for the new step.
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As shown in FIG. 70, the user may swipe to the left of the screen 1620 as well
as
the right of the screen 1620. Swiping to the right of the screen 1620 may
cause the previous
screen to gradually appear from the left of the display in some embodiments.
This may give
the impression to the user that the user is dragging the previous screen back
onto the
display. Once the previous screen has been dragged onto the screen a
predetermined amount
it may replace the current screen on the display. This may allow a user to
navigate through
various steps and set points when creating a relief regimen.
In some embodiments, if a user attempts to swipe to the next screen without
filling
out a required field (e.g. actuator set point), the user interface may not
allow the new screen
to replace the current screen on the display. Additionally, the user's
attention may be called
to the required field which has not been filled out on the current screen. In
some
embodiments, there may be a button or the like on the display to indicate that
the user is
finished creating or editing the desired relief regimen. Alternatively or
additionally, a user
may define the number of steps they would like to include in the relief
regimen before
creating the relief regimen. Once a user has swiped through and defined values
for each
step, the relief regimen may be saved and the relief regimen editor may be
exited on the
user interface. In some embodiments, a home screen or the like may be
displayed after a
user has completed the editing a relief regimen.
FIG. 71 depicts another screen 1630 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1630 may be used to configure a relief
regimen.
As shown, the screen 1630 may be used to temporally structure a relief
regimen. In some
embodiment the user may use such a screen 1630 to define the number of relief
cycles per
hour. In some embodiments, a user may use such a screen 1630 to define a wait
period
between cycles. In some embodiments, a user may use such a screen 1630 to
define a wait
period between steps of a cycle. Additionally, in some embodiments, a user may
use such a
screen 1630 to define whether the relief regimen will actively (e.g. use a
pump to pump
fluid out of the actuators) or passively deflate actuators.
As shown, in some embodiments when user selects a parameter field for editing,
it
may enlarge on the screen. In some embodiments, a relief cycles per hour field
1632 has
been opened for editing. The relief cycles per hour parameter field 1632 has
enlarged and
the font size for the parameter value has also increased. Additionally, an up
and down
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button 1634, 1636 to increase and decrease the parameter value appears in the
enlarged
parameter field.
FIG. 72 depicts another screen 1640 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1640 may be used to configure a relief
regimen.
Specifically, the screen 1640 may be used to schedule a regimen. Such
scheduling may
cause a regimen to automatically begin as defined. In other embodiments, such
scheduling
may cause the user interface to prompt or remind a user to begin the relief
regimen.
As shown, the screen 1640 includes an enable option 1642 which may be selected
if
a user would like to schedule the regimen. In some embodiments, the enable
option 1642
includes "Yes" and "No" checkboxes. In other embodiments, radio buttons or the
like may
be used. In some embodiments, the screen 1640 also includes selectors 1644 for
days of the
week which in some embodiments are checkboxes. A user may select the desired
days of
the week to which they would like the schedule to be applied to. Additionally,
the screen
1640 includes fields 1646, 1647, 1648, 1649 in which the user may define a
time frame. A
user may enter a begin time and an end time for which they would like to
schedule the relief
regimen. In some embodiments, a user may schedule a regimen to occur while
they are at
work using the Monday-Friday selectors 1644 and entering the time frame as
9:00AM to
5:00PM.
In some embodiments, while a user is editing and/or creating a relief regimen,
it may
be desirable to see a visual representation of the regimen. Such a visual
representation may
depict the defined relief regimen in a single, easily comprehendible format.
In various
embodiments, a visual representation may be provided in the form of a graph,
specifically
an actuator pressure over time graph. An embodiment of such a graph 1650 is
depicted in
FIG. 73. A user may use a view regimen button, such as that shown in FIG. 67,
to view
such a graph 1650 in some embodiments.
As shown, the graph 1650 in FIG. 73 depicts a plot 1652, 1654 for each
actuator of
a dynamic support apparatus. For purposes of illustration, the pressure axis
of the graph
1650 is not assigned numeric values rather only an indication of positive and
negative. The
time axis is also not assigned numeric values. In various embodiments, the
time axis may
not be assigned time values but rather be divided by step number as shown. A
back button
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1656 is also included on the graph 1650. A back button 1656 may be used to
return to a
previous screen once the user is done viewing the graph 1650.
FIG. 74 depicts a screen 1660 which may be displayed on a user interface for a
dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1660 includes a menu 1662 which may be
used to
navigate to various configuration setting of a dynamic support apparatus. As
shown, a
number of settings categories 1664 are displayed in boxes on the screen 1660.
In other
embodiments, different settings or a different number of settings may be
included. A user
may select one of the settings categories 1664 on the screen 1660 to open it
for
configuration. The screen 1660 also includes an option 1666 to return to a
home screen.
FIG. 75 depicts another screen 1670 which may be displayed on a user interface
of a
dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1670 shown in FIG. 75 may be one of many
screens
which may be navigated to by selecting a setting category 1664 in FIG. 74. As
shown, the
screen 1670 provides an interface which allows a user to adjust screen
brightness. As
shown, a slider bar 1672 is depicted and may be used by a user to adjust the
screen
brightness. Slider bars may also be used to allow users to adjust other
settings or define
parameters in some embodiments. A settings level descriptor 1674 is also shown
on the
screen 1670. In some embodiments, the settings level descriptor 1674 reads
"Low". Other
possible values may be "Min.", "Mid", "High", "Max", etc. In various
embodiments the
settings level descriptor 1674 may be a numeric value. As the slider 1676 of
the slider bar
1672 is slid by the user, the settings level descriptor 1674 may change
automatically to
reflect the slider 1676 position.
FIG. 76 depicts another screen 1680 which may be displayed on a user interface
of a
dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1680 shown is a settings screen. In some
embodoiments, this screen 1680 may be navigated to by selecting the
"Enable/Disable User
Options" category 1664 in FIG. 74. This screen 1680 may allow a clinician or
care giver to
configure options and functionalities that may be available for a user. In
some
embodiments, this screen 1680 may allow a care giver to disable a transfer
mode for a user.
As shown, eight options are depicted, though in other embodiments, any
suitable number of
options may be depicted.
As shown, in some embodiments, one or more option may include one or more sub
option. In some embodiments, one option may turn a lock functionality on or
off. In the
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event that the lock option is turned on, the sub options may become enabled.
The sub
options may provide a selection of various varieties of the parent option
(e.g. passcode,
swipe, biometric, etc.). A user may then select the sub option which is
desired. In other
embodiments, sub options may present various features of a parent
functionality or options.
A user may selectively enable and disable such features as desired.
As shown, in some embodiments, one or more option(s) may include one or more
parameter field(s) which is/are associated with that option. In some
embodiments, if the
parent option allows a user to enable or disable a pause option or
functionality, the
associated parameter field may require a user to enter a limit. The limit may
in some
embodiments define the maximum pause length. As shown, option 8 is associated
with a
parameter field on the screen 1680. A back button 1682 and save button 1684
are also
included on the screen 1680 shown in FIG. 76.
FIG. 77 depicts an embodiment of a lock or passcode screen 1690. In some
embodiments, the lock or passcode screen 1690 may be included to help prevent
unauthorized access to a user interface a dynamic support apparatus. In some
embodiments,
a lock or passcode screen 1690 may be included when a user attempts to access
various
features on a user interface for a dynamic support apparatus. In some
embodiments, a care
giver or clinician may define a passcode for various editing features to
prevent a user from
editing a relief regimen.
As shown, the lock or passcode screen 1690 includes a numeric keypad 1692. The
lock or passcode screen 1690 also includes a number of passcode fields 1694
which may be
populated as a user enters in a passcode. In some embodiments, the passcode
fields 1694
may be populated with the values selected on the keypad 1692. In other
embodiments, the
passcode fields 1694 may be populated with a generic symbol to indicate a
value selection
was registered by the user interface.
