Bed Bridge Force Sensor for Position Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed monitoring systems are complex, costly, and difficult to maintain, and often fail to accurately assess the risk of pressure sores in individuals who cannot change positions independently, leading to potential decubitus ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A bed-mounted measuring device with a bridge construction that detects changes in the center of gravity in the pelvic area, using sensors and a controller to evaluate weight distribution and alert caregivers to necessary repositioning, designed to be portable, easy to install, and maintain, with minimal disruption to the bed's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of pressure sensors are arranged in a lattice structure to enable differentiated detection of pressure distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from a complex lattice of multiple pressure sensors and implements it through a single force sensor that measures the total force on the bridge construction. This single sensor captures the critical information needed (changes in center of gravity position) without requiring a dense array of sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for decubitus prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of measuring pressure distribution across the entire lying surface with numerous sensors, the patent applies partial action by focusing measurement only on the bridge construction in the pelvic area. This localized measurement approach captures the critical information for decubitus prevention (position changes in the pelvic region) without the complexity of full-surface monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If a mat with many sensors is used to monitor pressure distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cleaning and disinfection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mat structure with its numerous sensors and replaces it with a bridge construction supported by the bed frame. This extraction eliminates the need for a large, sensor-filled mat that requires frequent cleaning and disinfection, while still achieving the goal of monitoring pressure distribution through the single force sensor on the bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge construction with its single force sensor represents a simpler, more easily maintainable alternative to the complex sensor mat. The bridge can be more easily cleaned and disinfected, and the single sensor is less prone to failure and easier to replace if needed.
3Measurement precision
If many measuring lines are used to connect sensors to the A/D converter, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to disruption during operation and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a multi-sensor system requiring numerous connecting lines and reduces it to a single force sensor with a single measuring line. This dramatically simplifies the electrical connections, eliminating the disruption caused by multiple lines during cleaning and operation while maintaining sufficient measurement accuracy through the bridge construction's mechanical leverage.
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
Effectively monitors changes in position to prevent pressure sores by detecting shifts in weight distribution, reducing the risk of decubitus ulcers while minimizing maintenance and installation costs, and ensuring the system does not interfere with other bed functions.
Implementation Method 1
with a force sensor whose measured value changes depending on the distribution of the bearing force acting on the bridge construction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6d
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting positional changes of persons in a bed, comprising a bridge (10), which is arranged in a middle region of the reclining surface transversely to the bed and is supported there at at least two supporting regions spaced apart from each other. The bridge (10) supports a mattress lying on the reclining surface (1). The measuring device comprises a sensor (13, 13a) at at least one of the supporting regions. By means of the measured values of said sensors (13, 13a) a control means (21) detects the centre of gravity position of the weight distribution loading the bridge (10) and activates an alarm if the movement activity of a person lying on the bed is insufficient.