Bed Load Monitoring for Automated Fluid Balance Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing fluid balance information in medical facilities are limited in their ability to accurately and automatically track fluid intake and excretion, especially when patients are not in bed, leading to manual and incomplete record-keeping.

Innovation Solution

A fluid balance management system that includes a detection device to monitor load variations on a bed, a prediction device to analyze load variation data and predict events causing fluid balance variations, and an output device to provide prediction information, enabling automated management of fluid balance both in and out of bed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual record-keeping is used for fluid balance during bed absence, then user burden increases and record completeness decreases, but system complexity remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser burdenVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting patient movements and fluid balance events without requiring manual input. The load sensor detects when the patient leaves or returns to bed, and the system automatically records these events, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping and reducing user burden while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical record-keeping with an automated electronic detection system. The load sensor and control unit substitute for manual writing or data entry, using electronic detection to automatically track fluid balance events, thereby reducing user burden without significantly increasing perceived system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated detection system is implemented, then fluid balance management accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid balance management accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load sensor serves multiple functions: it detects patient presence, monitors weight changes for fluid balance assessment, and triggers alerts for abnormal events. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision for fluid balance management while avoiding the need for separate dedicated sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes raw load sensor data and translates it into meaningful fluid balance information. It compares detected load variations against predefined thresholds and generates appropriate outputs, improving accuracy without requiring complex direct measurement systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If load variation monitoring is used to predict fluid balance events, then prediction accuracy improves, but information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidinformation processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors load variations continuously but only triggers predictions when specific threshold conditions are met. This partial action approach improves prediction accuracy by focusing on significant events while avoiding excessive processing of normal variations, thereby limiting information processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter being monitored from continuous detailed load data to discrete event-based predictions. By converting continuous load variations into discrete predicted events (such as fluid intake or excretion), the system improves prediction reliability while simplifying information processing through parameter transformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the manageability of fluid balance information by automating the tracking of fluid balance variations, reducing the burden on users, and improving the accuracy and completeness of fluid balance records, both during and outside of bed times.

Implementation Method 1

a detection device configured to output a detection signal corresponding to a load applied to a bed in which a subject is present

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentUS12332616B2Fluid balance management system, prediction device, learned model generation device, and learned model generation method

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 NIHON KOHDEN CORP

AI summary

A fluid balance management system includes: a detection device configured to output a detection signal corresponding to a load applied to a bed in which a subject is present; a prediction device configured to acquire load variation information indicating a variation over time of the load based on the detection signal, and predict an event that causes variation in fluid balance of the subject from the load variation information; and an output device configured to output prediction information corresponding to a prediction result of the event.