FIG. 78 depicts another screen 1700 which may be displayed on a user interface
of a
dynamic support apparatus. As shown, the screen 1700 is optimized for a
personal computer
or laptop. The screen 1700 in FIG. 78 is a welcome screen. The welcome screen
describes
to the user how the user may begin to use the program. It also may provide
information on
what the program may be used for.
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As shown, the screen includes a window. The window includes a menu bar. The
menu bar 1702 may include a number of clickable options. In some embodiments,
the menu
bar includes a "File" option, an "Edit" option, a "View" option, and a "Help"
option.
The "File" option may present a list of choices when clicked. In some
embodiments,
the "File" option may allow a user to open a previously created relief
regimen. The "File"
option may allow a user to save a created relief regimen or configuration. The
"File" option
may allow a user to print a created relief regimen or configuration summary.
The "File"
option may allow a user to update controller software. The "File" option may
also include
other choices when clicked. The "Edit" option may also present a list of
choices when
clicked. In some embodiments, the "Edit" option may present choices to clear
all
parameters for a created relief regimen or restore all defaults in a regimen.
The "View"
option may present a number of choices when clicked. In some embodiments, the
"View"
option may be used to select which of a variety of program functionalities the
user would
like to use and may open a user interface screen for the desired
functionality. The "Help"
option may present a number of choices when clicked. In some embodiments, the
"Help"
option may be used to view a software manual, device manual, readme file, etc.
The "Help"
option may also provide information about the software release.
The screen 1700 also may include a number of icons 1704 as it does in some
embodiments as depicted in FIG. 78. These icons 1704 may, in some embodiments,
be
skeuomorphic. As shown, a "new configuration" icon is depicted in the form of
a blank
sheet of paper. An "open previously created configuration" icon is depicted in
the form of
an open folder. A "save" icon is depicted as a floppy disk. A "print" icon is
depicted as a
printer. Other icons 1704 may be included in other embodiments. In some
embodiments
there may be icons 1704 for any of the menu options described above.
In some embodiments, the screen 1700 includes a side bar 1706. The side bar
1706
may be used to select which of a variety of program functionalities the user
would like to
use. The user interface screen 1700 includes a Client Data functionality, a
Channel
Configuration functionality, a Relief Mode functionality, a Connect Device
functionality,
and an Update Device functionality. Other embodiments may include different
functionalities or a differing number of functionalities. These
functionalities may be
navigated as tabs. Clicking on one of the functionalities in the side bar 1706
may cause the
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user interface to display a screen associated with that functionality. In some
embodiments,
the side bar 1706 may be present on all user interface screens and be used to
navigate from
a user interface screen to another user interface screen. In some embodiments,
the side bar
1706 may also be used to display status messages.
In some embodiments, before being allowed to configure a relief regimen, a
user
may be required to connect a device using the Connect Device functionality.
This may, in
some embodiments, involve physically connecting the controller of a dynamic
support
apparatus to the remote interface using a data bus cable such as a USB cable.
The Connect
Device functionality may then cause the remote interface to establish
communication with
the controller of the dynamic support apparatus.
The screen 1700 also includes a screen-specific portion 1708. In the
embodiment
shown in FIG. 78, this is the portion of the screen 1700 in which the welcome
message is
depicted. In some embodiments, the screen-specific portion 1708 of the user
interface may
change depending on the functionality of the user interface being used. The
other portions
of the window may remain substantially unchanged.
FIG. 79 depicts another screen 1710 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. As shown the screen 1710 allows a user to enter
various client
data. As shown, the side bar 1706 of the user interface visually indicates
that the patient
data functionality is in use. Within the screen-specific portion 1708 of the
screen 1710 are a
number of user definable parameters. A client ID parameter 1712 is included. A
user may
define this parameter 1712 by entering an identifier for a dynamic support
apparatus user. A
client type parameter field 1714 is also depicted. This field 1714 may be used
to define
what type of dynamic support apparatus is being used by the user. In some
embodiments, a
user may select how many actuators are included in their dynamic support
apparatus, what
model dynamic support apparatus the user is using, etc. In some embodiments,
this
parameter field 1714 reads "With Sacral" indicating that the dynamic support
apparatus is a
model which includes a sacral actuator. Such a model is shown in FIG. 2. A
notes
parameter field 1716 is also shown in some embodiment. This field 1716 may be
used to
type in any notes about the dynamic support apparatus user which may be
desired.
Additionally, a "Date Modified" field 1718 which may be automatically
populated is
included.
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Any editable parameter fields shown may be editable in any number of suitable
ways. In some embodiments, some fields may be free text fields. Other fields
may be
defined by picking a choice via a drop box or slider. Additionally, in some
embodiments, a
user may define parameters using checkboxes, radio buttons, or any other
suitable means.
FIG. 80 depicts another screen 1720 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. As shown, the screen 1720 is a channel
configuration screen.
The channel configuration screen may be used to define various set points for
actuators
included in a dynamic support apparatus. It may be used to associate various
manifold ports
or fluid channels with their respective actuators in a dynamic support
apparatus. There is
also a hardware control interface which may allow a user to remotely control
the dynamic
support apparatus using the configuration screen.
As shown, the screen-specific portion 1708 of the channel configuration screen
may
include a number of groups of parameter fields 1722 and user definable
settings. Each of the
groups 1722 may be modified by the user to configure how the dynamic support
apparatus
controls an actuator. As shown in FIG. 80, each of the groups 1722 is named
with a channel
and/or manifold port number. A user may click on a group 1722 in order to
access the
parameters within that group 1722 for editing. In some embodiments, when a
user opens a
group 1722 for editing, the group 1722 may visually indicate that it has been
opened for
editing on the user interface. In some embodiments, the "CH1" group 1722 has
been opened
for editing. The group 1722 visually indicates that it is open by appearing in
a different
color than other groups 1722 in the some embodiments. Additionally, hash marks
appear on
a pressure settings slider bar 1724. The pressure settings slider bar 1724 is
further described
later in the specification. Additionally, any groups 1722 that are inactive
(e.g. no actuator
connected to that channel) may be grayed out or not included in some
embodiments.
A name parameter field 1726 is included for each of the groups 1722. This
field
1726 may, in some embodiments, be a free text field. This field 1726 may be
used to define
a descriptor or name for the group. This descriptor or name may be chosen to
provide, for
example, information about which actuator of the dynamic support apparatus the
channel is
connected to. In the some embodiments, the far left (CH1) group's 1722 name
parameter
field 1726 reads "LEFT". In other embodiments, this field 1726 may be defined
using a
dropbox or may not be user definable. Instead, this field 1726 may be fixed
and may be
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used to provide a user with an indication of which actuator of a dynamic
support apparatus
to connect to each channel. Additionally, in some embodiment, the name
parameter field
1726 may be automatically populated if a user has defined a sufficient number
of name
parameter fields 1726 in other groups 1722. In some embodiments, if there is
only a left and
right actuator, when a user designates one group 1722 as right, the other
group's 1722 name
parameter field 1726 may be automatically populated as left.
An actuator type or location parameter field 1728 is also included in the some
embodiment. Such a field 1728 may be used to define which actuator of a
dynamic support
apparatus the channel is connected to. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 80,
this field 1728
may be defined using a drop down menu which may present a user with a number
of
predefined choices. As above, in some embodiments, this field 1728 may be
automatically
populated after a user has defined a sufficient number of actuator type of
location parameter
fields 1728 in other groups 1722. In some embodiments, the choices which
appear in the
drop box may depend upon a previously defined parameter. In some embodiments,
a client
type parameter field 1714 (see FIG. 79) may determine what choices may be
available for
the actuator type of location field 1728.
