Clearance Indication System for Patient Support Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Caregivers in healthcare settings face challenges in determining clearance space beneath patient support apparatuses, leading to potential damage from collisions between objects and the apparatus during operations like lifting or lowering patient support surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A patient support apparatus equipped with a clearance indication system, featuring a plurality of clearance sensors and a display that generates visual clearance indications, allowing caregivers to assess the presence and position of objects without physically bending down, using sensors that emit signals or cameras to detect clearance and transmit data for visual representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the caregiver operates powered devices to lift or lower the patient support surface, then the patient support function is improved, but the risk of collision with objects beneath the base increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient support functionVSAvoidcollision damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors clearance space beneath the patient support apparatus and provides real-time feedback to the caregiver through visual indicators. When an object is detected in the clearance zone, the system alerts the caregiver before the powered device operates, allowing preventive action to avoid collision damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The clearance sensors and visual indication system act as intermediaries between the caregiver and the clearance space. Instead of requiring the caregiver to directly visualize the space beneath the base, the sensor system detects objects and translates this information into visual signals, mediating the interaction and eliminating the need for direct visual inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the caregiver bends down to visualize clearance beneath the base, then the clearance assessment is improved, but the ergonomic strain and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclearance visualizationVSAvoidtime to assess clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical action of bending down with an automated sensor-based detection system. Clearance sensors electronically monitor the space beneath the base and transmit data to visual indicators, eliminating the need for the caregiver to physically position themselves to assess clearance while maintaining accurate detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy or representation of the clearance space status through indicator lights or displays. Instead of requiring direct visual inspection of the physical clearance zone, the system generates a simplified visual signal that copies the essential information about object presence, making the information accessible from a convenient viewing position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If the caregiver changes positioning to view clearance space, then the visualization capability is improved, but the operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclearance information accessVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions the clearance information from a spatial dimension (requiring physical movement to different positions) to an information display dimension. The visual indicators present clearance status in a separate, accessible dimension, allowing the caregiver to obtain clearance information without changing their position or compromising operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables caregivers to safely position objects and operate lift mechanisms without risking damage by providing real-time visual feedback on clearance, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A clearance sensor may be coupled to a controller. The clearance sensor may include an emitter and a detector. The emitter may be configured to generate an electromagnetic signal. The detector may be configured to receive the electromagnetic signal and generate a clearance signal based on reception of the electromagnetic signal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11213443B2Indication system to identify open space beneath patient support apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a base and further includes an indication system having one or more clearance sensors configured to detect clearance within a clearance zone between the patient support surface and a floor surface and are also configured to generate one or more clearance signals corresponding to the detected clearance. The indication system also includes a controller coupled to the clearance sensors that is configured to receive the one or more clearance signals and generate an output based upon the received clearance signals. A display coupled to the controller is configured to receive the generated output and generate a visual clearance indication corresponding to the detected clearance within the clearance zone, or in specific predefined portions of the clearance zone, that is viewable in a viewing area of the display.