Overhead Bed Interface Arm for Ergonomic PDA Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support apparatuses do not adequately address patients' desire for easy access and ergonomic use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as smartphones while confined to a hospital bed, limiting interaction and enhancing care experiences.
Innovation Solution
A user interface for patient support apparatuses featuring a frame with a support structure that holds PDAs, including a movable clamp with a locking mechanism and dedicated charging port, and an overhead arm assembly with pivotable arms for user inputs and a patient interface unit, providing ergonomic access and control over bed functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient support apparatus provides basic bed functions, then medical care functionality is ensured, but patient accessibility to personal digital assistants and ergonomic control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PDA support structure with the overhead arm assembly into a single integrated unit. The clamp mechanism on the arm holds the PDA while the same arm provides bed control functions, merging personal device support with medical control functionality to improve ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead arm assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the PDA device, provides control inputs for bed functions, and offers structural support for the interface unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to address multiple patient needs through a single integrated structure
2Reliability
If a movable clamp with locking mechanism is added to hold PDAs, then PDA security and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable structure with locking capability. The clamp can be moved to different positions along the arm and locked at desired locations, providing adaptability while maintaining stability when locked, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a bias member (spring) that automatically engages the locked position when the actuator is released, requiring minimal user intervention. The system self-locks without needing continuous user input, reducing operational complexity while maintaining secure holding
3Ease of operation
If an overhead arm assembly with pivotable arms is implemented, then ergonomic access and control are improved, but device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly incorporates pivotable joints that allow dynamic positioning of the interface unit and PDA support at multiple angles and locations. This dynamic capability enables ergonomic adjustment to accommodate different patient positions and preferences, improving ease of operation despite increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly is divided into multiple segmented portions that can pivot independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for specific functions while providing overall flexibility, managing complexity through modular design
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
Enhances patient experience by allowing easy access and ergonomic use of PDAs, improving interaction capabilities and enhancing care through integrated control features and safety measures.
Implementation Method 1
a first bias member that biases the locking mechanism to a locked position
Implementation Method 2
second bias member that biases the locking mechanism to a released position
Implementation Method 3
The torsional spring is coupled to an actuator that is movable into and out of engagement with the arms
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead arm assembly for a patient support apparatus includes a user interface device. The user interface device has a support structure for supporting a personal digital assistant and a charging port for personal digital assistant.