Actuated Patient Support Side Rails Automation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient support systems require manual and repetitive effort to raise and lower side rails, which can be physically demanding for caregivers and may not provide sufficient positioning options, limiting access and egress for patients.

Innovation Solution

A patient support system with actuated side rails powered by electric actuators, controlled by a sophisticated control system that includes user input devices and feedback mechanisms, allowing for automated movement between multiple positions, including intermediate positions, to facilitate easier patient access and egress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of side rails is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical demands on caregivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric actuator system. The actuator includes a motor, drive mechanism, and control circuitry that automatically raises and lowers side rails without requiring caregiver physical effort. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with electromechanical automation directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The side rail system performs its own positioning function through automated actuators rather than requiring external manual intervention. The control system enables the side rails to service themselves by automatically moving between positions based on control inputs, reducing the physical burden on caregivers while maintaining functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If limited side rail positions are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to insufficient positioning options

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning capability where side rails can be moved to multiple intermediate positions between fully raised and fully lowered states. The actuator system allows continuous or discrete positioning at various heights, enabling the side rails to adapt to different patient care needs. This dynamic adjustability increases adaptability while requiring more complex control mechanisms compared to fixed-position systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of side rails by allowing movement through multiple discrete positions and intermediate positions. The actuator controls the height parameter of side rails dynamically, enabling adaptation to various clinical scenarios such as patient transfer, monitoring, or comfort adjustments, thereby increasing versatility without being constrained to limited fixed positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated actuation system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric actuator system. The actuator includes a motor, drive mechanism, and control circuitry that automatically raises and lowers side rails without requiring caregiver physical effort. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with electromechanical automation directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The side rail system performs its own positioning function through automated actuators rather than requiring external manual intervention. The control system enables the side rails to service themselves by automatically moving between positions based on control inputs, reducing the physical burden on caregivers while maintaining functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces the physical burden on caregivers by automating the movement of side rails, providing more flexible positioning options to enhance patient access and egress, improving caregiver efficiency and patient care.

Implementation Method 1

A patient support system with actuated side rails powered by electric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric motor actuation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS20240277542A1Powered Side Rail For A Patient Support Apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support surface supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises side rails that move between raised and lowered positions.One or more actuators are coupled to each of the side rails. A controller communicates with the actuators to raise and lower the side rails, either without any manual assistance from the user, or with manual assistance from the user.