Automated Seat Cushion for Pressure Ulcer Prevention Using Real-Time Mapping, Offloading, and Redistribution of Interface Pressure
Abstract
The objective of the project is to realize an automated seat cushion that is capable of preventing the development of pressure ulcers by redistributing and offloading pressure based on real-time pressure mapping. In the first year, we focused on characterization of our soft bubble actuators capable of pressure redistribution as well as developed seat cushion testing prototypes. Fabrication techniques for the bubble actuators were developed and refined before integration into arrays for pressure redistribution testing. During the development the bubbles were characterized for their mechanical behavior at varying loads and internal pressures both by experimental testing as well as finite element simulation. Automation and control testing has been completed on a 5x5 array of bubble actuators to verify pressure redistribution performance. A complete seat cushion prototype has been completed and will be tested in the future work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1034638
Entities
People
- Muthu Wijesundara
- Rory A. Cooper
Organizations
- University of Texas at Arlington