An order parameter field 1730 may also be included. The order parameter field
1730
may be used to define the order in which that channel will be acted on when
the regimen is
executed by a dynamic support apparatus. In some embodiments, this field 1730
may be
selected using a drop box. In some embodiments, this field 1730 may be a free
text field.
In some embodiments, where an order parameter field 1730 is a free text field,
the
user may be restricted to only numeric values. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the user
may be restricted to only a range of numeric values. In some embodiments, the
user may not
be able to order a channel to be the fifth channel acted on if only three
channels are being
used.
A number of user definable pressure settings 1732, 1734, 1736 are also shown
on
the user interface screen 1720. As described elsewhere herein, in some
embodiments, other
inflation settings or set points may be used in some embodiments. In some
embodiments,
there may be a mole of air setting or set point or actuator height setting or
set point.
As shown, the pressure settings (or in other embodiments, other inflation
settings)
may be selected using a slider. The slider in some embodiments is part of a
pressure settings
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slider bar 1724. In other embodiments, each setting may be associated with a
user definable
parameter field. In some embodiments, there is a maximum pressure limit
parameter slider
1732, a minimum pressure limit parameter slider 1736, and an actuator pressure
set point
parameter slider 1734. These may be dragged by the user along the pressure
settings slider
bar 1724 to choose the desired set point and limits for each actuator. As
shown, the pressure
settings slider bar 1724 may also display the current pressure of an actuator
or actuator
channel in some embodiments. This information may be gathered by sensor data
and then
processed for display on the screen 1720. The maximum and minimum pressure
parameter
sliders 1732, 1736 may be used to define the bounds within which a user may
deviate (e.g.
manually) from a nominal pressure set point while on a dynamic support
apparatus. In some
embodiments, this may be done by commanding pressure to increase or decrease
using an
on board interface such as the shown in FIG. 28. In a preferred embodiment,
when a limit is
defined, other parameters may be restricted from being defined such that they
break the
limit. In some embodiments, once a high limit has been defined, a user may not
define the
actuator pressure set point or the minimum pressure set point above that
limit.
Inflation information and settings may be displayed in any suitable number of
forms
in various embodiments. For instance, the fluid pressure may be the basis for
the settings on
the display with appropriate sets of units (e.g. mmHg) being display with the
fluid pressure
information. Alternatively in some embodiments, the settings and/or
information may be
displayed in a unitless form. In some embodiments settings may be a unitless
percentage
ranging from -100% to +100%. In such embodiments, the percentage could
represent the
limits of the controller or pump or other factor/clinician defined
limitations. In some
embodiments, a different variety of scale may be used. In some embodiments, a
user may
define settings using a scale of -10 to +10.
Other embodiments may include different parameters and/or a different number
of
parameters. Some embodiments may include different sliders on the pressure
settings slider
bar 1724. In other embodiments, the pressure settings slider bar 1724 may
include sliders
for different steps in a relief regimen. In some embodiments, in a relief
regimen with four
steps, there may be four sliders on the pressure settings slider bar 1724.
Each of the sliders
may be used to define a pressure set point for one of the steps. In some such
embodiments,
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the sliders may also be labeled with the step number whose step point they may
be used to
define.
A show/hide option toggle 1738 is also displayed on the user interface screen
in
FIG. 80. This option toggle 1738 may be used to hide or show a sub set of
parameters for
each group 1722. As shown by the dark highlight around the "Show" option, the
show/hide
option toggle 1738 has been toggled to show. In some embodiments, all of the
parameters
are shown. When toggled to hide, various parameters may be hidden or disappear
from the
user interface screen 1720. In some embodiments, the actuator name parameters
1726 and
actuator type or location parameters 1728 may be hidden.
In some embodiments, an option may be included to swap channels. Such an
option
may be used to move programming for a channel to another channel (e.g. a
channel which is
inactive, spare, or not currently being used). In some embodiments, this may
be useful in
the event that there is an issue with a channel (e.g. there is a bad valve on
a channel). A user
may use such a swap option to move the existing setting for a channel to
another desired
channel. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a user may be able to associate a
parameter
group 1722 with another channel by changing the parameter group's 1722
association via a
drop box or the like.
Various embodiments of the hardware control interface 1740, as mentioned
above,
may be used to remotely control the dynamic support apparatus. In various
embodiments,
the hardware control interface 1740 may be a virtual representation of the
keypad of a
dynamic support apparatus controller. The hardware control interface 1740 may
be
useful/desirable/beneficial for many reasons, including but not limited to,
when detei mining
the proper set points for a user of a dynamic support apparatus. The user may
be positioned
on the dynamic support apparatus and the hardware control interface 1740 may
be used to
try out various set points =for actuators of the dynamic support apparatus. In
some
embodiments, a pressure mapping mat or the like may also be placed on the
dynamic
support apparatus. As various actuator set points are tested, data from the
pressure mat may
be generated. This data may then be reviewed. When suitable actuator set
points are
determined, the user may then define parameters for each of the groups 1722 on
the channel
configuration screen. As shown the pressure settings slider bars 1724 may also
depict the
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current pressure of each actuator in a dynamic support apparatus. This may
further aid in the
development of a suitable pressure regimen.
In some embodiments, a channel configuration screen may include a visual
representation of the layout of a dynamic support apparatus. In some
embodiments, there
may be a representational diagram of the dynamic support apparatus indicating
the spatial
arrangement of actuators in the dynamic support apparatus. The actuators may
be labeled
with the channel name to which they are connected in some embodiments.
FIG. 81 depicts another screen 1750 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1750 shown in FIG. 81 is a relief mode
screen.
Such a screen 1750 may be used to temporally structure a relief mode. In some
embodiments, the relief mode screen may be used to define when specific steps
occur and
for how long. As shown, the screen specific portion 1708 of the relief mode
screen may be
used to define any of a number of parameters useful in temporally structuring
a relief mode.
In some embodiments, a repeat interval parameter field 1752 is included. As
shown,
the repeat interval parameter field 1752 may be used to define the length of a
relief regimen
cycle. That is, the repeat interval parameter field 1752 may define the amount
of time in
which all steps of a relief regimen cycle will occur once. The repeat interval
parameter field
1752 may also define how often a relief regimen cycle will be repeated. In
some
embodiments, the repeat interval parameter field 1752 is a dropbox. In other
embodiments,
the repeat interval parameter field 1752 may be defined differently. In some
embodiment
the repeat interval parameter field 1752 may be defined using a free text
field which is
restricted to numeric values. As a user defines a value in the repeat interval
parameter field
1752, the timelines 1760 may be automatically scaled to the appropriate value.
A group of definable parameters 1754 for each channel is also shown in the
user
interface screen shown in FIG. 81. Each group of definable parameters 1754 may
be used
to specify when each step of a relief regimen cycle for each actuator is to
occur. Also as
shown, various channels may be enabled and disabled on this screen. In some
embodiments,
the inactive channel, "Channel 4", is shown as disabled. In some embodiments,
channels
may be automatically activated depending on previously defined parameters or
settings. In
some embodiments, if the user has defined which channels are active on a
channel
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configuration screen (see FIG. 80), these channels may automatically be
enabled on a relief
regimen screen. Likewise, if a channel has been set to inactive, it may be
grayed out.
For sake of simplicity, only two steps are included for each actuator, an
inflate
("INF") step and a deflate ("DEF"). In other embodiments, there may be any
number of
steps. As shown, the user may utilize a slider 1756, 1758 on a timeline 1760
to define
temporal parameters for each step. In other embodiments, temporal parameters
may be
defined using a parameter field and a timeline 1760 may not be included. The
timeline 1760
may be appropriately divided and numbered based upon a repeat interval
parameter 1752
defined by the user. As shown, a user may move the sliders 1756, 1758 along
the timeline
1760 to define when each step within the cycle will being and how long the
step will last. In
some embodiments, for "Channel 2" a user has defined that the actuator
connected to
channel 2 be deflated at the beginning of each cycle. Additionally, the user
has defined that
after four minutes, the actuator connected to channel 2 will be re-inflated to
its nominal
pressure set point. The actuator will remain at that set point until the next
cycle begins.
