Adaptive Patient Support Deck User Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses have complex user interfaces that are costly to manufacture and do not provide improved usability and functionality in various operating conditions, making it difficult for caregivers and patients to efficiently operate and navigate the devices.
Innovation Solution
The patient support apparatus features a control system with a touchscreen user interface that adjusts visual content based on the position of the patient support deck relative to the base, using sensors to display different content layouts and button states, allowing caregivers to easily operate the device while minimizing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number and complexity of functions integrated into patient support apparatuses is increased, then functionality and versatility are improved, but user interface complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple independent control panels distributed at different locations on the patient support apparatus. Each control panel handles specific functions locally, allowing the system to provide comprehensive functionality without requiring a single complex centralized interface. This segmentation enables caregivers to access relevant controls at convenient locations while reducing the complexity burden on any single interface component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more functions and features are added to the patient support apparatus, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control panels are designed with universal functionality to perform the same core operations (power switching, mode selection, parameter adjustment) rather than having specialized dedicated controls for each function. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve versatility through distributed identical units rather than requiring a complex array of specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional user interfaces are used in patient support apparatuses, then manufacturing is straightforward, but usability and functionality in various operating conditions are not improved
Solution Approach 1:
Control panels are strategically positioned at different locations on the patient support apparatus based on where caregivers naturally interact with the device during specific operations. Each control panel is optimized for its local context, providing relevant controls at the point of use. This local quality approach improves usability by placing controls where they are most needed without requiring complex adaptive interface technology, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck operatively attached to a base with a deck section arranged for movement between first and second positions determined by a deck sensor. A first user interface comprises a screen configured to display visual content including a content portion having first and second content states. A second user interface comprises an access panel including a panel portion with a light module having first and second illumination states. A controller is configured to display the content portion in the first content state and to control the light module in the first illumination state when the deck sensor determines the deck section is in the first section position, and to display the content portion on the screen in the second content state and to control the light module in the second illumination state when the deck section is in the second position.