Pressure ulcers, often called bedsores, are a serious risk for people who spend long hours seated in wheelchairs or medical chairs. They can cause severe pain, infections, and long-term complications, making prevention one of the most urgent challenges in patient care.
Patent US11191687B2 takes direct aim at this problem. It introduces a portable, inflatable cushion that automatically adjusts to redistribute pressure before damage occurs. It offers a continuous, hands-free adjustment that makes the design far more effective than standard medical cushions. The patent represents a step forward in intelligent healthcare devices that adapt in real time to keep patients safer.
The patent has also drawn legal interest, including a case between the assignee, HiPR Innovation Inc., and Kalogon, Inc. While the litigation unfolds, this article focuses on what makes US11191687B2 unique.
Using the Global Patent Search tool, we will also explore similar inventions shaping the future of pressure management.
Understanding Patent US11191687B2
US11191687B2 describes a smart cushion system built for people who spend extended hours seated, such as wheelchair users or long-term patients. The design directly targets pressure injuries by using sensors and automation to redistribute weight before skin damage occurs.
Instead of requiring caregivers to reposition patients or adjust valves manually, the cushion constantly adapts on its own.
At the core of the invention is a network of inflatable pods that expand or contract based on pressure readings. A microcontroller manages airflow through precision valves, while an integrated pump supplies air to the system as needed. This closed-loop design allows the cushion to make real-time adjustments, shifting support from one area of the body to another within seconds.
The Key Features Of This Patent Are
1. Pressure-sensing pods – Each pod detects pressure and helps the system decide where to adjust support.
2. Microcontroller-controlled valves – Direct airflow to inflate or deflate pods as needed.
3. Integrated air pump – Pumps air into the cushion when pressure needs to be adjusted.
4. User interface device – Communicates live pressure feedback to a phone, screen, or remote.
Beyond these core components, the cushion includes extra safeguards: a heat sensor to track skin temperature, a built-in weight scale for continuous monitoring, and even the ability to release antibacterial mist to reduce infection risk. Its modular layout of pods, valves, and tubes makes the system easier to customize and maintain.
What sets this invention apart is its hands-free automation. By combining air control, sensors, and live feedback, the cushion reduces the need for manual repositioning, which is often inconsistent and labor-intensive. For patients, this means less discomfort and fewer complications. For caregivers, it represents a reliable assistive tool that actively prevents one of healthcare’s most persistent risks.
Related Read: The smart features in US11191687B2, like real-time feedback and automated adjustment, mirror how leading companies are applying AI in healthcare to improve patient comfort and safety. Explore them in our article on AI in Healthcare Companies.
Similar Patents to US11191687B2
To explore the technology landscape surrounding US11191687B2, we used the Global Patent Search tool to uncover similar inventions. These references focus on intelligent pressure relief systems, adaptive air cell control, and automated support surfaces. They showcase different approaches to cushioning technologies designed to improve comfort and reduce the risk of pressure injuries.
1. GB2369775A
This UK patent, GB2369775A, published in 2002, describes a cushion that uses alternating air chambers to prevent pressure from building up in one place. It has a sensor that checks how much pressure is being applied, and a small computer that adjusts the air pressure by turning the air pump up or down.
A microprocessor compares real-time data with stored values to maintain optimal support as a user’s position changes.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Alternating inflation cycles: Air cells inflate and deflate in sequence to reduce constant pressure on any one point.
- Automatic pressure adjustment: A microprocessor sets and maintains support pressure without manual input.
- Pressure decay monitoring: Real-time analysis of pressure drop determines necessary compressor changes.
- Adaptive comfort control: Responds to user movement (e.g., turning or sitting) by recalibrating cell pressure.
- Restrictor-based feedback: Uses a fixed-diameter exhaust restrictor to create consistent data for adjustment.
- Remote pressure tuning: Allows limited user control over comfort levels via remote interface.
How It Connects To US11191687B2
• Both systems monitor internal air pressure and respond to user position changes.
• Each design uses a control unit to adjust airflow and maintain effective pressure distribution.
• Both aim to prevent pressure sores by continuously adapting the support surface.
Why This Matters
This patent introduces a data-driven approach to dynamic pressure management. Its alternating inflation cycles and self-regulating compressor design align closely with the goals of US11191687B2. By integrating automated adjustment and user feedback, it reflects a shared direction in pressure-relief cushion innovation.
2. CN202858524U
This Chinese patent, CN202858524U, published in 2013, describes a cushion that’s divided into four zones, each with its own airbag. The system detects pressure in each zone and inflates or deflates that area depending on the person’s posture or weight. There’s a control panel that lets users adjust the settings manually if needed.
A microprocessor-based modulator controls valves and airflow to each airbag zone through a display panel and adjustment knobs. The cushion adapts to different users by dynamically managing pressure across four distinct regions.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Subarea airbag zoning: Divides the cushion into four airbag zones (A, B, C, D) for localized control.
- Automatic modulator: Controls inflation and deflation through an onboard microprocessor and valve network.
- Pressure-based adjustment: Responds to body weight and pressure limits with real-time inflation or release.
- Display and manual controls: Offers knobs and a display for user interaction and adjustment, if needed.
- Multiple airbag arrays: Supports variable grid patterns like 10×15 or 15×20 for better body contouring.