In some embodiments, the time specified for each step may be used by the
controller as the time at which the controller begins attempting to reach the
set point for that
step. In other embodiments, the time specified for each step may be a target
time at which
the controller aims to have the actuator connected to the channel at the
specified set point.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the timelines 1760 may provide a visual
indication of
the time which will nominally be spent to inflate and deflate each channel. In
some
embodiments, there may be markings (e.g. a timeline 1760 may include cross-
hatching or
the like) included on the timelines 1760 which indicates how long the
inflation and deflation
will take.
In some embodiments, once set, a user may also move a group or block of
actions
along a timeline 1760. In some embodiments, if a user were to set an inflate
and deflate step
to occur two minutes apart, a user may move this group of steps along the
timeline 1760.
This may allow a user to more easily and efficiently structure a desired
relief configuration
or regimen. In some embodiments, a user may also be able to select a plurality
of steps to
create step groupings or blocks for such movements.
In some embodiments, a composite time line 1762 is also shown on the user
interface screen 1750 in FIG. 81. The composite time line 1762 may be used to
view a
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visual summary of the defined relief regimen. In some embodiments, the
composite time
line 1762 may indicate when the steps of a relief regimen begin and end. In
some
embodiments, the composite time line 1762 may be a graph similar to that
depicted in FIG.
73. In various embodiments, a user may be able to drag groups of steps along
the composite
.. timeline 1762 to define the relief regimen or configuration.
In some embodiments, a user may be able command a test of a programmed relief
regimen using the relief mode screen. In such embodiments, the composite time
line 1762
may have an indicator 1764 which indicates where in the relief cycle the test
has progressed
to. In some embodiments, the indicator 1764 is at zero because a test has not
been initiated.
Some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 81, may include a wait period parameter
field
1766. In various embodiments, the wait period parameter field 1766 may be used
to define
a wait period between cycles or steps. In some embodiments the wait period
parameter field
1766 is a free text field. In other embodiments, the wait period parameter
field may be a
dropbox or the like. Alternatively, the wait period parameter field 1766 may
be a delay
between the initial inflation (upon start-up) and when the relief regimen or
configuration
begins.
FIG. 82 depicts another screen 1770 which may be displayed on a user interface
for
a dynamic support apparatus. The screen 1770 shown in FIG. 82 is a summary
screen. The
summary screen may display in a single place all or a subset of the parameters
and settings
defined for a relief regimen. In some embodiments, the settings and parameters
are defined
in one or more table(s) 1772 although any other suitable presentation form may
also be
used. Additionally, client related information is shown as a summary heading
1774 on the
screen 1770. Such a screen 1770 may, in some embodiments, be used to provide a
print out
or for review of clinical documentation or a relief regimen/configuration.
The control of the actuators (e.g. inflation, deflation, and maintenance of
actuators at
set points) may be accomplished in a number of ways. In some embodiments,
control of the
actuators of a dynamic support apparatus may be similar to one or more of the
embodiments
described in U.S. Patent Application serial number 13/461,336, filed May 1,
2012, entitled
Dynamic Support Apparatus and System, now U.S. Patent 8,845,754, issued
September 30,
2014.
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FIG. 83A depicts a flowchart which details a number of example steps that may
be
used to deflate an actuator based on a pressure set point. In step 2000, a
relief period may be
entered. A relief period may be entered upon a processor of a dynamic support
apparatus
registering a button press or other type of interaction with a user interface.
Alternatively, a
relief period may be entered based on a pre-programmed schedule or after a
predetermined
amount of time since a previous support or relief period has elapsed. A target
pressure may
be compared to a current actuator pressure in step 2002. The current actuator
pressure may
be supplied by one or more pressure sensor associated with the actuator. The
one or more
pressure sensor may, for example, be located in the actuator itself (e.g. in a
sensor assembly
attached to the actuator via a stoma) or may read the pressure at a manifold
port leading to
the actuator. The target pressure may be a preset pressure. If 2004 the
processor determines
the current pressure is less than the target pressure, the processor may
transition into a
maintenance state in step 2006. In a maintenance state, the actuator pressure
may be
monitored by a processor and periodically adjusted to keep it within a range
of the target
pressure.
If 2004 the current pressure is not less than the target pressure, the
processor may
command the pump to pump fluid out of the actuator in step 2008. If 2010 a
minimum on-
time timer has not elapsed, fluid may continue to be pumped out of the
actuator. If 2010 the
minimum on-time timer has elapsed and if 2012 the current pressure is not
below the target
pressure (and an additional margin) fluid may continue to be pumped out of the
actuator.
The additional margin may, for example be at least 2 mmHg, e.g. between 2-4
mmHg, and
may be subtracted from the set point value. In some embodiments, an additional
margin
may not be included.
If 2010 the minimum on-time timer has elapsed and if 2012 the current pressure
is
below the target pressure (and the additional margin) the manifold port and
actuator may,
for example, be isolated from the rest of the system and a wait period may
occur in step
2014. The wait period may be a predetermined amount of time. For example, in
an
embodiment in which the pressure sensors are remote from the actuators (e.g.
in manifold
ports leading to the actuators) the wait period may be approximately a half
second. In an
embodiment where a pressure sensor is remote from the target actuator, the
wait may be an
equalization period during which air flows from the actuator to the location
of the pressure
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sensor. This equalization may cause the actuator pressure to equalize such
that the target
pressure is substantially reached. The processor may compare the current
pressure to the
target pressure in step 2016. The method may then return to decision 2004.
Referring now to FIG. 83B, an example pressure over time plot 2280 depicting
pressure samples from a pressure sensor monitoring pressure at a manifold port
leading to
an actuator is shown. The example plot 2280 is merely exemplary and not drawn
to scale.
The example plot 2280 depicts pressure while the actuator is being deflated
using steps
similar to those in FIG. 83A. As shown, the plot 2280 starts with fluid being
pumped out of
the actuator 2008. Fluid is pumped until (at time 2281) the pressure in the
actuator is less
than a target pressure 2288, plus an added margin 2282. A predetermined wait
period
2284A elapses 2014. During this wait period 2284A the pressure at the manifold
port and
actuator equalize. Since the equalized pressure is greater than the target
pressure 2288, a
processor commands a pump to again pump fluid out of the actuator (at time
2283). The
processor may keep the pump running for a minimum on time 2286. After the
minimum on
time 2286 elapses (at time 2285), another wait period 2284B passes. If, after
the wait period
2284B elapses (at time 2287), the pressure is below the target pressure 2288
in FIG. 83B,
the processor may deem to actuator to be at the desired set point.
FIG. 84 depicts a flowchart which details a number of example steps that may
be
used to inflate an actuator based on a pressure set point. During inflation to
a set point, a
processor may command an actuator be inflated beyond its target pressure and
then
command fluid to be removed until the actuator is within a range of the target
pressure. The
processor may also employ a deadband near and/or including the target
pressure. Pressure
readings outside of this deadband may cause a processor to issue commands to
either add or
remove fluid from an actuator. In some embodiments, the target pressure may
serve as the
lower bound of the deadband. Due to characteristics of the correlation between
actuator
pressure and actuator height (i.e. distance from the load supporting surface
of the actuator
and an opposing side or face of the actuator in some embodiments) it may be
advantageous
to overinflate the actuator and subsequently release fluid. This may help to
ensure that a
user is being supported in a more optimal manner and may help to more
uniformly arrive
within a tighter range of actuator heights for a given inflation set point.
