Actuator RFID Gateway for Secure Bed Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric actuator systems for hospital and care beds lack a secure and simple method for transferring network identification information, leading to potential accidental connections and safety risks when connecting the actuator systems to bed manufacturer's equipment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an RFID circuit within the actuator system to communicate network identification information, ensuring secure and proximity-based connections by using a unique code that can be read by bed manufacturer's equipment, with options for programming and placement on the operating device or a credit card-like format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the MAC address is displayed on a label attached to the actuator system, then the network identification information is available for connection, but the connection process becomes complex and error-prone due to the long code and manual entry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading and entering the MAC address with an automated wireless communication system. The RFID reader automatically detects and retrieves the MAC address from the RFID tag, eliminating the need for manual transcription and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the information transfer automatically without requiring user intervention. The RFID reader autonomously scans for the actuator system, retrieves the MAC address, and completes the connection process, making the system self-servicing for the connection task.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator system allows broadcasting of MAC addresses for selection, then the connection process becomes simpler, but the risk of accidental connections to wrong actuator systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism through the RFID system. Instead of direct connection based on broadcast addresses, the RFID reader acts as an intermediary that verifies the proximity and identity of the actuator system before allowing connection, preventing accidental connections to wrong systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary verification through RFID authentication before allowing connection. This preliminary check prevents harmful accidental connections by ensuring that only the intended actuator system can be connected to the terminal.
3Ease of operation
If the RFID circuit read range is extended to over twenty centimeters, then the connection becomes more convenient, but the risk of accidental connections to other actuator systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the RFID read range parameter to a specific distance that balances convenience and safety. By carefully selecting the read range parameter, the system achieves sufficient connection convenience while maintaining safety margins to prevent accidental connections to other actuator systems.
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
This solution enhances the security and simplicity of connecting the actuator system to bed manufacturer's equipment, preventing accidental connections and ensuring patient safety by maintaining the RFID circuit's proximity to the actuator system, thus avoiding unintended adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator system is provided with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) circuit which is equipped to communicate information of the network identification of the wireless interface
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for exchanging data between an actuator system and an external device, e.g. an operation where the communication system in the form of a gateway and a codex interprets the information in the bidirectional data stream and communicates the information on both sides. The communication system is furthermore provided with an RFID circuit integrated in a handset. The RFIC circuit can communicate information about the gateway's unique identification, also known as an MAC-address. This achieves easy connection of an external device to the actuator system without having to enter data manually.