Patient Bed Alarm Indication and Fowler Angle Lock Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern patient handling devices are complex, making it difficult to set and maintain desired states, notice alarms, and prevent the patient handling device's upper portion from being lowered past a certain angular position while allowing adjustment between multiple positions.
Innovation Solution
A patient handling device equipped with sensors and a controller that monitors and compares initial and current states, generates alarms for deviations, and includes a position lock control to prevent the upper portion from being adjusted below a certain angle, using a user-selectable control and alert lamps for notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced electronic devices and sensors are integrated into the patient handling device, then the device's functionality and patient care capability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically monitors sensor signals and compares current state to initial desired state without requiring user intervention. The system self-configures by recording the initial state when power is applied and autonomously detects deviations, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously acquires sensor signals and compares current sensor data against initial sensor data to detect state changes. This feedback mechanism automatically alerts users to deviations from the desired state through visual indicators, replacing complex control procedures with automatic monitoring and notification.
2Reliability
If the device provides comprehensive monitoring and alarm capabilities, then patient safety is improved, but it becomes difficult to notice when the device is alarming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual alert indicators that change state (illuminate or flash) to communicate alarm conditions to users. This provides clear, noticeable feedback about device status and alarm conditions without requiring users to search through complex displays or interpret subtle signals.
3Reliability
If the device prevents the upper portion from being lowered past a prescribed angular position, then patient safety is improved, but the patient's ability to adjust the fowler is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of restriction based on the situation. The position lock control allows movement within safe ranges while preventing movement into dangerous positions. The actuator responds to control signals by adjusting the upper portion to predetermined angular positions, providing both protection and flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If the device requires configuration of desired states for alarm monitoring, then alarm accuracy is improved, but the ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the configuration action automatically when power is applied. The controller records the initial state of sensors at power-on as the desired state, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This preliminary action establishes accurate monitoring parameters without requiring user involvement in complex setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient handling device includes a controller, with a plurality of sensors, control panels, and lamps electrically connected to the controller. The patient handling device records the normal/desired state of the various components when power is applied. When one of the components goes outside the normal/desired state, the controller issues an alarm. This alarm includes illuminating a plurality of amber alert lamps which can normally be viewed by a user at any position around the outside of the patient handling device. The patient handling device also includes a position control. This control restricts movement of an upper (fowler) portion of the patient handling device in a certain range of angular positions, while permitting movement of the upper portion outside the certain range.