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The processor may enter an inflation state or mode in step 2050. In this mode,
the
processor may command fluid to be pumped to an actuator to overinflate the
actuator past
the target pressure (step 2052). The method may also include the processor
checking the
pressure of the actuator in step 2054. If 2056 the actuator pressure is not at
or above the
over-inflation target pressure, fluid may continue to be pumped to the
actuator. If 2056 the
actuator pressure is at or above the over-inflation target pressure, the
processor may then
command the actuator to be deflated (step 2058). Deflation of the actuator may
be done
passively (e.g. venting the actuator) or actively (e.g. by pumping fluid out
of the actuator).
The method may include the processor checking the pressure of the actuator in
step 2060. If
2062 the actuator pressure is too low, the method may return to step 2052. If
2062, the
actuator pressure is too high, the method may return to step 2058 If 2062 the
actuator is
within a range of the target pressure, the processor may transition to a
maintenance state
(step 2064) in which the actuator pressure is maintained by pumping fluid to
the actuator as
needed. In some embodiments, the range may be defined by the deadband
mentioned above.
FIGS. 85A and 85B depicts a flowchart which details a number of example steps
that may be used to inflate an actuator based on a pressure set point. In step
2020, a support
period may be entered. A support period may be entered upon a processor of a
dynamic
support apparatus registering a button press or other type of interaction with
a user
interface. Alternatively, a support period may be entered based on a pre-
programmed
schedule or after a predetermined amount of time since a previous support or
relief period
has elapsed. A target pressure may be compared to a current actuator pressure
in step 2022.
The current actuator pressure may be supplied by one or more pressure sensor
associated
with the actuator. The one or more pressure sensor may, for example, be
located in the
actuator itself (e.g. in a sensor assembly attached to the actuator via a
stoma) or may read
the pressure at a manifold port leading to the actuator. The target pressure
may be a preset
pressure.
If 2024 the processor determines the current pressure is not greater than or
equal to
the target pressure (and an overshoot), the processor may command a pump to
pump fluid to
an actuator 2026. If 2028 a minimum on-time timer has not elapsed, fluid may
continue to
be pumped to the actuator. If 2028 the minimum on-time timer has elapsed and
if 2030 the
current pressure is not above the target pressure plus the overshoot and an
additional
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margin, fluid may continue to be pumped to the actuator. In some embodiments,
the
additional margin may, for example, be at least 2 mmHg, e.g. between 2-4 mmHg,
and may
be added from the set point value. In some embodiments, an additional margin
may not be
included.
If 2028 the minimum on-time timer has elapsed and if 2030 the current pressure
is
above the target pressure (and the additional margin) the manifold port and
the actuator
may, for example, be isolated from the rest of the system and a wait period
may occur in
step 2032. The wait may be a predetermined amount of time. For example, in an
embodiment in which the pressure sensors are remote from the actuators (e.g.
in manifold
ports leading to the actuators) the wait period may be approximately a half
second. In an
embodiment where a pressure sensor is remote from the target actuator, the
wait may be an
equalization period during which air flows from the actuator to the location
of the pressure
sensor. This equalization may cause the additional margin pressure to equalize
out such that
the target pressure is substantially reached. The processor may compare the
current
.. pressure to the target pressure in step 2034. The method may then return to
decision 2024.
If 2024 the current pressure (from step 2022 or 2034) is greater than or equal
to the
target pressure plus an overshoot pressure and the additional margin, fluid
may be pumped
from or vented from an actuator in step 2036. If 2038 a preset pump on-time
period of time
has not elapsed, fluid may continue to be removed from the actuator. If 2038 a
preset period
.. of time has elapsed and if 2040 the current pressure is not less than or
equal to the target
pressure, plus a deadband range, less the additional margin, fluid may
continue to be
removed from the actuator.
If 2038 a preset period of time has elapsed and if 2040 the current pressure
is less
than or equal to the target pressure, plus a deadband range, less the
additional margin, the
manifold port and actuator may, for example, be isolated from the rest of the
system and a
wait period may elapse in step 2042. The wait period may, for example be a
half second in
some embodiments. The processor may compare the current pressure to the target
pressure
in step 2044. If 2046 the current pressure is not less than the target
pressure plus the
deadband range, the method may return to step 2036 and fluid may be removed
(actively or
passively) from the actuator.
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If 2046 the current pressure is less than the target pressure plus the
deadband range,
and if 2048 the current pressure is also not less than the target pressure,
the processor may
enter a maintenance state in step 2050 and the inflation tasked may be deemed
done. If 2046
the current pressure is less than the target pressure plus the deadband range,
and if 2048 the
current pressure is less than the target pressure, the method may return to
step 2026 and
fluid may be pumped to the actuator.
Referring now to FIG. 85C, an example pressure over time plot 2290 depicting
pressure samples from a pressure sensor monitoring pressure at a manifold port
leading to
an actuator is shown. The example plot 2290 is merely exemplary and not drawn
to scale.
The example plot 2290 depicts pressure while the actuator is being inflated
using steps
similar to those in FIG. 85A and 85B. Since the starting pressure is less than
the target
pressure 2298 plus the overshoot 2292, the plot 2290 begins with fluid being
pumped to the
actuator 2026. Fluid is pumped until (at time 2289) the pressure in the
actuator is greater
than or equal to a target pressure 2298 plus an overshoot 2292 and an added
margin 2294. A
predetermine wait period elapses 2032A. During this wait period 2032A the
pressure at the
manifold port and actuator equalize. Since the equalized pressure is not
greater than the
target pressure 2298 plus the overshoot 2292, a processor (at time 2291)
commands a pump
to again pump fluid to the actuator. The processor may keep the pump running
for a
minimum on time 2300A. In the example plot 2290, when the pump is turned on,
the
pressure spikes and follow by a shallower sloped change in pressure over time.
The spike
indicates the small volume of the manifold quickly being brought to pressure.
Once enough
of a pressure difference exists between the manifold and the actuator is
created, fluid will
being to flow from the actuator and the change in pressure may become slower.
After the
minimum on time 2286 elapses (at time 2293), a wait period 2032B again
elapses. Since the
pressure is above the target pressure 2298 and overshoot 2292 after the second
wait period
2032B and the processor (at time 2295) may deem the over-inflation target for
the actuator
to have been met.
With the over-inflation target met, the actuator may then be deflated 2036
toward
the target pressure 2298. The actuator may be passively or actively deflated.
Once (at time
2297) the actuator pressure is less than or equal to the target pressure 2298
plus a deadband
pressure range 2296 less the additional margin 2294, a wait period 2042A may
elapse. The
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manifold port and actuator may equalize in pressure over the wait period
2042A. Since (at
time 2299) the pressure is greater than the target pressure 2298 plus the
deadband pressure
range 2296, the processor may again command fluid to be removed from the
actuator for a
minimum on time 2300B. Another wait period 2042B may elapse (at time 2301).
This may
continue until (at time 2303) the actuator pressure is less than the target
pressure 2298 plus
the deadband pressure range 2296, but greater than or equal to the target
pressure 2298.
FIG. 86 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of example steps which may be
used
to detect an error or fault condition when pumping fluid to or from an
actuator. A timeout
timer may be used to deteiniine if it is taking longer than expected to reach
an actuator set
point (e.g. a pressure set point) when pumping fluid to or from an actuator.
The timeout
timer may be a preset period of time in some embodiments. Alternatively, the
timeout timer
may be calculated at the beginning of a pumping operation. For example, the
timeout timer
duration may be based on a formula and may depend on the number of actuators
being
inflated or deflated. In some embodiments, the timeout timer may, for example,
be a period
of time equal to 120 seconds multiplied by the number of actuators being
inflated or
deflated.
