Hospital Bed Height Control Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital beds that can be adjusted to an extra low height below 40 centimeters pose challenges for care procedures, as patient hoists and stretchers typically operate from this height, requiring staff to manually adjust the bed, which is inefficient and can interfere with medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling bed height using distinct control inputs, where a first input lowers the bed to a standard operating height of 38-45 centimeters and a secondary, complex input, such as a double button press, lowers it further to 30 centimeters, with reduced speed to prevent accidental lowering and protect underlying equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bed is lowered to an extra low height below 40 centimeters, then patient comfort for getting on and off the bed is improved, but interference with medical equipment such as patient hoists and stretchers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment is segmented into two distinct levels: a first height (38-45cm) for care procedures and a second extra low height (around 30cm) for patient transfer. This segmentation allows the bed to provide both low height for patient comfort and sufficient clearance for medical equipment by separating the functions into discrete height levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed height is made dynamically adjustable with distinct control inputs for different height levels. The system transitions from static height settings to dynamic multi-level adjustment, allowing the bed to adapt its height based on the specific operational need - either for patient transfer or for care procedures requiring equipment access.
2Ease of operation
If the bed is lowered to an extra low height, then patient comfort is improved, but manual control by staff becomes necessary which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bed system provides self-service height adjustment by automatically transitioning between predefined height levels based on simple control inputs. Instead of requiring manual measurement and continuous staff adjustment, the bed autonomously moves to the appropriate height (first or second level) when triggered, maintaining care procedure efficiency while achieving patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed height parameter is changed to include discrete predetermined values rather than continuous adjustment. By establishing specific height parameters (first height for care, second height for transfer), the system eliminates the need for manual measurement and visual estimation, allowing efficient automated control while providing optimal heights for different functions.
3Ease of operation
If a single control input is used for lowering the bed, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental lowering beyond safe height occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control input is segmented into two distinct types: a first control input for lowering to the first height and a second control input for lowering to the second extra low height. This segmentation prevents accidental over-lowering by requiring different control actions for different height levels, maintaining both simplicity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the bed height adjustment. By introducing distinct control inputs that mediate between the operator's intent and the actual height change, the system prevents direct uncontrolled lowering, ensuring that the bed only moves to predetermined safe heights based on specific control commands.
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A bed assembly (10) includes a wheeled base (12), a sub-frame (16) and mattress support frame (18). The sub-frame (16) supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed (10). The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame (18) is around 38 to 45 centimetres above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame (18) is around 30 centimetres above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.