System for Adjusting Pressure Locally on the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

The invention relates to a system for adjusting pressure locally acting on the skin. Said system includes a set of adjacent modules distributed so as to form a layer. Each module includes a cushion capable of changing shape and comprising a cavity, a valve, a tank, and a pressure sensor, wherein the cavity and the tank are in communication with each other by means of the valve, and the sensor is placed so as to sense pressure directly or indirectly acting on the cushion. The system also includes a feedback loop arranged such as to increase or decrease the change in the shape of the cushion on the basis of the pressure detected by the sensor. The system according to the invention can be built into a shoe so as to re-establish normal plantar pressure under the entire sole of the foot, which is particularly desirable for athletes or for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or leprosy. It is also possible to incorporate the system according to the invention into a (bed or wheelchair) mattress so as to prevent decubitus ulcers in patients with neurological diseases (hemiplegia, paraplegia, tetraplegia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and any other sensory and/or motor deficit diseases.