Sitting Biomechanics Laboratory

Part of the
Sensory Motor Performance Program
Room 1340, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Every design of the iPUPc system and its functional components is patented or patent pending

US patent # 7322651

Trade Mark: #77/160437

FDA approval: 510(K) #K063175


	Basic information The iPUPc (intelligent pressure ulcer prevention cushion) is a light-weight, battery powered, seat cushion designed to assist in pressure relief. When activated, the cushion automatically adjusts sitting posture and pressure to help the user increase comfort and sitting tolerance and support their efforts in preventing pressure sores. Inflation and deflation of all air bladders are realized by a single air compressor and a set of air valves. A microprocessor is programmed to regulate the configuration of iPUPc, based on feedback from multiple sensors, e.g. the potentiometer for BPS tilting angle, an array of contact sensors on seat, and air pressure sensors inside. The intelligent pressure ulcer prevention cushion(iPUPc) is a pneumatic system, consisting of two components: I: Seat cushion II: Lumbar-sacral support


	I. Seat cushion The back portion (30%) of the seat (BPS), where the IT (ischial tuberosites) rest, can be lowered to relieve pressure from the ITs. Contact sensors on seat cushion: FSR force sensors under the cushion of both BPS and FPS are used to detect contact on the seat. These sensors can be used to save power when the chair is not in use, and to assess the weight distribution of the user during operation.

Further Testing

Extensive testing of the Ipupc System has been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness and safety

Additional features incorporated into a backrest system can be found here

Last updated June 19, 2008 by Makhsous.
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