An actuator or a plurality of actuators may be placed in fluid communication
which
a pump in step 2070. A processor may command actuation of a valve or number of
valves in
a manifold, for example, to place an actuator or actuators into communication
with a pump
in step 2070. A timeout timer may also be started once the actuator(s) have
been placed into
communication with the pump. In embodiments where the timeout timer is not a
fixed
preset period, the duration of the timer may be calculated in step 2070 as
well. Fluid may be
pumped into or out of the actuator(s) to achieve a target pressure for each of
the actuator(s)
in step 2072. In some embodiments, this may be done as described in relation
to FIGS. 83-
85B. If 2074 the target pressure is reached, the controller may enter a
maintenance state
(step 2076) in which a process may monitor pressure of the actuator and add or
remove
fluid from the actuator as necessary to maintain the actuator at the target
pressure. If 2074
the target pressure has not been reached and if 2078 the timeout timer has not
elapsed fluid
may continue to be pumped in and/or out of the actuator(s). If 2078 the
timeout timer has
elapsed the processor may generated an error condition in step 2080.
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FIG. 87 depicts a flowchart detailing a number of example steps which may be
used
to detect an error or fault condition when monitoring the pressure of an
actuator. If an open
channel exists (e.g. the fluid path to or the actuator itself is compromised)
the associated
actuator's pressure will be near or at zero and will not change over time.
Pressure and
pressure change over time may be monitored to detect if an open channel
condition exists.
At least two pressure data samples from a pressure sensor associated with an
actuator may
be taken at different points in time and compared. If pumping fluid to an
actuator during
this time, the difference between the two readings may be expected to be
greater than some
threshold value. If the difference is smaller the threshold, an error may be
triggered.
An actuator or plurality of actuators may be placed in fluid communication
with a
pump and a processor may command the pump to begin pumping fluid to the
actuator(s) in
step 2090. A processor may command actuation of one or more valve in a
manifold to
place the desired actuator(s) in communication with the pump in step 2090.
While fluid is
pumped to or from the actuator(s), a first period of time may then elapse in
step 2092. The
first period of time may be a predefined period of time and may be between 0.5-
2 seconds,
in some embodiments approximately 1 second. A pressure data sample, Pl, may be
taken in
step 2094. While fluid is pumped to or from the actuator(s), a second period
of time may
elapse in step 2096. The second period of time may be a predefined period of
time. In some
embodiments, the second period of time may be calculated using a formula and
not preset.
For example, the second period of time may be calculated based on the number
of actuators
in communication with the pump. In some embodiments, the second wait period
may be
determined as 12 seconds multiplied by the number of actuators in
communication with the
pump. The length of the second period of time may depend on the type of pump
being used.
A second pressure data sample, P2, may be taken in step 2098.
If 2100 the difference in pressure over the second period of time is greater
than a
predetermined threshold the processor may continue commanding the pump to add
or
remove fluid from the actuator(s) it is in communication with (step 2102). The
absolute
value of the pressure change may be required to be above a threshold of 5-
10mmHg, for
example 7mmHg in some embodiments. If 2100 the absolute value of the pressure
change is
not above the threshold and if 2104 the pressure is outside a predefined range
or below a
threshold, the processor may generate an error in step 2106. In some
embodiments, the
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threshold may be lOmmHg-25mmHg above gauge pressure, for example, 15mmHg above
gauge in some embodiments. The value chosen for the threshold may depend on
the type of
pump being used. If 2104 the pressure is above the predefined range, the open
channel
condition may be determined to not exist. The processor may continue
commanding the
pump to add or remove fluid from the actuator(s) it is in communication with
(step 2102).
FIG. 88 depicts a flowchart detail a number of example steps which may be used
to
detected an occlusion in a fluid line extending from a manifold port to an
actuator of a
dynamic support apparatus. If an occlusion exists leading from the manifold to
an actuator,
the pressure in the manifold will spike up or down as the pump respectively
attempts to
pump fluid to or from the actuator. The pressure at the manifold may be
monitored for such
spikes to detect a possible occlusion. In some embodiments, when the manifold
pressure is
checked, it may be compared to an expected range. If the pressure is outside
this range, a
processor may generate an error to indicate the occlusion.
A processor may command the pump to pump fluid to or from an actuator in step
2110. If 2112 the pressure has not reached the desired actuator pressure, the
process may
continue commanding the pump to pump fluid. If 2112 the pressure has reached
or
exceeded the desired actuator pressure, the processor may halt pumping, wait a
predetermined period, and check pressure in step 2114. The wait period may be,
for
example, 0.5 seconds in some embodiments. If 2116 the pressure is within an
expected
range, the processor may allow continued operation in step 2118 and no error
may be
generated. If 2116 the pressure is outside of the expected range, an occlusion
may be
determined to be present and an error may be generated in step 2120. The
expected range
may vary depending on the type of pump, manifold volume, fluid line conduit
volume
among other considerations. In some embodiments, the excepted range may be
from about -
100mmHg to +100mmHg.
In alternative embodiments, all pressure readings may be compared to an
expected
pressure range by a processor. In the event that any of the pressure readings
or a number of
pressure readings over a predetei __ mined time frame are outside of the
expected range
pumping may be stopped and a pressure reading may be taken. This reading may
be
compared to the expected range to determine if an occlusion exists. In other
embodiments,
in the event that any of the pressure readings or a number of pressure
readings over a
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predetermined time frame are outside of the expected range an occlusion error
may be
generated.
In embodiments where a pressure sensor is included in an actuator and a
pressure
sensor is disposed so as to sense pressure at the associated manifold port,
the readings from
these sensors may be compared. If the pressure of the actuator sensor differs
from that of
the manifold port sensor by more than a predetermined amount, an occlusion or
failure of
one or both sensors may be determined to exist and an error may be generated.
A number of
pressure readings from the actuator and manifold sensors may be required to
differ by more
than the predetermined amount within a preset time frame for an error to be
generated by a
processor in some embodiments.
Referring again to FIG. 25, an embodiment of a dynamic support system 2200 is
shown. In some embodiments, the dynamic support system 2200 includes both
hardware
and control components for controlling the hardware. In some embodiments, the
hardware
may be a dynamic support apparatus 10, which may include, but is not limited
to, one or
more of the following: at least one control interface 506, actuators 16,
actuator channels 520
such as tubing and/or other elements to support integration of the dynamic
support
apparatus 10. The dynamic support system 2200 therefore may include the
control
systems 2202 for executing control logic and/or one or more methods for
controlling the
one or more actuators 16 using, for example, actuator channels 520 such as
tubing, and in
.. some embodiments, other hardware elements such as a pump 500.
Referring now to FIG. 89, in various embodiments, the leak compensation mode
or
maintenance mode may include monitoring the pressure of each actuator 16, over
time
at 2250. For example, in some embodiments the control system 2202, may read
the pressure
of each actuator 16, at pre-determined intervals, e.g., every 0.1 seconds. At
2252, the
control system 2202 determines whether there has been a change in the pressure
of one or
more actuator 16. For example, in some embodiments, the control system 2202
may
compare the instantaneous pressure of each actuator 16 to the desired set
point pressure or
pressure range for that actuator 16 at pre-determined intervals (e.g. in one
mere exemplary
embodiment, every 60 seconds). Where the sampled instantaneous pressure is
lower than
the desired set point pressure, at 2254, the control system 2202, shown in
FIG. 25, may
command the pump 500, shown in FIG. 25, to add or remove air to/from that
channel in
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order to alter the pressure in the actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25) to the
desired set point
pressure or pressure range. Conversely, where the sampled instantaneous
pressure is in
excess of the desired set point pressure, at 2254, the control system 2202,
shown in FIG.