- Temperature and humidity considerations: Includes surface control to manage comfort during long-term use.
How It Connects To US11191687B2
• Both systems use a microcontroller to control air distribution through multiple zones or pods.
• Each adjusts inflation dynamically based on user posture, body weight, and real-time sensor data.
• Both target the prevention of pressure sores through automated, non-uniform pressure support.
Why This Matters
This patent showcases a modular, region-based approach to adaptive seating. Like US11191687B2, it focuses on comfort, injury prevention, and smart inflation logic. Its array-based structure and real-time pressure adjustment reflect key advancements in cushion design for medical applications.
3. CN204709238U
This Chinese patent, CN204709238U, published in 2015, features a multi-airbag cushion that not only tracks pressure but also includes a timer and alarm system. If someone stays in the same position for too long and pressure builds up, it alerts caregivers or starts deflating parts of the cushion to relieve pressure automatically.
When pressure exceeds a threshold for too long, the system alerts caregivers or adjusts the pressure itself to reduce tissue strain and avoid skin damage.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Multi-airbag cushion: A cushion made of several vertically arranged airbags embedded within the seat structure.
- Pressure-time monitoring: Sensors and timers track how long pressure is applied at each body point.
- Smart alert system: Triggers visual and audio alarms when pressure remains too high in any region.
- Automatic air release: Deflates the overloaded airbag to suspend the patient’s body and reduce pressure.
- Re-inflation logic: Once position changes, the system automatically re-inflates to restore support.
- Posture adaptability: Designed to support supine, seated, or side-lying users with equal effectiveness.
How It Connects To US11191687B2
• Both systems detect pressure distribution and respond automatically to avoid excessive loading.
• Each uses an air-cell-based cushion with smart controls to reduce the risk of pressure-related injuries.
• Both provide active solutions that adapt to user posture and minimize the need for manual repositioning.
Why This Matters
This invention merges manual intervention alerts with autonomous pressure regulation. Like US11191687B2, it emphasizes user safety, responsive inflation control, and adaptive design for various body positions. It highlights another approach to improving patient comfort through smart seating technologies.
4. CN104800018A
This Chinese patent, CN104800018A, published in 2015, uses layered air cells and sensors to track where pressure is high. If someone stays in the same position too long, the system first sounds an alarm. If nothing changes, it allows air to escape from that area to lift the body and reduce strain. It is meant to work whether the person is sitting, lying down, or on their side.
It may also automatically inflate and deflate airbags to relieve pressure on the body. The system adapts to various patient postures and ensures responsive support during prolonged use.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Multi-cell air cushion: A soft cushion composed of multiple long air chambers vertically aligned in the cushion.
- Pressure and time tracking: Sensors monitor pressure on each airbag and activate timers when thresholds are exceeded.
- Automated alarms: The system sounds alerts when sustained pressure is detected, prompting manual adjustment.
- Smart deflation response: If no action is taken, the system deflates the affected airbag and supports with adjacent ones.
- Re-inflation logic: Once the patient’s position changes, the airbag is re-inflated automatically.
- Adaptive support: Designed for use across supine, side-lying, or sitting positions with flexible contouring.
How It Connects To US11191687B2
• Both systems employ air-based cushions embedded with pressure sensors and automated control logic.
• Each reacts to overpressure through smart inflation-deflation routines that minimize injury risk.
• Both target long-duration use cases like medical beds or wheelchairs, adapting to body posture in real time.
Why This Matters
This invention highlights a modular approach to pressure management with built-in alarm protocols. Like US11191687B2, it seeks to minimize intervention delays by automating cushion responses and improving patient comfort through pressure-adaptive support.
Note: The inclusion of features like temperature sensors and real-time pressure feedback connects this device to broader trends in smart healthcare. Companies are actively innovating in wearable health monitoring technologies to prevent injury and support long-term care, as seen in these top innovators in the field.
How To Find Similar Patents Using Global Patent Search
Exploring similar inventions is essential when analyzing medical cushions like US11191687B2. This patent focuses on a smart, inflatable cushion system that adjusts pressure automatically to help prevent pressure ulcers. Using the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool makes it easier to discover related technologies, such as adaptive seating, automated inflation systems, or sensor-based pressure regulation.
1. Enter the patent number into GPS: Start by typing US11191687B2 into the GPS tool. You can also try terms like “pressure ulcer cushion,” “adaptive bladder system,” or “sensor-based seating.”
2. Use text snippets to scan quickly: GPS highlights short, relevant excerpts from other patents. These explain how similar devices monitor pressure or manage air distribution using electronics.
3. Find inventions with matching components: Many results will include systems with microcontrollers, pneumatic modules, and sensor arrays for automatic adjustment.
4. Compare problem-solving strategies: Some devices adjust for posture changes. Others focus on timing cycles or predictive pressure redistribution.
5. Spot emerging trends in assistive seating: GPS reveals innovation patterns, like AI-driven pressure mapping, multi-zone cushioning, or wearable feedback systems.
Along with helping you track related patents, GPS gives context on where a technology stands in its examination process. And because patents can become part of disputes, GPS helps you monitor competition and areas of overlap. Start using Global Patent Search to uncover insights that traditional tools often miss.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
