A semi-active, flexible, beaded support surface for tangential transport and tissue therapy of bedridden patients

Bedridden patients and elastic bodies are transported by a novel ball transfer mechanism about their support surface. A series of spherical balls are constrained in their position in the support surface, but are allowed to rotate freely in three dimensions. A series of 'bed bugs' are coordinated to provide flexible support and tangential motion patterns of the human patient. This ball drive actuation allows a bedridden patient to move freely while lying upon the bed. First, the design concept is explained, then a description of the important parameters and performance measures is made. Interactions between the soft tissue and the bed surface with a ball transfer mechanism are addressed, and technical requirements for transporting humans and elastic bodies will be obtained. A proof-of-concept prototype has been designed and will be tested to verify model results and the manipulation concept.