Development issues and proposed therapeutic seat framework

Abstract

Prolonged sitting can have an adverse effect on elderly people, especially those with limited mobility and reduced sensation. It usually results in various medical problems and complexities, with formation of pressure ulcer being one of the most concerned due to its prevalence, harm and high cost for treatment. Various seating systems have been developed to enhance functional ability, provide protection from tissue breakdown (arising from pressure ulcers) and relieve the concentrated interface pressure for these patients. A design based on air inflation of the cushion has been evaluated and verified to be efficient in pressure management and is adaptive for other functional extensions. Some key issues in developing effective air-inflated cushions are identified in this paper, including the interface pressure, sitting condition discrimination, inflation pressure, alternating pressure and some other problems. Efforts made in these aspects and some novel achievements are summarized. The framework of a Computer Controlled Adjustable Seat System (CCASS) is proposed. Specifically the CCASS adopts a structure with multiple air cells incorporating a sensing system. It is suitable as a research tool to identify the various seating factors for the design of a therapeutic seat. The general design and development process of an intelligent air cushion will also be briefly introduced, with the main design concept validated with prototype testing. © ACM 2009.