25, may open a valve associated with an actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25) to
vent the channel
in order to relieve the pressure in the actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25) to
the desired set point
pressure or pressure range. In some embodiments, a hysteresis or deadband may
be added
about the pressure set point to provide a range of acceptable pressures about
the pressure set
point where no pumping or venting action is required. This hysteresis or
deadband may
advantageously reduce the amount of work required by the control system 2202,
shown
in FIG. 25.
While determining actuator pressures changes by comparing the instantaneous
pressure to the desired pressure set point or range may be advantageous in
some situations
for detecting pressure changes at 2252, such as during low activity, in other
situations, this
control may result in unnecessary air pumping and/or venting. For instance,
when the
dynamic support apparatus 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 25), is carrying a load, the
mechanical forces
through the dynamic support apparatus 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) to the user will
cause the
pressure in each channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) and actuator 16, (see, e.g.,
FIG. 25) to
fluctuate with respect to the set point pressure or range. For example, some
actuator 16,
(see, e.g., FIG. 25) will undergo compression and have elevated pressures
while other
actuators will have lower pressures. Thus, if the control system 2202, shown
in FIG. 25,
controls pumping and/or venting based on the instantaneous pressure in these
actuator 16,
(see, e.g., FIG. 25) the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, is likely to
add and/or
remove air from the actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25), unnecessarily.
Therefore, in some embodiments, the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may
maintain a constant amount (i.e. mass or moles) of fluid in each actuator
channel 520 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25), thereby rarely venting and essentially only pumping to replace
any lost
pressure due to leaking. For example, the control system 2202, shown in FIG.
25, may use
the monitored pressure over time in each actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or
actuator
channel 520 (see, e.g. FIG. 25) as a proxy measurement to estimate the amount
of fluid in,
or the height of each actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25). In using the
monitored pressure to
estimate the amount of fluid in or the height of each actuator 16, (see, e.g.,
FIG. 25), the
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assumption is made that, on average, the loading on the actuator 16, (see,
e.g., FIG. 25) is
constant, which turns out to typically be true, as dynamic loading is
generally transient and
generally has zero net magnitude.
Therefore, to estimate the amount of fluid in or the height of each actuator
16, (see,
.. e.g., FIG. 25), the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, passes the
monitored pressure
signal through a low-pass filter 2256 (FIG. 90) having a bandwidth
sufficiently low to
remove most of the pressure transients from the signal. For example, in some
exemplary
embodiments, the low-pass filter 2256 (FIG. 90) may have a bandwidth of less
than or
equal to 0.1 Hz. In other exemplary embodiments, the low-pass filter 2256 may
have other
desired bandwidths. With the pressure transients largely removed from the
pressure signal
any remaining variations in the filtered pressure signal should be the result
of leakage of the
actuator channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16, (see, e.g., FIG. 25)
Thus, the
control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may monitor the low-pass filtered
pressure signal
at 2252 and, periodically, supply or remove air to/from the actuator 16, (see,
e.g., FIG. 25)
at 2254 to account for leaks and the like.
In some embodiments, the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may use pulse
density modulation control to apply brief pulses of fluid to/from each
actuator channel 520
(see, e.g., FIG. 25) to compensate for leakage. Each pulse of air is separated
by an idle time
between pulses At in which fluid is not being pumped. As the leak rate from a
particular
actuator channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25)
increases, the
time between pulses At for that channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) is decreased
by the control
system 2202, shown in FIG. 25. When the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25,
is in
equilibrium, the averaged effect of the air pulses for a particular actuator
channel 520 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25), in various embodiments,
should
substantially match the effect of air leakage from that actuator channel 520
(see, e.g., FIG.
25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25). The control system 2202, shown in
FIG. 25, includes
control logic for calculating the time between pulses At for each actuator
channel 520 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) based on the low-pass
filtered pressure
measured in that actuator channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16
(see, e.g., FIG.
25). In some embodiments, the control logic for determining the time between
pulses At
may be a function of an error parameter E, e.g. a measurement of how far from
the desired
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pressure set point or range the actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) pressure is.
In some
embodiments, the function may be exponential and may take the form:
At =f( E) = Atmax-exp (-a E)
where a = (1/Emax) ln( Atmax/ Atmm) ;
Atmn, is a preset maximum allowable time between pulses;
At is a preset minimum allowable time between pulses; and
Emax is a preset maximum allowable error.
In this embodiment, when the error parameter E becomes smaller (i.e.
approaching
zero), the time between pulses At should grow towards the maximum time Atn-
,ax.
Conversely, when the error parameter E becomes larger (i.e. approaching the
maximum
allowable error Emax) the time between pulses At should shrink towards the
minimum time
Atmm. When a particular actuator channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator
16 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 25) is being maintained with pulses separated by minimum time Atmm, the
control
effort is considered saturated. Although shown as an exponential function, it
should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the relationship between the time
between pulses
At and the error parameter E could take many forms including a linear
function, a quadratic
function, a cubic function or any other similar polynomial function. For
example, a linear
relationship may be represented by the equation:
At = f( E) = Atmax ¨ (El Emax)-(Atniax - Atrnin)
Preferably, at the time that the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25,
applies one
pulse of air, the control system 2202 shown in FIG. 25, calculates the time
between pulses
At to the next pulse and schedules the pulse to occur. Alternatively, at the
beginning, during,
or at the end of a pulse, a pulse timer may be started. The control system
2202 may
continuously calculate At at every time stamp or every time a predetermined
number of time
stamps have passed. If a At calculation is equal to or less than the elapsed
time on the pulse
timer, the control system 2202 may trigger a pulse. In some embodiments, a
number of At
calculations (e.g. a number of Consecutive calculations) may be required to be
equal to or
less than the elapsed time on the pulse timer in order for a pulse to be
triggered. In
embodiments where each actuator channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuators
16 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 25) operates independently, the calculation of At may also be performed
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independently for each channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25)
such that the resulting air pulses occur asynchronously.
The error parameter E may advantageously be determined in a variety of
different
ways. Referring to FIG. 90, an embodiment, for determining the error parameter
E for a
particular channel i at time interval n is shown. In this embodiment, the
error parameter
E11, equals an Errorn,i calculated from the difference between the pressure
set point
Psetpoint 11,1 and the monitored pressure Pa,i after passing through the low-
pass filter 2256. In
this embodiment, when the monitored pressure Po passed through the low-pass
filter 2256 is lower than the pressure setpoint P
- setpoint n,i e.g. due to air leakage from the
channel i, the error parameter E11,1 is positive.
Referring to FIG. 91, in some embodiments, the error parameter E for a
particular
channel i at a given time interval n may be determined by the control system
2202, shown
in FIG. 25, using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control unit 2258
having a
proportional portion 2260, an integral portion 2262 and a derivative portion
2264. In other
embodiments, a derivative portion 2264 may not be included and the control
unit 2258 may
be a proportional-integral (PI) control unit. In these embodiments, the
control system 2202,
shown in FIG. 25, first calculates Errorn j from the difference between the
pressure set point
Psetpoint no_ and the monitored pressure P after passing through the low-pass
filter 2256 in
substantially the same manner as that discussed in connection with FIG. 90.
