Adjustable Exit Detection Zones for Hospital Bed Occupant Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital beds and stretchers lack effective mechanisms to accurately detect and alert on the intention of an occupant to prevent an occupant from exiting the occupant from exiting the bed or from the bed or stretcher, with existing technologies failing to provide an effective alert when the occupant attempts to exit the bed or stretcher, or to provide an alert when the occupant is about to provide an alert when the occupant is about to exit.
Innovation Solution
A person support apparatus with an adjustable exit detection system that includes force sensors and a controller to adjust alert and arming zones based on conditions such as deck width, incline angle, and occupant movement, providing timely alerts and reducing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exit detection system uses fixed alert zones, then the system structure is simple, but the system generates false alarms when the support deck width is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the alert zone boundaries adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies the alert zone parameters (position, size, shape) in response to changes in support deck width, incline angle, and other conditions. This allows the detection system to adapt to varying operational states, eliminating false alarms caused by fixed zones while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the alert zone parameters (boundary positions, zone dimensions, sensitivity thresholds) based on detected conditions such as support deck width, incline angle, and occupant characteristics. The controller automatically adjusts these parameters to match the current operational state, ensuring accurate detection without false alarms while managing system complexity through programmed adjustment logic.
2Reliability
If the alert zone boundaries are fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the system fails to provide timely alerts when occupant intention changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring occupant position, movement patterns, and intentions through sensors, then using this information to adjust alert zone parameters in real-time. The system receives feedback from force sensors and other detection devices, processes this information to determine occupant intent, and dynamically modifies alert zone boundaries accordingly. This closed-loop approach enhances detection accuracy while managing complexity through automated feedback processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively adjusting alert zone parameters before actual exit events occur. The system monitors occupant behavior patterns and anticipates potential exit intentions, modifying detection parameters in advance to ensure timely alerts. This predictive approach allows the system to prepare detection parameters for upcoming conditions, improving response timing while maintaining reasonable complexity through anticipatory adjustment algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support deck width is adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the existing fixed alert zones cause false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the alert zone boundaries dynamic and automatically adjustable in response to support deck width changes. When the support deck width is modified, the system detects this change and相应地 adjusts the alert zone parameters to maintain proper detection coverage. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the alert system remains reliable regardless of the support deck configuration, allowing full utilization of the adjustable width feature without false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the alert zone system to function accurately across multiple support deck configurations. The adjustable alert zones are designed to adapt to various widths, incline angles, and operational conditions, making the detection system universally reliable regardless of the specific support deck state. This multi-functional capability allows the same detection system to serve multiple configurations without requiring separate fixed zones for each condition.
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
The system effectively reduces false alarms and improves alert accuracy by adjusting alert zones according to the occupant's intention and conditions of the support apparatus, ensuring timely notification of potential exits.
Implementation Method 1
The exit detection system comprises a plurality of force sensors adapted to output signals corresponding to downward forces exerted on the support deck
Data Source
AI summary
A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, for a supporting an occupant includes an exit detection system that has, in some embodiments, multiple user-selectable zones. An alert is triggered when the occupant crosses a boundary of the selected zone. A first zone has a boundary that is adjusted based on a condition of the person support apparatus, such as the width of the support deck or other characteristic. A second zone has a boundary that is not adjusted based on the condition of the person support apparatus, but which may have a boundary that is dependent on an initial location of the occupant when the exit detection system is armed. The initial location of the occupant may correspond to a center of gravity of the occupant.