Color-Coded Height Indicator for Hospital Bed Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing person-support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, lack an effective method to indicate the height of the upper frame with respect to the floor, which is crucial for safe ingress and egress, especially in low light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A height indicating system that includes a light source configured to emit light at different wavelengths based on the height of the upper frame, using a switch or distance sensor to determine when the frame is at a predetermined egress height, switching to green light when at the low position and amber light when above it, facilitating easy identification of the frame's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no height indication system is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and ease of operation during patient ingress/egress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing light indicators to communicate bed height status. A first color (e.g., green) indicates the bed is at a safe egress height, while a second color (e.g., red or yellow) indicates the bed is too high. This visual color-coding system provides intuitive safety information without requiring complex displays or interfaces, thus improving safety while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical height measurement systems with optical sensors and light-based indication. Instead of using mechanical gauges or complex electronic displays, the system uses non-contact optical sensing to detect bed frame position relative to the floor and translates this into simple visual light signals, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If ambient light is low, then energy consumption is reduced, but the visibility and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional activation of the light indication system. The lights are activated based on ambient light conditions (darker environments trigger the indicator) and/or bed height changes. This periodic operation rather than continuous illumination provides necessary visibility during critical moments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light source based on environmental conditions. The system monitors ambient light levels and adjusts whether the height indication light is active or inactive accordingly. In low-light conditions, the parameter changes from 'off' to 'on' to ensure visibility, while in well-lit conditions it remains off to conserve energy, optimizing both visibility and energy usage.
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 provides a clear and intuitive visual indication of the upper frame's height, enhancing safety during patient transfer by distinguishing between the egress height and heights above it, even in low ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to selectively emit light at one of a first wavelength and a second wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A person-support apparatus 10 comprises a lower frame, a support, an upper frame, and 11 right source. Ths support is coupled to the lower frame. The upper is movably supported above the lower frame by the support. The light source is configured to selectively emit light at one of a first wavelength and a second wavelength as a funtion of the height of the upper frame with respect to a reference point in order to indicate the height of the upper frame.