The control
system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, then processes the signal Errorõ, through the
PID control
unit 2258 and takes a weighted sum of the output signals from the proportional
portion 2260, the integral portion 2262 and the derivative portion 2264 to
determine E11,1. In
the proportional portion 2260, Error, is multiplied by a gain factor k3,
which, in some
embodiments, may simply equal 1, to provide a weighted output signal
representative of an
instantaneous or present error. In the integral portion 2262, the control
system 2202, shown
in FIG. 25, calculates the integral of the signal Erroro over time to provide
an output signal
representative of the accumulation of past error. The integral portion 2262
includes a gain
factor k1 that is a leakage factor between 0 and 1 that is applied to the
integrated
Errol-11,1 with each time step n to prevent the integral output signal from
growing without
bound. The gain factor kl may be dependent upon the rate or pressure sampling
for the
dynamic pressure data. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, provided for
mere
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illustrative purposes, the gain factor kl may be between 0.93 and 0.99 for a
sampling rate of
approximately 10 Hz. The output signal from the integral portion 2262 is
multiplied by a
gain factor k2 to provide the weighted output signal representative of past
error. In the
derivative portion 2264, the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 89, calculates
the
derivative of the signal Errorõ,, by subtracting the Errorn_i,, from the
previous time step to
provide an output signal representative of the rate of change of error, which
may provide the
control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, with faster response to transients. The
output signal
from the derivative portion 2264 is multiplied by a gain factor k4 to provide
the weighted
output signal representative of the rate of change of error. The control
system 2202, shown
in FIG. 25, calculates the error parameter En j by taking the weighted sum of
the output
signals from the proportional portion 2260, the integral portion 2262 and the
derivative
portion 264. The control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may use this error
parameter
E11,1 for calculating the time between pulses At for each actuator channel i
as discussed
above.
The control logic discussed above advantageously works in the regime where the
error parameter E is between and zero (0) and the maximum allowable error
Emax. However,
in some situation, the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may determine
that the error
parameter E is outside of that regime. For example, the control system 2202,
shown in FIG.
25, may determine that the error parameter E exceeds the maximum allowable
error Emõõ,
which would result in the required time between pulses At to be shorter than
the minimum
time Atmin. Therefore, in the situation where the error parameter E exceeds
the maximum
error E. the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, turns the pump full-on to
restore the
pressure to the desired set point pressure or range. Alternatively or
additionally, an error or
warning may be generated by the processor for display on a user interface.
In some embodiments, when the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25,
implements the control logic discussed above, it is possible that when At
comes due and a
pulse of air should be supplied to a particular actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG.
25) the
instantaneous pressure within the actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) may higher
than what the
pump 500 (see. e.g., FIG. 25) can reasonably supply due to transient external
loading.
Therefore, if the instantaneous pressure is well above the pressure set point
or range, the
control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may defer the air pulse briefly until
the
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instantaneous pressure returns to a reasonable level in which the pump 500
(see, e.g., FIG.
25), may operate.
In some embodiments, when the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25,
implements the control logic discussed above, the monitored pressure Pn,i
after passing
through the low-pass filter 2256 may be above the target pressure set point or
range for a
long period of time. This may cause the output signal from the integral
portion 2262 of the
PID control unit 2258 to become large and negative. To compensate for this,
the control
system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may include a pre-defined large and negative
threshold for
the integral portion that, when surpassed by the output signal, causes the
control
system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, to provide one or more brief pulses of venting,
by opening
one or more valves to reduce the pressure in the actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG.
25) to a level
below the target set point pressure or range, which, over time, brings the
output signal from
the integral portion 2262 back toward zero.
If the E value is negative or less than an Emn, value, in some embodiments,
the
control system 2202 may default to Tina, as the time between pulses.
Alternatively, the
control system 2202 may suspend pulses until the E value is no longer negative
or until the
E value is greater than Emin. In still other embodiments, one or more pulse of
venting, e.g.,
by opening one or more valves connected to the actuator, may be commanded by
the control
system 2202. The control system 2202 may take different actions in such
scenarios
depending on the set point of the actuator. For example, if the actuator
pressure set point is
a negative pressure set point, pulses may be suspended or the time between
pulses may be
set at Tn.. If the actuator set point is a positive pressure set point, pulses
may be suspended
or venting pulses may be commanded by the command system 2202. The density of
such
venting pulses may be determined using a control scheme similar to that
described above.
It stands to reason that, when the pressure set point for a particular channel
is higher,
the leakage rate of a channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25) will
be higher than for the same channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16
(see, e.g., FIG.
25) at a lower pressure set point. Therefore, the leak compensation mode
described above
may advantageously compensate for higher leakage rates by providing uniform
pulses of air
more frequently when the pressure set point for a channel is higher than when
the pressure
set point is lower. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control system
2202, shown
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in FIG. 25, may vary the pulse duration directly with the operating pressure.
Thus, when in
a higher operating pressure regime, longer pulses may partially or completely
compensate
for the higher leakage rates. As should be understood by those skilled in the
art, the
relationship between set point pressure and pulse width may be linear,
exponential, etc.
In some embodiments of the leak compensation mode, the control system 2202,
shown in FIG. 25, may advantageously utilize statistics to detect a leaky
channel 520 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25). For example, the control
system 2202,
shown in FIG. 25, may keep track of how many pulses performed for each channel
520
(see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) over a prolonged
period of time to
determine an average pulse rate for each channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or
actuator 16
(see, e.g., FIG. 25). The control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, may then
compare the
pulse rates to one or more empirically determined pulse rates calculated based
on a nominal
system. If the pulse rate for a channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator
16 (see, e.g., FIG.
25) is significantly above the pulse rate for the nominal system, the control
system 2202,
shown in FIG. 25, may identify the channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or
actuator 16 (see,
e.g., FIG. 25) as leaky. Additionally or in the alternative, the control
system 2202, shown
in FIG. 25, may compare the averaged pulse rate of one channel 520 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 25) or
actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) to the pulse rates of one or more other peer
channels 520
(see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuators 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) to determine whether
or not a
channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) is leaky
since, a leaky
channel 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) or actuator 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) will
require a greater
number of pulses compared to its peers over a long period of time to maintain
a set point
pressure.
By implementing the control logic for the leak detection mode as discussed
above,
the control system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, is able to advantageously monitor
the pressure
in actuators 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) and to maintain the baseline pressure or
the current
pressure set point. The leak compensation mode may, in some embodiments, be
referred to
as a closed-loop system, where monitoring, inflating and deflating may be
automatic based
on pre-set/pre-determined values, e.g. the baseline pressure, pressure set
point or range
and/or error threshold. However, in some embodiments, the closed-loop system
may be
elective by the user and, thus, the user may instead elect to manually
inflate/deflate the
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actuators 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 25) based, e.g., on recommendations from the
control
system 2202, shown in FIG. 25, and/or based on user desires/requirements.
Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the
art
without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is
intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. Additionally,
while several
embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or
discussed
herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is
intended that the
disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the
specification be read
likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as
limiting, but merely
as exemplifications of particular embodiments. And, those skilled in the art
will envision
other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
Other
elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different
from those
described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within
the scope of
the disclosure.
The embodiments shown in drawings are presented only to demonstrate certain
examples of the disclosure. And, the drawings described are only illustrative
and are non-
limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the size of some of the
elements may be
exaggerated and not drawn to a particular scale. Additionally, elements shown
within the
drawings that have the same numbers may be identical elements or may be
similar
elements, depending on the context.
Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it
does
not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article
is used when
referring to a singular noun, e.g. "a" "an" or "the", this includes a plural
of that noun unless
something otherwise is specifically stated. Hence, the term "comprising"
should not be
interpreted as being restricted to the items listed thereafter; it does not
exclude other
elements or steps, and so the scope of the expression "a device comprising
items A and B"
should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B.
Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like, whether used
in the
description or in the claims, are provided for distinguishing between similar
elements and
not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that
the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances (unless
clearly
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disclosed otherwise) and that the embodiments of the disclosure described
herein are
capable of operation in other sequences and/or arrangements than are described
or
illustrated herein.
A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be
understood
that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other embodiments are
within the
scope of the following claims.
While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be
understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by
way of example
and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments
are
contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the
exemplary
embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one
of
ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention.
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